Traveling in South Africa

There is no doubt that traveling in Southern Africa offers International visitors not only the finest array of activities and landscapes, but also the most exciting adventure they can ever wish to experience.

South Africa is globally quite unique in our combination of leading edge technologies, cosmopolitan cities, our range of unspoilt natural beauty, incredible coastlines, abundant wildlife and diversity of cultures and people. Because of the vast areas of the region, there are a lot of under developed rural areas which do not have the facilities that a traveler may be used to in other global destinations.

With this mix comes a sense of responsibility as we in South Africa are very aware of the contrasts in our region. It is for this reason that every visitor to our region should ensure that they have the type of travel medical insurance that has been specifically designed for our unique and often different environment.

SA TOURMED who have for many years specialised in the development and delivery of state of the art healthcare programs and systems in South Africa, best understand this market and have accordingly specifically designed the SA TOURMED Policy in conjunction with the requirements of the leading healthcare service providers in South Africa. It ensures that any visitor is guaranteed acceptance to the finest medical and dental facilities (including evacuation) 24 hours a day WITHOUT UPFRONT CASH PAYMENTS BEING REQUIRED.

FAQ’s & Information

Q: What to do in an emergency?

Most of them are open 24 hours a day, although some keep shorter hours. However, you can call the following emergency numbers:
 

Police: 1011	SA TOURMED 24 Hour Emergency Service: 0044 1273 9274
Ambulance: 10222	Tourism Info & Safety Call Line: 083 123 2345
Fire: 1022	For a list with details of all foreign embassies in SA click here.

Q: Why is it necessary to take a travel medical insurance specific to South Africa?

Before going abroad, travelers should be advised to learn what medical services their health insurance will cover overseas. If the health insurance policy provides coverage outside your country of origin, travelers should be advised to carry both the insurance policy identity card (as proof of insurance) and a claim form. Although some health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for medical evacuation back to the country of origin. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000-00 or more, depending on the location and medical condition.

Q: What about the electricity?

Electricity runs on 220 / 230 V, 50Hz AC. Sockets take unique round pin plugs.

Q: Are there different time zones in South Africa?

No. There is only 1 time zone in South Africa, GMT +2.

Q: When is the best time to travel to South Africa?

Southern Africa is a great place to visit all year round.

Q: Which languages are spoken in South Africa?

South Africans are referred to as the rainbow nation due to the country’s cultural diversity. The population of South Africa is one of the most diverse in the world which is reflected the variety of languages spoken. There are as many as eleven official languages in South Africa which include English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Swazi and Venda. English is spoken in most of the major tourist attractions, all the main cities and towns.

Q: What is the currency in South Africa?

The currency is Rands and cents. R1 = 100 South African cents. The denominations are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes and R5, R2, R1 coins and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent coins.

Q: What about Banking, Bureau de Change and Credit Card facilities?

Banking hours are from 08h30 to 15h30 Monday to Friday.
Bureau de change’s are open until 17h00. It is not recommended that you change currency at the airport or at hotels due to the high rate of interest.
Travelers Cheques can be changed in any of the major cities but not in remote areas.
Credit cards are widely accepted.

Q: What about public transport?

South Africa has an extensive rail network connecting most major towns. There are a number of long distance coach services connecting most of the country. When going by train make sure that you travel 1st class and avoid traveling at off-peak times. Taxis do not generally cruise as in other countries. Check with your hotel or if hailing a taxi yourself, make sure that the taxi is accredited and uses a meter system or has its tariffs displayed. Taxis are generally not cheap. Minibus taxis are the preferred transport options of many locals. They can be hailed down anywhere on the streets and are probably the cheapest way of getting around. However, if you choose to use this service you should exercise caution and employ common sense at all times.

Q: What about driving in South Africa?

