Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely spoken.
Currency: South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available (there is a daily limit for cash withdrawals) and major international credit cards are widely accepted, except in petrol stations where cash is required. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs, as con artists are known to operate there. Travelers
cheques and some foreign currencies are accepted at larger hotels and shops, but commission is charged, otherwise all commercial banks will exchange them.
Time: Local time is GMT +2.
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are standard.
Communications: The international access code for South Africa is +27. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). As of 8 January 2007, South Africa has changed to 10-digit dialing (so city codes must be included, e.g. 021 for
Cape Town) and international dialing has changed from 09 to 00. GSM mobile phone networks providing 900 and 1800 frequencies serve the country. Mobile service providers offer very cheap 'pay-as-you-go' Sim cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some time. Internet cafes are widespread. Card and coin operated pay phones are also widespread.
Duty Free: Travelers to South Africa do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 liters wine and 1 liter spirits; perfume up to 50ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods to the value of R3,000. All other goods brought in from abroad by South African residents must be declared on arrival. These will be subject to import duties. For goods to be re-imported, travelers must complete a DA65 or NEP-form that is issued on departure. Prohibited items include meat and dairy products, all medication except for personal consumption, flick knives, ammunition, explosives and pornography containing minors and bestiality.
Tourist OfficeSouth African Tourism,
Johannesburg: +27 (0)11 895 3000 or www.southafrica.net
EmergencyEmergencies: 10111 (Police); 10177 (Ambulance)
Embassies
South African Embassy,
Washington,
United States: +1 202 232 4400.
South
African Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7451 7299.
South
African High Commission,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 744 0330.
South African High Commission,
Canberra,
Australia (also responsible for
New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6272 7300.
South African Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 661 5553.
United States Embassy,
Pretoria: +27 (0)12 431 4000.
British
High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 421 7733.
Canadian High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 422 3000.
Australian High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 423 6000.
Irish Embassy, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 342 5062.
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 342 8656/7/8/9.
