Time:
South Africa is two hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of central European Winter Time and seven hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Winter Time throughout the year.

Currency:
Rand (R) = 100 cents. Denominations: coins - 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5; notes - R10, R20, R50, R100, R200.

Traveler’s Cheques and Credit Cards:
Traveler’s cheques can be changed at all major banks, hotels and available foreign exchange offices in major shopping centres. International credit cards are accepted.

Banks:
Most banks are open from 09h00-15h30 Monday to Friday and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Banks at all international airports are open two hours either side of international arrival and departures. ATM’s are numerous and available all over the country.

Drinking water:
Tap water is 100% purified and safe to drink in major cities, towns and game reserves.

Electricity:
220/230 volts AC and the plugs are three-point, large round pin plugs.

Language:
South Africa has eleven different official languages but English is widely spoken and the generally accepted means of communication.

Immunisation:
When visiting malaria areas (Mpumalanga and Kwazulu Natal), be sure to obtain the prophylactic medicine from your doctor or pharmacist and take it before, during and after the trip.

Medical Services:
South Africa has excellent medical facilities, with doctors in all towns and cities. Insurance covering travel, accidents, illness and hospitalisation is advised for the duration of your stay. Travel insurance is included in your package at no extra charge.

Transport:
International and domestic airlines operate between the main cities, with charter services available. Coach tours operate daily nationwide. Intercity train services are good with regular bus services available. Local taxis don't cruise the streets, so to hire one, you will need to call a taxi company or find one at a centrally located taxi rank (usually at city centres and major airports). Make sure the meter starts at zero.

Car Hire:
When hiring a car in South Africa you will need a valid international driver’s license. The roads are well sign posted and road conditions in and around the cities are good. When filling up at a gas station you cannot pay by credit card and you remain in the car while an attendant pumps the petrol.

Tipping:
Tips are expected, but are not compulsory, in most service industries and a tip is only given according to the service levels received. A 10% tip is standard for good service. For groups of 8 or more restaurants will add gratuity to your bill.

Climate:
Seasons are opposite to those of the Northern hemisphere. The average temperatures in degrees Celsius are: