Climate: mainly temperate but weather patterns and rainfall does vary substantially.

Rainfall: 80% of the country experiences it's rainy season during the summer {often with thunderstorms and hail}.
The Western Cape receives plenty of rain {and wind} during it's winter months.

Temperatures: Hot and mainly dry summers on the highveld. Winters in the higher lying areas may be very cold at times {during the evenings} but generally the days are beautifully clear and mild. Along the coastal areas, particularly in the north east summers are hot and humid with warm evenings and winter months generally presentclear, mild days with cool evenings.

Currency: the South African Rand denoted by the symbol: R One rand equals 100 cents.

Banking: Most major banks offer foreign exchange facilities and ATM's. Banks located in most towns and cities throughout the country. Banking hours - 09.00 to 15.30 weekdays and 08.30 to 11.00 Saturdays.

Health: Excellent private hospitals, clinics, emergency response and ambulance services. Average government institutions.
Visitors to north and north eastern parts of the country, particularly the game parks should take malaria medication.
Consult your pharmacy / drugstore. Travellers from a yellow fever zone should have a certificate. Vaccinations for
cholera / smallpox not required. Hospitals / clinics will expect direct payment for treatment received. Travel
insurance is recommended.

Airports: International airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban with most international flights arriving and
departing from Johannesburg and Cape Town. SAA, SA Express, British Airways/Comair, Kulula.com,
1Time connect to the country's major cities and some regional hubs {eg. Richards Bay and Nelspruit}. Airport
shuttles and metered taxis link the airports to the cities and major hotels.

Driving: Generally good quality, well sign-posted roads. We drive on the left hand side of the road. Drivers should have a
valid drivers licence {with photograph and printed or authenticated in English} or an international driving permit.
Speed limits are 120 kph on highways, 100 kph or 80 kph in some areas and 60 kph in built up areas. Speed limits are signposted. Do not stop for hitchhikers.

Car hire: Numerous car hire companies have offices at airports and in the cities, including Budget, Avis, Hertz,
Imperial etc.

Taxis: Use a metered taxi where possible or set your fare with the driver before departure.

Entry: Passports need to be valid for at least six months beyond date of departure from South Africa. Generally visas are
not required {tel: 012 324 1860 or fax: 012 3148516 - South Africa - for more information}. Working in South Africa on a holiday visa is not allowed. Visitors must show they have sufficient finances to support themselves during their stay in the country.

Electricity: 220/240 volts.

Telephones: Direct dialling throughout almost the whole country. International telephone service with direct dialling to most
countries throughout the world {international codes found in SA tel directories}. Tel cards may be used at green public phones and cards may be purchased at airports, post offices, CNA branches and many shops. Cellphone coverage is extensive throughout the country. {Enquiries: 0903 - International / national and 1023 - local. Collect calls: 0020 - national and 0900 - international}.

Religion: Most denominations are present in South Africa and churches, synagogues, temples and mosques can be found in
most cities.

Tipping: Generally 10% is the rate applicable to services received, for example in restaurants. Tips are normally not included in the bill. R10 per bag for porterage.

VAT: Value Added Tax at 14% is included in the price of almost all goods and services. Visitors may claim VAT back on goods taken out of SA, where the total value exceeds R250. Claim at the airport. Show original tax invoice, passport, VAT refund control sheet.

Water: Taps in almost all cities and towns provide clean, drinkable water. Advisable to check with locals or staff in some remote areas. Bottled water may be bought at most shops, service stations, accommodation establishments throughout the country.

Security: There is some crime in the big cities and visitors are advised to use common sense in avoiding obvious
trouble spots such as deserted, dark areas. Don't carry large sums of cash, expensive jewelry. Use hotel safes.