Some useful facts
Electricity:
220/230 Volt 50Hz, 3 round prone plug similar to the British.
Adapters are available in hardware stores and some Supermarkets and we keep some as well. At times
we experience sudden loadsheddings due to high energy demand. We have a generator covering some rooms.
Health:
Immunizations are not required.
Malaria
prophylaxis is recommended for the far north-east of the country (Krueger
park). Information is available under www.malaria.org.
Private Hospitals have high international first world standards. Anti snake serum is kept in all provincial hospitals.
Money:
The currency is called Rand. One Rand has 100 Cent. There are
5,10,20, and 50 cent coins as well as 1,2 and 5 Rand; banknotes are
10,20,50,100 and 200 Rand.
Traveler cheques are not commonly accepted.
Credit cards in particular Master card and VISA are very common and
most B&B, shops and restaurants are accepting them. ATM machines
are wide
spread. Some machines accept EC cards with Maestro
logo. Do not let "helpful bystanders" assist you.
Celphone:
The GSM digital network is very good and covers almost the entire
country. It is advisable to buy a local pay-as-you-go Sim card and airtime
on arrival. Cheaply available in any shopping center. Most common networks
are MTN or Vodacom or cellC.
Internet:
Internet cafees are wide spread and many guesthouses and hotels have
access points. The airports and some franchise coffee shops like Mugg&Bean
have hotspots. Internet Cafees charge between
10 and 30 Rand.
Climate:
The seasons are directly opposite the northern hemisphere. South Africa
is an all year round tourist destination. In the Cape we have wet cool
winters and dry warm summers. In winter (June to September) the temperatures
range between 5C and 20 Degree; in summer 15C to 40C.
Languages:
South Africa has 11official languages:
English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati,
Tshivenda,
Xitsonga, isiNdebele,
isiXhosa.
Tipping:
10 to15 % is usual and expected. "parking attendants" 0.50 to 2 Rand.
Begging children should not be given money. There are NGO's caring
for them and are very appreciative for any financial or other help.
Some restaurants charge an automatic 10% for dining parties of 8 and
more. Split bills is often refused. Corcage is added for wine brought by yourself. Ask before please.