In South Africa, one drives on the left hand side of the road. The roads throughout South Africa are generally of a very good standard, especially in between the major cities. Please take note of your route if you are visiting on a self-drive option, as some of the major roads are toll roads. You will need to have plenty of change for these tolls. Please check your route and be aware that the condition of the some of the roads in between Lesotho, Swaziland, Port Elizabeth and Margate are not of a very good standard. It is not recommended that one travels alone or at night at all in these areas. Because motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers, walk and drive defensively. Avoid night time travel if possible and always use seat belts.

Q: Where do I find petrol stations?

A variety of petrol stations are situated on both main and country roads. Most of them are open 24 hours a day, although some of them keep shorter hours. South African petrol stations are not self-help: You simply hand the key to an attendant who will then fill the car, check oil and water and clean the wind screen for which he should receive a 2-3 Rand Tip. Please note that you are required to pay cash as petrol stations do not accept credit cards.

Q: Where can I go shopping?

In cities like Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria you will find numerous shopping malls with hundreds of shops under one roof, where you will find everything you can imagine. Shopping in South Africa is an exciting and enjoyable experience particularly with regard to the excellent exchange rate. There are many smaller shops as well and arts and crafts markets where you can get everything from African art and local jewellery to handmade clothing, books and antiques. Shopping malls are generally open from 09h00 to 17h00 from Monday to Saturday and 10h00-12h00 on Sundays. Central city hours are 08h30 to 17h00 Monday to Friday and 08h30 to 13h00 on Sunday.

Q: Where can I make phone calls and post letters?

You can make phone calls at your hotel, but it is less expensive to call from a phone box. Public telephones, which accept pre-paid cards or coins, are plentiful. Phone Cards are obtainable in most supermarkets. The Country Code is 0027, for Outgoing calls dial 09+.

Mobile phones, known as cell phones operate on the GMS digital system. The cheapest option is to buy a pre-paid card from one of the networks and enter a code into your handset. Alternatively, you can hire cell phones from airports and main cities. There are often cell phones available for hire at the same time as you hire a car. There are post offices in all the major cities and towns. Stamps can be also be obtained from news agents. The postal system can be slow. There are cyber cafes available in the main cities.

Q: Where can I draw money?

ATMs are widely available in all cities. You can use either your electronic cash card or your credit card to draw money whereas the former is the cheaper option. ATM’s are available 24 hours a day in all the major cities and most of the towns. It is not recommended that you draw money from any ATM after hours, that is not in a very public area or that is not well lit. Exercise caution and use common sense when drawing money. Do not carry large amounts of cash on you.

Q: What about tipping?

In restaurants, 10-15 % of the bill usually applies, depending on the standard of service provided. Restaurants do not normally include the tip in the bill. Taxi drivers should also receive 10% of the amount charged. Petrol attendants receive 2-3 Rand and 2 Rand per suitcase / travelbag is generally the tip given to porters.

Q: What is the food like in South Africa?

Food is of the highest quality and standard with restaurants and food establishments catering for the many different cuisines. From shellfish fresh from the ocean to delicious, low-calorie venison and all imaginable combinations in between, South Africa offers a smorgasbord of taste delights. Try a traditional ‘braai’ or ‘pap en sous’ through to ‘koeksisters’ and ‘morogo’ or ‘samp’ for the more adventurous.

Q: Is it safe to drink the water?

South Africa has some of the finest water in the world. In fact, the quality of our water was recently rated 3rd best in the world. However, when traveling in the countryside, rural areas or in adjacent countries, care should be taken with drinking just any water.

The general rule when drinking water in an outlying / remote area to be safe is drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by BOTH filtering through an “absolute 1-micron or less” filter AND adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. “Absolute 1-micron filters” are found in camping / outdoor supply stores.

Q: What about malaria?

Malaria is a very dangerous disease, but if you take the correct precautions, your chances of getting it are extremely slim. Check with your local doctor which prophylaxis is suitable for the region you will be visiting. Please remember that the type of prophylaxis will differ from country to country. Most malaria prophylaxis are not suitable for pregnant women to take and you will also need to check what is suitable for children.

