Practical Facts About South Africa To Ensure Your Vacation Hits The High Notes Before You Leave

South Africa has recently gained a huge international status as the host for the next soccer World Cup in 2010. Many people from around the globe will be descending upon this beautiful part of the world who have never considered visiting before and who may be nervous of what might be in store for them.

As usual the news headlines only report the bad news - isn't this true of all destinations, even in countries that we tend to collectively think of as "safe"?

But South Africa continues to remain an enigma. On the one hand the crime rate in Downtown Johannesburg is reported as one of the worst in the world and on the other hand the country is described as a "world within one country" due to the richness and overabundance of things to see and do.

Here are some of the practical facts about South Africa that will help ensure your vacation, both before you leave home and whilst you are there, hits the high notes and leaves you ONLY with treasured memories of a spectacular holiday.

South Africa lies at the southern most tip of Africa and is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, which makes it one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

Getting there couldn't be easier these days! Johannesburg International Airport or Oliver Tambo Airport as it is called today is the hub for more than 50 airlines from all five continents. Cape Town is also an international airport with direct flights between many European countries and the USA. Direct flights from the USA are about 15 hours and flights between London and Johannesburg take about 12 hours.

Once having arrived, for the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country and in some cases a visa.

Make sure you have at least one unused page in your passport when entering South Africa, as Immigration need the space to stamp your entry permit. They are able to refuse entry if they are unable to do so. Also your passport must be valid for six months prior to arrival.

Travellers from certain regions of the world such as Japan, USA, Scandinavia, most Western European and Commonwealth countries, do not need to formally apply for a visa. These countries are automatically given a free entry permit sticker on arrival into South Africa. This automatic entry permit is usually for a maximum of 90 days, although the immigration officer usually tailors the time period according to the airline tickets held.

To find out whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the South African Home Affairs Department website at http://home-affairs.pwv.gove.za

The currency is the Rand and you will find it displayed with the symbol R. 100 cents makes up R1 (one rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and Bureaux de Changes.

Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

One note of caution here is that many of the petrol stations do not accept credit cards, only cash, so aim to pay in cash and you won't get caught out!

Tipping

As most restaurants don't add a service charge to bills, most people leave a tip of 10 - 15%. It is also good to tip parking lot and petrol station attendants - the small change you have in your pocket is very much appreciated even if it is only a few coins.

Tax

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure, provided receipts are produced.

Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world.

Hospitals and Medical Care

In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available.

There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

Many people travel to South Africa, combine a holiday with medical work such as dentistry, plastic surgery and other medical disciplines to take advantage of the excellent skills and costs that are available.

All visitors intending to drive are required to obtain an international driver's permit. Visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. Visitors will also not be able to rent a car without a valid driver's permit. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law.

Malaria

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.

The government has embarked on an extensive anti-malaria programme (in co-operation with Swaziland and Mozambique) and the incidence of malaria is decreasing. One reassuring thing about malaria is that there is absolutely no way at all that you can contract it unless you are bitten by an infected mosquito. And with modern insect repellents and some common sense one can reduce the chances of being bitten to close to zero.

The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that you take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert. You will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.

Vaccinations

Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox is not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

For tourists, South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carry). Most of the crime that takes place in South Africa is between people who know each other and random acts of violence are the minority of cases.

Transport infrastructure is excellent and roads are in good condition. However, the distances between towns are significant, so if you're planning to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary to ensure you don't drive long distances as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as it always carries more risk. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas, the roads are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road - which could be very dangerous at night. NB. Cows don't have headlights!

Generally speaking, facilities for disabled visitors can be improved, and this is an area the government is working on. An increasing number of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled.

Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. Most public buildings also cater for wheelchair access.

South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months, lightweight (cottons and linens, short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summers and the Western Cape winters. Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months.

Food and Water

As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and free of harmful micro-organisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparations are top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush.

Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7 days a week, but you will find that in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on a Sunday.

The picture on the right shows you how they do business far out in the country, but I can assure you that the quality is still great! Monday - Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00 Sunday: 09:00 - 14:00 These times are a general guideline.

I invite you to use these ideas to make the most of your vacation in South Africa.

And with your permission, I'd like to offer you free access to my short report, "9 Surefire ways to have the Safari in South Africa you always wanted" as a gift. Click on the link above to get your very own copy now.