South Africa

South Africa


Regions



Travel Information


Electricity

Plug Type: M, N Voltage (V): 230 V Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz *A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency Local currency: South African Rand Symbol: R ISO code: ZAR Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand) Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200 Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5 Banking Card Transactions: Widely accepted ATMs: Yes Mastercard: Yes Visa: Yes American Express: Yes Diner’s club: Yes  Banking Hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30 Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00 Public Holidays: Closed Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas Fresh fruit and veg: Yes Ice: Yes Meat: Yes Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe Local cuisine: South African cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers’ sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as “braai.” Drinks: Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines. Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services. 

Climate

Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm) Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C Summer: Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg) Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg) Winter: Average highs: 18°C (Cape Town), 17°C (Johannesburg) Average lows: 8°C (Cape Town), 4°C (Johannesburg) Best time to visit: The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources. For beach holidays, mid-December to March is ideal, especially in Cape Town. 

Transport

Air: Main airlines: South African Airways International Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, King Shaka (Durban) Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country Road: Driving on the: Left Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas Valid International Driver’s License needed: Yes Car hire available: Yes Taxis: Yes E-hailing services: Yes, including Uber and Bolt Bus: Inter-city bus services: Yes Local city bus networks: Yes Rail: Railway system: Yes, including luxury options like the Blue Train Subway System: Gautrain in Gauteng Water: Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities Water taxis: No Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban 

Dress

Spring and Summer Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes Lightweight warm clothes: No Winter and Autumn Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended Heavyweight clothing and boots:  Yes  General Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential Walking shoes: Yes Casual: Yes Smart-casual attire: Yes