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South Africa Traveler Advice
| Accommodation (6) | Activities (1) | Food (1) |
| Itineraries (4) | Shopping (2) | Warnings (24) |
Safety in South Africa (Warnings)
South Africa has some of the world's highest violent crime rates. Crime is a problem everywhere in this country but any vigilant traveler can be safe by following the basic precautions such as not walking...Read full tip...
Spelling rules (Warnings)
Remember that streets, cities, maps, etc. in South Africa follow British English and not American English. For example, a taxi there is called a cab, while meter is spelled as metre...Read full tip...
What to know about South African money (Warnings)
South Africa’s currency is called a Rand or ZAR. To tell the authentic bills and coins from the fake ones, remember that the bigger the value, the bigger the money is in terms of size. Always check...Read full tip...
Where to change money (Warnings)
You can change your Euro or US Dollar at any bank in South Africa without hassle. The rates are roughly converted to 13:1 for Euro and 10:1 for US Dollar. ...Read full tip...
Countries where Rand is accepted (Warnings)
You don’t have to change your South African Rand in Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland as the currency is widely accepted in these countries either as an official currency or as a second currency...Read full tip...
Carrying traveler's checks (Warnings)
It’s safe to carry traveler’s checks as these can be exchanged at any bank, even in the remote places. You can even get a refund if your traveler’s checks are stolen. Nonetheless, you...Read full tip...
ATMs (Warnings)
Internationally-linked ATMs or automated teller machines are available throughout South Africa. You may use Maestro or Cirrus cards along with other major debit and credit cards. The ATMs usually dispense...Read full tip...
Avoid ATM scams (Warnings)
Be vigilant when withdrawing money from an ATM. Always cover your hand as you enter your PIN and make sure that no one is watching. It is better to use ATMs inside buildings like malls to avoid scams...Read full tip...
What credit and debit cards are accepted (Warnings)
Mastercards and Visa cards are widely accepted throughout South Africa. Pin-based debit cards and credit cards are also accepted in major retail shops. Diners Club and American Express are usually accepted...Read full tip...
Take note of 14% VAT (Warnings)
Take note that you will be charged 14% Value Added Tax or VAT in almost all your purchases in South Africa. If your acquisitions exceed R250 and you hold a foreign passport, you are entitled for a VAT...Read full tip...
Where to get information for VAT refund (Shopping)
If you are interested to know how you can refund the VAT you paid or will be paying for your purchases in South Africa, visit the following links: http://www.dfa.gov.za/consular/vat.htm http://www.taxrefunds.co.za/...Read full tip...
Food costs (Food)
A regular meal (e.g. burger) from a food chain in South Africa costs around R18. A pizza for two to three persons cost around R35 to R55. Lunch or dinner in an average or mid-range restaurant (serving...Read full tip...
Where to haggle (Shopping)
Remember that the prices of souvenir items and goods in boutiques, shopping malls and private shops are fixed. If you want to haggle, go to a flea market, an open-air market, a bazaar or a street vendor...Read full tip...
Tipping norms (Accommodation)
Take note that in resorts, restaurants, spas, gas stations, and other service-oriented establishments, South Africans expect you to give them tips that are equivalent to 10% of your bill. Your tip may...Read full tip...