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 Standard Time |
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| South African standard Time is
two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 2), one hour in advance of central
European winter time and seven hours in advance of United States eastern standard time
throughout the year. There are no time zone differences within the country. |
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| Visa Requirements |
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Every
person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel
to South Africa and, where necessary, a visa. Enquiries can be directed to South African
diplomatic representatives abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Visitors
who intend travelling to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back into South Africa
are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.
In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders of certain countries are exempt from
visa requirements. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to
support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward
air tickets. They must also have valid international health certificates.
The following Links supplied by The South African Department of Home Affairs:
» Countries
exempt from South African visas
» Countries
subject to South African visa fees |
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| Immunisations |
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| No international immunisation is
needed when entering South Africa. The only inoculation requirement is a yellow fever
vaccination certificate from travellers over one year of age entering South Africa within
six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in these
areas are advised to be inoculated against the disease before visiting South Africa. |
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| Malaria |
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This disease is to the larger
extent under control in South Africa. Regions that are affected are the Northern Province
and Mpumalanga, northern KwaZulu Natal and Zululand. The risk of contracting the disease
is negligible provided that you take the standard precautions. Malaria tablets, a good
insect repellent particularly in the evening, long-sleeved shirts and mosquito coils are
advisable precautions.
Please also see our Malaria risk area map, detailed information about precautions to take
and people at high risk » South Africa
Malaria risk areas |
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| Security & Safety |
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Information
for Foreigners: As South Africa is a developing country, crime does exist, so we would
advise you to take a few basic precautions. All valuables, passports, cameras,
should be locked in the safe of your hotel. Valuables should be carried discreetly when
walking in cities. Gold and other expensive items offered for sale by street vendors are
likely to be fakes or stolen property. Do not participate in pavement games as they
are operated by well organised gangs and money can be stolen while you are distracted.
Public transport is available in South Africa so there is no need to hitch-hike. Local
residents will advise you on safe transport. If driving, do not pick up
hitch-hickers and ensure that your car doors are locked at all times. The South
African Police are easily recognised in their blue uniforms and white & blue patrol
vehilces. |
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| Phoning overseas direct from South
Africa |
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| If you wish to make a call
overseas, you must first dial 00, which is South Africa's international access code. You
then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person
you wish to call. e.g. if you make a call to Sydney, Australia, telephone number 456 1234
you must dial 00 61 2 456 1234. |
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| Weather & Climate |
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| View climate information by region - click here You can obtain up to
date information on the latest weather conditions in the following areas by dialling the
numbers indicated below. Under extraordinary conditions these reports are updated four
times a day. (Calls to these numbers are free) |
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| Pretoria Central Forecasting Office |
082 233 - 9800 |
| Aviation Weather Centre Johannesburg Int. Airport |
082 233 - 9600 |
| Bloemfontein Weather Office |
082 233 - 9100 |
| Cape Town Weather Office |
082 233 - 9900 |
| Durban Weather Office |
082 233 - 9500 |
| Port Elizabeth Weather Office |
082 233 - 9700 |
| Climate Information and Data |
082 233 - 8484 |
| Forecasts Longer than 7 Days |
082 233 - 9000 |
| Weatherline |
082 - 162 |
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| Electricity |
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| 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles
per second. Three pronged plugs are universal, so take an adapter. Most hotel rooms have
110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances. |
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| Post Offices |
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| Open Mon - Fri 08h00 - 16h30
& Sat 08h00 - 12h00. Mail may be addressed to you Post Restante. The main post offices
have special counters for this purpose. Postage stamps are widely available (e.g. at some
cafés and branches of the Central News Agency - CNA). |
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| Languages |
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| Tipping |
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| Tipping is customary in South
Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Porters R5 per item, taxis 10%, waiters
and waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15%. |
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| Currency |
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| One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c).
Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, & 1c.
Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press. Link to South Africa Current Exchange Rates |
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| Banking Hours |
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Monday to Friday: |
09h00 to 15h30 |
| Saturday: |
09h00 to 11h00 |
| Autobanks (ATM's, automated teller machines) are
found in most towns and operate on a 24 hour basis |
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| Traveller's Cheques |
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| Most international traveller's
cheques are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most
banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service. |
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| Vat / Tax Refunds |
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Tax Refunds For Tourists
Made Easy: As a visitor to South Africa, you can spend as little as R 250.00 on
goods intended for export, and claim a VAT refund. The user-friendly procedure
allows you to claim your money before you even leave South African territory.
Who can Claim? Non-residents on a temporary visit to South Africa are eligible to
claim a VAT refund in respect of movable goods exported through a designated point of
departure within 90 days from the date of purchase.
Important Information:
» Maximum payment by cheque will be for an amount of R3000.00. Claims
exceeding this limit or claims requiring further audit, will be posted.
» Goods consumed in South Africa or services rendered in the country do
not qualify for VAT refunds.
» Only original Tax Invoices will be considered for refunds.
» The goods must be presented for inspection on departure.
» Goods must be exported within 90 days of the date of purchase and the
claim lodged within 3 months from the date of export.
» An administration fee of 1.5% of the inclusive value of the claim will
be deducted, subject to a minimum of R 10.00 and a maximum of R 250.00.
» Diplomats posted to South Africa should contact their embassies for
details of the applicable refund scheme.
» Special provisions apply to antiques, 2nd hand goods and registerable
goods
How to Claim your Tax Refund: Documentation; Simply identify yourself as a
tourist to shop assistants, and request a Tax Invoice for the goods you have purchased.
A valid Tax Invoice must contain all the following information:
» The words "Tax Invoice"
» A Tax Invoice number
» The seller's VAT Registration number
» Date of Issue of the Tax Invoice
» The seller's name and address
» The buyer's name and address
» A full description of the goods purchased
» The cost of the goods in Rands
» The amount of VAT charged or a statement that VAT is included in
the total cost
For Additional Information: |
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| Contact: |
VAT Refund Administrator (Pty) Ltd |
| Postal Address: |
P.O. Box 107; Johannesburg International Airport |
| Postal code: |
1627 |
| Telephone: |
+27 (0)11 394 - 1117 |
| Facsimile: |
+27 (0)11 394 - 1430 |
| E-Mail: |
info@taxrefunds.co.za |
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| South Africa
Accommodation |
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| To view all available accommodation types in
a specific town or city, click on the links below to be taken to the province in which you
will be travelling. |
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« South
Africa Bed & Breakfast | South Africa Lodges
| South
Africa Self Catering » |
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With 20 National Parks
(including two of the world's most famous wildlife reserves, the Kruger Park &
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park) & numerous private game reserves, your trip to South
Africa would be incomplete without experiencing a South African wildlife safari .... |
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;)
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;)
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