- History
- Weather
- When to go
- Good to know
- Culture
- Costs
- Visa and Passport
- Food
- Nightlife
- Glossary
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
South Africa Traveler Advice
| Accommodation (6) | Activities (1) | Food (1) |
| Itineraries (4) | Shopping (2) | Warnings (24) |
Safety in South Africa
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Safari rules
If you are on a safari, always follow the rules on speed limits and stay in your four-wheel-drive or car at all times. If you are on a walking safari, make sure to have a guide, unless the park guarantees...Read full tip...
What to wear on a safari
It’s not advisable to wear open sandals on a safari since there are many bushes, and sometimes even tall grasses, around. Instead, wear mid-calf or below-the-knee socks and lightweight but thick...Read full tip...
Beware of roaming wild animals
If you are driving or riding a taxi or a hired car on a public road, you may encounter wildlife like the very common monkeys and baboons. Remember that these animals are wild, so it’s not advisable...Read full tip...
Protect yourself against sunburn
Since many activities in South Africa are done in the outdoors, you should protect yourself from sunburn by wearing sunglasses with UV protection, a big hat or headscarf, a comfortable cotton long sleeved...Read full tip...