(Last updated: 9 Sep 2013)
Visiting
Business hours
Commercial offices are open from 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Shopping centres, department stores and supermarkets are open from 8.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 2.00pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Banks are open from 9.00am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 11.00am, Saturday.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
March 21 – Human Rights Day
April 6 – Good Friday
April 9 – Easter Monday
April 27 – Freedom Day
May 1 – Worker’s Day
June 16 – Youth Day
August 9 – National Woman’s Day
September 24 – Heritage Day
December 16 – Day of Reconciliation
December 26 – Day of Goodwill
Climate
South African climate is congenial with one of the highest numbers of sunshine hours per annum of any country in the world. It is a fairly dry country with rain falling in the summer, except in the Western Cape, which has winter rainfall. Rainfall increases from west to east.
Temperatures range from 0ºC (or less) at night to about 20ºC at midday in winter, and from 15ºC at night to 35ºC at midday in summer. Winters are generally mild and the lowest temperatures are recorded in the central interior. In the extreme south-west a different climate prevails with cool wet winters and hot dry summers.
For weather details in South Africa, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The unit of currency is the South African rand (R), consisting of R1.00 = 100 cents.
Banks
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and in some retail shops. Most ATMs will give cash advances, but this service should not be relied on away from major centres. There are numerous ATM locations in the major cities of South Africa, but fewer in regional and rural areas.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and US dollars cash. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Time zones and time differences
South Africa is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in South Africa, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
South Africa's country code is 27.
For calls to South Africa from Australia dial: 0011 + 27 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from South Africa to Australia dial: 09 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
South Africa’s power supply is 220/240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
IAfrica.com – www.iafrica.com
SouthAfrica.com – www.southafrica.com
Tourism Business Council of South Africa – www.tbcsa.travel
South Africa National Parks – www.sanparks.org
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.