Travel Tips for South Africa

Passports & Visas
A full passport (UK/EU or other) with at least six month validity from the date of departure, is required for travel. All other passport holders should contact their nearest South African Consulate for current visa requirements. Please note that these requirements can change at any time.

Health and Medical Facilities
South Africa has excellent medical care and facilities compare favourably with international standards. The countrywide network of public and private hospitals offer very good service. However, visitors must ensure they have adequate health insurance. Malaria risk exists all year round and is particularly prevalent in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Limpopo Province. It is essential to take necessary precautions. As Bilharzia is present in the north, it is advisable to avoid swimming in fresh water here. Hepatitis A occurs and Hepatitis B is endemic.
Visitors coming from a yellow fever area must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate except for children under 12 months, who are exempt. Please consult your local doctor or travel clinic for advice prior to departure for appropriate medication.

Hotel information
Check in is at 14h00 unless otherwise stated, and check-out at 10h30. Please confirm times with reception. Hotels often have luggage storage facilities if you wish to store luggage on departure day. Safety deposit boxes are in the rooms or at reception - please enquire on arrival. A weekday laundry service is offered at most hotels - please check with hotel reception on times. A number of hotels and guest houses have wheelchair ramps, and one or two wheel chair friendly rooms for disabled guests. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet. Most public buildings cater for wheelchair access.

Currency
Rand (R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 &10.
Rand coins: R5, 2 & 1, and Cent coins: 50, 20, 10, 5
Exchange: Available at banks, official bureau de change and some hotels.
Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted.
Euros (€) : in order to avoid additional exchange rate charges on travelers cheques, Euros (bank notes) can be exchanged at banks and official bureau de change.
Please note: petrol stations DO NOT accept Credit Cards

Tipping
Tipping is customary but optional and dependant on level of service, although it is expected. As a guideline 10 % should be added to bills. For guides and drivers or driver/guide please calculate ZAR 50 per person per day. For rangers and trackers when on safari please calculate ZAR 50 per person per day. Porterage ranges between
ZAR 5 - 10 per person per service.

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