(Last updated: 31 Mar 2011)

Visas

Visitors need a passport valid for six months beyond the date of departure from South Africa. Visas are not required for Australian citizens.

Visitors are given an entry visa stamp valid for 90 days if they have a return ticket and show that they can financially support themselves during their stay. Holders of visitors’ visas are not allowed to take up employment.

Climate

South African climate is congenial with one of the highest 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.

Airports

Johannesburg International Airport is about 35km from central Johannesburg and 60km from Pretoria, or the new business district of Sandton. It takes about 40 minutes to arrive by car. There are also international flights in and out of Cape Town and Durban.

Ground transport

Taxis charge approximately A$50 from the airport to Sandton, where the Austrade office is located. Departure tax is approximately A$49 but it is usually included when a ticket is issued domestically or in the country of origin. Austrade can suggest reputable car hire companies and taxi services for visiting Australian business people. Car hire such as, Budget, Avis and Imperial Holding are also available from the airport.

It is recommended that you pre-arrange your transport. Your hotel may have a shuttle service and, if not, can refer you to a reputable one.

Hotels

It is important to specify the hotel location you are seeking, as some chain hotels are found in various locations within a city. Downtown Johannesburg hotels are best avoided for security reasons. Austrade can recommend suitable hotels with reasonable room rates.

For all your accommodation requirements www.Safarinow.com is an excellent website.

Security and health

The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists to South Africa. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Crime is prevalent in the larger cities and visitors should take sensible precautions for their own safety:

• Don’t walk alone at night, or in deserted areas.
• Don’t carry large sums of money or wear jewellery, expensive watches and cameras in the city centres.
• Use the hotel safety deposit box for valuables.
• Always inform your host, travel guide, or hotelkeeper if you are sightseeing on your own.
• Be aware of petty thieves and pickpockets in busy places.
• Always drive with car windows closed, doors locked and hide any items of value, as vulnerability is greatest at traffic lights and in driveways.
• It is advisable when visiting ‘crime hotspots’ that you be driven by one of our suggested driver services. You can employ the services for safe airport transfers, business appointments and general sightseeing.

Health

It is important to consult a doctor well in advance of travel, as some vaccinations require a treatment program. Vaccinations for smallpox are not required, but visitors from a yellow fever zone must have a valid certificate.

Visitors to game parks in malarial areas (eg. Kruger National Park) are advised to take anti-malaria tablets, which are available across the counter at any pharmacy. Should you present malaria symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

Most hotels have a list of doctors, whose names can be found in the ‘Medica’ section of the telephone directory. South Africa has no National Health Service, so medical treatment and hospital fees must be paid direct. Travel and medical insurance should be taken prior to all overseas travel.

More information can be obtained from South Africa Online Health or the British Airways Travel Clinic, which offers a handy email question facility.

Tipping

Tipping is common because of the very low wages and is around 10-15 per cent.

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.

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

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The unit of currency is the South African rand (R), consisting of R1.00 = 100 cents.

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. Check with your bank at home to find out if you can access funds through Cirrus-friendly ATMs.

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.

Dining

South Africa is one of the least expensive eating destinations in the world. An upmarket restaurant in any of the cities will cost around A$7-$15 per dish. Tipping is left to your discretion, the norm is around 10 per cent of the total bill.