Oceans Africa - A -Z SOUTH AFRICA - Useful and not so useful information

ACCOMODATION - From backpacker dormitories at R60 to the very luxurious at over R2000 per night - you'll find South Africa has an excellent tourism infrastructure. The fixed tours offered by Oceans Africa utilise mid range bed and breakfast accommodation based on two people sharing - a supplementary payment will be required to book single rooms. Obviously custom tours are according to your specifications.
AIRLINES - See getting here
AIRPORT TAXES - There are no extra charges as taxes are included in the airfare.
ATMs - All major banks operate ATM machines which accept visa mastercard American Express etc.
ATMs can be found in most towns, airports and larger petrol stations. You are advised to check your daily withdrawal limit before departure.

BANKING - Most banks provide the full range of services including foreign exchange.
BANKING HOURS - Weekdays 09h00 to 15h30 Saturdays 09h-11h00
BOTTLE STORES - If you're partial to a tipple you'll find most supermarkets will sell fine wines (at reasonable prices) except on Sundays. For beer and Spirits you'll have to go to the bottle store - open till 17h30 Weekdays and 14h00 on Saturdays.
BRAAI - A means of cooking vast quantities of meat without spoiling too many dishes.

COACH SERVICES - see getting here
CLIMATE - see weather
CRIME - South Africa does not have a good reputation for crime and it would be unwise not to address the issue. We like to believe that for every hand that may be raised against you in South Africa a thousand will reach out to welcome you. However as with any country, there are areas regarded as unsafe, especially in and around the larger cities. These areas can be easily avoided so seek guidance. - see safety and security
CURRENCY - The unit of currency in SA is the wildly fluctuating Rand. This can make changing money as exciting as betting on the horses. R1 = 100 cents. - see currency converter.
CASH - Notes are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Coins smaller than your big toe-nail are not of much concern. As always when traveling, carry as little cash as possible and keep it in separate pockets/moneybelts etc.

DIALLING CODES - The international code for SA is +27. Drop the leading zero from the area code to make a telephone call from outside SA.
DRINKING WATER - All piped water in SA is purified and perfectly safe to drink directly from the tap. In remote areas it may be a good idea to find out what the pipe is connected to.

ELECTRICITY - 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second is standard. Power points take 15amp and round-pin plugs.

FOREGN EXCHANGE - You can exchange cash and travelers cheques at exchange bureaus, most banks and in major hotels. The banks tend to offer the best rates.

IMMUNISATION - There are no required immunisations for entry into South Africa. However if you are entering from a country where yellow fever is endemic you'll require a valid vaccination certificate. Consult your physician.

LANGUAGE - South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele , Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Twana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. So if you speak any of these you're laughing.

MALARIA - St. Lucia, Sodwana Bay, Northern Kwazulu Natal, Swaziland, the Kruger Park and the Northern Province are all areas of risk, especially during the summer months. If you intend to scuba dive any prophylactics taken should be compatible with diving - check with your physician for side effects. If you are pregnant it is safest to avoid these areas altogether - for more information click here malaria.
MEDICAL CARE - As well as the state healthcare system, South Africa also has a comprehensive private healthcare system, both adhere to the highest of standards. - Adequate medical insurance is advisable.

SAFETY AND SECURITY TIPS
Only utilise licensed transfer services between airports, hotels, bus and train stations.
Seek guidance in unfamiliar areas
Keep doors locked and windows up when driving through built-up urban areas.
Keep valuables in your hotel safe whenever practical.
When traveling, carry as little cash as possible and keep it in separate pockets/moneybelts etc.
Apply common sense when using ATMs - Most have a security guard.
Don't leave luggage unattended anywhere.
Don't walk or hike alone in isolated or unfamiliar areas - rural or urban.
Seek local advice regarding currents and undertows on the best places to swim.
Use sunblock and drink plenty of water.
Never look directly into the sun with binoculars.
Always wear clean underwear.

SUNSHINE - We're proud to have lots of it and you can quickly have too much. UV levels are higher than average in South Africa so be sensible. Water resistant sunblock (applied regularly) and wide brimmed hats are highly recommended. Tan for short periods initially.

TIME ZONES - South Africa is two hours ahead of GMT and one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time but we don't have daylight saving so sometimes we're not.
TIPS - It is customary to tip 10-15% in bars and restaurants. Porters and parking attendants (make sure they're official) will also expect a contribution and if you are scuba diving don't forget the DM and staff. Obviously if the service is lacking offer some other tips.
TRAINS - see getting here.

VACCINES - see immunisation.

V.A.T. - VAT on most goods and services is 14%. Retailers and service providers are required by law to state it's inclusion or exclusion from quoted or displayed prices.
V.A.T. REFUNDS - Provided you're a visitor to SA and you can provide proof of purchase and VAT paid on goods, you are entitled to reclaim the VAT on those goods should you wish to take them out of the country.
V.A.T. REFUND PROCEDURE - Here's the snag. Show your goods, complete the relevant forms and submit them with official stamps and proof of purchase to a customs officer at any major international departure point. (JHB or CT). Forms are available on all Oceans Africa tours - now see DIVE SHOP.
VISAS - Consult your travel agent about visa requirements. Many nationalities do not require a visa for South Africa. They include: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, EC countries, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland and the USA. - these are subject to change so please check with your travel agent before departure.
A three month Temporary Residence Permit may also be obtained at your point of entry.

WINE - South Africa produces many excellent wines, both for the domestic market and for export. For anyone visiting the Cape Town a quick trip to the centres of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschoek is an absolute must. Prices are so good you may well find it worthwhile to ship a few cases home.