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Food
Food in most restaurants and hotels meets international standards, but exercise the usual common sense. In informal markets avoid fresh produce that may have been exposed to the elements.
Malaria
Malaria is only prevalent in the far northern parts of the country and the risks of contracting malaria can be minimised by starting a course of anti-malaria tablets a week before going to an affected area and continuing with the treatment for a month thereafter. Contact your doctor for more advice.
Water
Tap water is chlorinated but safe to drink. There is a wide range of bottled spring water available.
Hospitals
Patients who are members of medical insurance schemes, or who can afford it, are recommended to use private hospitals, which are excellent.
Telephones
Conventional Phones South African telecommunications systems are among the most advanced in the world and most exchanges are automatic. Public or payphones are found in many shopping malls. Payphones accept coins or cards. Telephone cards are available from most stores. Note that payphones accept either coins or cards but not both.
Cell Phones Cell phone coverage is very good in towns and cities and along all major roads.
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Banking
The South African banking system is of a first-world standard. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into the country, however there are limits to the amount of any currency that may be taken out of the country. These amounts are subject to fluctuation. Traveller's cheques may be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change, as well as some hotels and a few shops.
Currency
The South African unit of currency is the Rand, indicated by the letter "R" before the amount ("Rand" is short for Witwatersrand, Gauteng's gold-bearing reef). The Rand is divided into 100 cents (c).
Bank notes are issued in R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 denominations. Traveller's cheques may be cashed at most banks if the currency of issue is acceptable.
Automatic banking
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are widely used in cities and towns.
Credit cards
Most businesses accept all major credit cards. Informal traders do not normally accept credit cards.
Tax refund
Visitors to South Africa are not exempt from paying VAT (Value-Added Tax) on bought goods. However, tourists can claim back the VAT paid on items, with a total value exceeding R250.00, that they take out of the country with them. The VAT can be claimed at the airport.
Banking
Generally speaking, banks are open from about 9 am to 3.30 pm but those at the airports adjust their hours of opening to accommodate all international flights.
Traveller's cheques, credit cards and bank cards
Traveller’s cheques in most major currencies are accepted in almost every hotel and by many other operators.
All major credit cards can be used in South Africa, with Mastercard and Visa enjoying more universal acceptance than American Express and Diners Club. In some small towns, you may find you'll need to use cash.
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The weather
Summer: November to March - temperatures are high, sometimes unbearable in high-lying areas such as the Northern Cape and Northern Province. The humidity in KwaZulu-Natal can be very high indeed. Day temp.: approx. 26°C/Night temp.: 18°C.
Winter: May to July - the days are usually sunny but the nights are cold. Snow regularly falls on the Western Cape and Eastern Cape mountains. Day temp: approx 15°C/Night temp: 3°C.
Spring: August to October - with comfortable temperatures, but quite chilly after sunset. Southwestern areas have winter rainfall and warm to hot summers, while the southern coast receives rain
throughout the year. The interior is a summer rainfall area with thunderstorms a common occurrence. Always apply sunblock, even on as the temperature can change suddenly and the wind-chill factor can be easily underestimated.
Clothing
Lightweight clothing is the norm during the South African summer. In winter, a jacket or coat may be needed, particularly in the evenings. At game reserves, wear neutral colours.
Winter essentials (May to September):
Warm, insulated parka or bush jacket
Scarf Short pants
Light sweater
Warm trousers or jeans
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Summer Essentials (October to April):
Cool clothing - cotton shirts and t-shirts
Jeans or light trousers
Light sweaters for evening use
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Always essential
Sun block, hat, sunglasses, appropriate walking shoes, camera and film, video camera, binoculars, swimwear, neutral coloured clothing (light browns, greens and khakis)
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Time
Throughout the year, standard time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of central European Winter Time and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time.
Electricity converters
Electrical Current: Power Systems are generally 220/230 volts AC, 50 cycles, except in Pretoria, where the currency is 250 volts AC.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice in South African restaurants. One can expect to give a 10% tip on the total bill.
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