Malaria is transmitted by the infected female Anopheles mosquito. Mosquitoes carrying the disease and the insects are more active at night. It is, therefore recommended that the traveler wears long-sleeved shirts and long trousers at night; sleeps under mosquito netting where possible and takes along mosquito repellent. It is however only in certain areas that malaria can be a problem. You may want to check up on the area you are visiting to see whether it will be necessary to take precautions.

Malaria Risk by Country
Botswana: Malaria is generally a problem during and shortly after the rainfall period in certain of the areas; a malaria risk exists therefore from November to May/June. Danger exists for the north of 21° latitude; the northern districts of Central, Chobe, Ngamiland, North East, and Okavango. The southern provinces and the capital Gaborone are malaria free.
Lesotho: No malaria risk.
Namibia: For trips into northern Namibia, a malaria prophylaxis is advisable. This concerns above the provinces of Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Caprivi, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and Otjozondjupa.
South Africa: Risk in the low altitude areas of the Mpumalanga Province, Northern Province, and North-eastern KwaZulu-Natal as far south as the Tugela River. Risk also in Kruger National Park. The Gauteng Province and the Western Cape are malaria free.
Swaziland: In the lowland, provision should be made for malaria during the rainy season (December until March).
Zimbabwe: Apart from the cities Harare and Bulawayo, there is a risk in all other areas. High risk in the Zambezi Valley and at the Victoria Falls.
Mozambique: Malaria prophylaxis is to be recommended.
Kenya: A malaria risk exists all year in the total country, only zones above 2500 metres are malaria free.
Tanzania: Malaria prophylaxis is to be recommended. This counts also in the deeper mountain regions (beneath 1800 metres) of Kilimanjaro.
Uganda: All areas.
Zambia: A large part of Zambia is highland and is approximately on a height at 1300 metres above sea level. Nevertheless, provision should be made for malaria for the south of the country (Zambezi Valley, Lake Kariba, Victoria Falls) and for safaris in deeper regions.

Q: What about HIV / Aids?

World Health Organization (WHO) Blood Transfusion Guidelines for International Travelers
There is a growing public awareness of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic and a resulting concern about acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through blood transfusion. Accurate and systematic screening of all blood donations is not yet feasible in all developing countries. Travelers planning international itineraries have requested to have their own blood or blood from their home country available to them in case of urgent need. These requests raise logistical, technical, and ethical issues that are not easy to resolve. Ultimately, the safety of blood for such travelers will depend on the quality of blood transfusion services in the host country. The strengthening of these services is of the highest priority. While efforts are being made to achieve this end, other approaches are also needed.

Q: Is it necessary to have other inoculations when visiting South Africa?

Vaccinations are not prescribed for a trip to South Africa. It is recommended to get vaccinations Hepatitis A, B, C. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for the following zones: North Province, Mpumalanga (including Kruger National Park), north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal (north of the Tugela River). Please make sure that you check with your local doctor or the closest Tropical Disease central concerning the above and other infections, as well as any other prophylaxis measures. Always make sure that you leave yourself sufficient time for vaccinations/inoculations.

Q: Are wild animals dangerous?

Animals in general tend to avoid human beings, but they can attack, particularly if they are protecting their young. Contact with wild animals should be avoided at all times; most injuries from wild animals are the direct result of attempting to handle or feed the animals. One should always listen to game reserve, game lodge staff or the guide’s instructions when in an area where there is wildlife. Wild life is just that; wild! Even when the animals are part of a breeding program, always remember that these are not domesticated pets and should be treated with respect. Responsible interaction with wildlife in general will leave you with an unforgettable impression of what an incredible natural heritage the region has.

Q: What about snakes in the region?

Most snake bites are the direct result of handling or harassing snakes, which bite as a defensive reaction. Attempts to kill snakes are dangerous, often leading to bites on the fingers. The venom of a small or immature snake may be even more concentrated than that of larger ones; therefore, all snakes should be left alone. Always wear comfortable, closed walking or hiking shoes if you intend doing a lot of walking or hiking in rural areas.

NO TRAVELER SHOULD VISIT SOUTH AFRICA WITHOUT SA TOURMED.