Information on South Africa

Location South Africa is situated on the tip of the African Continent, south of the Limpopo River. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west and the warm Indian Ocean lies off the east coast. The country is bordered by Namibia in the north-west, Mozambique in the north-east and Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north. It also encompasses the independent mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland.

Provinces South Africa has nine provinces: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Area South Africa covers an area of approximately 1 221 000 km / 471 440 miles, about 4 % of the total land mass in Africa. This makes the country five times larger than the UK and about three times the size of Texas.

Population and languages There are approximately 48 million people living in South Africa. Eleven official languages are spoken - English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Shangaan, Ndebele and Pedi. Many immigrants from over the world have been attracted to the country, and you will therefore also hear other languages such as other African languages, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew, Arabic, French, Japanese and Chinese.

Climate South Africa has one of the highest average daily hours of sunshine in the world - 8, 5 compared with 3, 8 in London, 6, 4 in Rome and 6, 9 in New York. Rainfall is highest in the summer, except for the Western Cape which has a Mediterranean climate - dry summers and rain in winter. Average rainfall is from 414 mm / 16.3 inches in the North West Province to over 1 000 mm / 39.4 inches in subtropical KwaZulu-Natal.

In the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Spring is from September to October, summer from November to February, autumn or fall from March to April and winter from May to August. The climate is mild with average temperatures ranging from 16C / 60F in winter in the Cape Town area to around 33C / 90F in summer in the North West Province.

Time differences South Africa operates two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year which is an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time.

Currency The currency is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents in the Rand unit. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most international credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club and their affiliates are accepted.

VAT refunds VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250. VAT is refunded on departure at the point of departure. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT refund administration office or an appointed RSA customs and excise official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded. Visitors will be requested to fill out a VAT Refund Control Sheet (VAT 255). Where a visitor does not export all the goods specified on a particular tax invoice, only the value of the goods and the tax paid on such goods exported must be declared on this form.

Transport and driving When travelling to and from airports accredited buses and taxis of ACSA (Airports Company of SA) are best to use. Most hotels and accommodation establishments will organise airport transfer on request.

Driving is on the left hand side in South Africa. Most roads are of a high tarred quality and routes are well sign-posted which makes driving a pleasure.

Car hire companies operate throughout the country and many have offices at airports. The main centres in the country are linked by air, rail and motor coach services. In the big cities air charter services are also available. The legendary Blue Train or Rovos Rail is a novel, luxury way to see the country.

Communications Cellular phones can be hired at airports and elsewhere. Most hotels and many accommodation establishments offer internet access and fax services. The international telephone service in the country links to over 170 countries.

Safety South Africa is as safe a destination as anywhere else in the world providing you follow the normally observed precautions for travellers. Be aware of surroundings when driving, keep to well-lit areas at night and secure yourself in your vehicle. Deposit expensive items in your hotel or guest house safe and keep an eye on luggage and valuables in your possession. SA Tourism has an info and safety line to assist tourists: 083 1232 345.

Shopping At the current Rand exchange rate, shopping is a pleasure in South Africa. Shopping hours are usually from 08:00 to 17:00 on Mondays to Fridays and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Many large shopping centres are also open on Sundays. Supermarkets stay open till late and convenience stores that are open 24 hours a day can be found at petrol stations.

Tipping Tipping is expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Porters R2 per item, taxis 10%, waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15%.

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