 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| BAI THO
JUNK CRUISE |
|
South Africa's topography and
surrounding oceans influence its climate. Although
the climate varies from region to region, it is
generally mild and sunny throughout the year. On the
whole it is a dry country with a mean annual
rainfall of 502 mm. Snowfall is limited to the
highest mountain peaks and summer temperatures
average between 15-30ºC (60-96ºF) at midday.
KwaZulu-Natal has a sub-tropical climate with high
humidity in summer. The southern Gauteng region has
hot summers with occasional thundershowers and
frosty winters, while the eastern part of this
region (known as the Lowveld) enjoys mild winters.
The Cape interior and the Free State have similar
weather conditions to the southern Gauteng region.
The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate
with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Summer
: September – April Winter
: May – August |
|
|
top  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Currency |
|
The unit of currency is the rand
(R), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in
R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins are in
denominations of R5, R2, R1 and 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c,
2c and 1c.
The R20 note looks very similar to the R200 note, so
be careful when handing over money!
The exchange rate tends to be in the international
tourist's favour and you should find most goods very
affordable, and some imported and specially
manufactured items might be cheaper here than
elsewhere. Generally, you will find that fine
cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of
the tariff charged by equivalent establishments
elsewhere in the world. |
|
|
top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Banks |
|
Banks in South Africa are
generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and
08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Post offices are
usually open from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Mondays to
Fridays and 8am to noon on Saturdays. Most banks
change all travellers' cheques in major currencies,
but commission can differ greatly. Rennies Travel is
an agent for Thomas Cook. American Express has
branches in some cities, and Nedbank is associated
with American Express. First National Bank is the
Visa agent. Most ATM machines will support your card
if it bears the Cirrus logo. |
|
|
top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Safety |
|
South Africa is one of the few
tourist destinations in the world where visitors are
not targeted by criminals. The South African Police
Service is enjoying ever-greater success against
crime. The threat of terrorism is virtually
non-existent in South Africa. Nature reserves and
remote tourist areas present no safety risk but it's
best to explore game reserves with the help of
professional guide or game ranger. For the most
part, South Africa's world-class holiday
destinations are set in secure locations where you
can enjoy your vacation with complete peace of mind. |
|
|
top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Health
Issues |
| Medical services in
South Africa are good in urban areas and in the
vicinity of game parks and beaches, but are limited
elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require
immediate cash payment, but usually accept major
credit cards. It is advisable to secure medical
cover on your medical insurance before arriving in
the country. Note that major hotels have contracts
with physicians and dentists. Visitors are however
advised to bring along supplies of specialised
medication they may require. Otherwise, medicine may
be purchased at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies
are open all night. |
| top |
|
|
|
|
|
| Passports |
Before entering
South Africa, it is vital
that you ensure that your passport
is valid for at least six months,
with two consecutive, blank and adjacent
passport pages in it.
Passengers travelling to South Africa with passports
that do not comply with these requirements, will
either be stopped from boarding the
aircraft or risk deportation on
arrival in South Africa. In addition, a child
travelling with only one of his or
her parents will need a letter of consent, certified
by the police, from the absent parent. |
| top |
|
|
Package
Tours
About
us
Add to Favorites
Make Home Page
