Communication Services:
A direct dialling service connects all centres' except for villages in the more rural districts. The international telephone service links south Africa with countries around the world. Cellular phones can be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Credit Cards:
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa

Currency:
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1. R1 = 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, American Express and Rennies Travel. Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c and 5c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press.

Health Hazards:
Malaria regions include Northern Province and Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu- Natal. Preventative medication is obtainable at all South African pharmacies. It's important to consult a pharmacist for advice on the best drug or drug combination you should take. In a malaria region, you should avoid wearing perfume or aftershave lotion, and it's advisable to wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. The bilharzia (shistosomiasis) parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the country, and visitors should therefore avoid contact with the water in these regions. The Western and Eastern Cape are bilharzia free and Malaria Free.

Sun Protection:
The South African sun is strong with a high ultraviolet rating, so screening products with sun protection factors of 15 and over are recommended.

Visas:
A new law has been passed stipulating that all visitors to South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passport to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient space in the passport entry will be denied and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin.

Water:
In the major cities and towns and most game reserves, tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink.

Time Differences:
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.

Immunisation:
People arriving in South Africa from a Yellow Fever Zone, must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and smallpox is not required.

Languages:
South Africa currently has 11 official languages. English is spoken throughout the country. French, Italian and German are spoken by staff members in many of the larger hotels and shops that cater to the tourist markets.

Medical Services:
South Africa has no national health scheme. It's advisable to purchase travel insurance which covers medical expenses during the period of your stay.

Shopping:
South African manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship, and at the current Rand value, you can afford to be really extravagant. Shopping hours are generally 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Many shops in cities are open Sundays as well as in the big shopping malls.

Rules of the Road:
An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with the smallest villages. South Africa drives on the left. The speed limit in urban areas is usually 60 km per hour, and on freeways 120 km per hour unless otherwise indicated. Wearing seat belts is compulsory; driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and traffic laws are strictly enforced. A valid driver's license, provided the photograph is an integral part of the document, and provided it is printed in English, is accepted. If your licence does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before your departure for South Africa. Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right.

Religions:
Most denominations are represented. Churches, Mosques, Temples and Synagogues are located in most major cities.

Wining and Dining:
South Africa is acclaimed for its top quality fresh produce and culinary excellence. In most cities and towns, menu's feature French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Cape Malay and every other type of cuisine imaginable. the standard ranges from the unexceptional to the sublime. this country is also internationally renowned for its fine wines. Many estates have been producing world-class wines for years - and they're improving all the time. Most unlicensed restaurants invite patrons to bring their own wine. Restaurant guides are available from publicity associations in major cities.

VAT (Value Added Tax):
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors are not exempt from paying VAT on purchased goods. They may, however, claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R 250.00.

Traveller's Cheques:
Most international traveller's checks are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.