South Africa has the perfect blend of ingredients to provide the ideal backdrop for any event: value, adventure, wildlife, magnificent scenery, an efficient infrastructure and rich cultural diversity. Few regions in the world can match the diversity, beauty and excitement you’ll find in South Africa.

 

 

South Africa has already demonstrated an outstanding track record of global significance in the meetings sector such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, International Aids Conference, the World Conference on Racism and a wide variety of medical and academic congresses and was host country to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.

 

Facts about South Africa

Airports

South Africa has three international airports: Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Other airports include Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, George, Pilanesberg, Lanseria, Mpumalanga (Nelspruit), Polakwane, Upington and Pietermaritzburg.

 

Currency

The South African currency is the Rand, which is made up of 100 cents. Notes issued: R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. Coins issued: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks and at various foreign exchange bureaux. Banks are open from 09:00 – 15:30 weekdays and 08:30 – 11:00 on Saturdays. Most banks have Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), which are open 24 hours a day for statements, cash withdrawals and deposits.

 

 

Banking

South Africa has a modern and sophisticated banking and commercial system and most shops and hotels will accept all major international credit cards.

 

Taxes

South Africa has adopted a Value Added Tax (VAT) system of 14% on purchases and services. Foreign visitors to South Africa can reclaim their VAT on purchases if they have spent more than R250.

 

Shopping and business hours

Most shops in the city centres and suburbs are open between 09:00 and 18:00 on weekdays and until 14:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Generally major shopping malls usually open at 09:00 and close at 18:00 and are open seven days a week. South African Time is set at GMT +2. There are no time zone differences within South Africa and the country has not adopted a daylight time saving system in summer.

 

 

Communication

Cellular phones (mobile phones) can be rented at the airport or at Visitor Information Centres. Blue public phones work with the use of coins, while green public phones work with local Telkom phone cards. International roaming is available depending on your service provider.

 

Driving

An international driver’s license is required in South Africa and the license must include a photograph as well as the signature of the holder. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and speed limits are in kilometres. Cash is required to pay for fuel.

 

Language

There are 11 official languages in SA. English is the language of administration and is widely spoken. Other languages are: Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

 

 

Customs

Personal effects (used) are admitted duty free. The allowance for visitors to South Africa is as follows (free of duty per adult):

1 litre of spirits

2 litres of wine

400 cigarettes

50 cigars 50ml perfume

250ml eau de toilette

Gifts and souvenirs to the value of R3 000

Permits are required for firearms and are available at customs at entry points.

 

Health requirements

No vaccinations are required for cholera or smallpox. If arriving from a yellow fever zone, you must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Due to the threat of malaria, preventative medication is necessary for Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu-Natal. Medication is obtainable from all pharmacies in South Africa. Malaria preventative medication is not necessary for Cape Town and the Western Cape. In most cities / towns / game reserves the tap water is purifiedband 100% safe to drink.

 

Visas

Visas are issued by South African missions abroad and must  be affixed in the applicant’s passport before departing to South Africa. In order to gain a visa a visitor is required to have at least two unused pages in his or her passport. Travelers are  advised to check visa requirements with their travel agents before traveling.