Time Difference
Three and a half hours behind Indian Standard Time.
Internal Travel
Air
Domestic carriers and small regional airlines operate scheduled flights throughout South Africa. Special fares are available for international travellers.
Train
Travelling by rail is an excellent way to see South Africa, whether on one of the luxury locomotives or a standard passenger train.
Car
Car rental rates are quite reasonable, and the quality of the vehicles are high. Motor home and camper rentals are a popular option.
Bus Service
Several bus companies offer service between cities and towns in South Africa.
In Cities
Larger cities offer public transport. Taxis are plentiful, convenient, and relatively inexpensive.
Hotels and Accommodation
All types from hostels to five star hotels. Prices range from $20 to $350 a night per person. The National Accommodation Guide, is available from Satour offices and most tourism associations.
Banks
Hours are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturdays. International banks have branches in the major cities.
Duty-free
You can buy duty-free goods at the Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban airports.
Language
Eleven official languages. English is widely spoken.
Driving
Any valid drivers license is accepted, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English. If not, obtain an International Driving Permit before departure.
Business meeting facilities
More than 800 venues are available for conferences and meetings ranging from big-city conference facilities to smaller venues in mountain, coastal, or savannah resorts.
Credit cards
Major credit cards (of International status) are widely accepted.
Currency
The South African rand, is divided into 100 cents. The exchange rate as of November 1999 was approximately $1 = R6 (R1 = Rs7/-).
Taxes
A 14 percent value-added tax is added to the price of most items and services. You can claim VAT back on goods priced higher than R250 (about $60) on departure. The original tax invoice, the VAT refund control sheet, your passport, and the item are required.
Safety issues
South Africa is basically a safe place for international tourists. However, it's sensible to take normal precautions while travelling.
Tipping
It is customary to tip porters, waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers, hair washers at hair salons, petrol attendants, room attendants and golf caddies, providing the service is satisfactory. Gratuities for quantifiable services should amount to at least 10% of the cost of the service; for non-quantifiable services of a minor nature, it is customary to offer a tip of around R2.00.
Tourist Travel Routes
Along the major tourist routes, well-organised venues centred on petrol stations offer stopovers for refuelling, relaxing and refreshments. Shops and restaurants are available.
Maps and Books
Excellent road maps are available from a number of book stores, the Automobile Association (AA), the various publicity offices and SATOUR.
Petrol
Cities, towns and major highways are very well served by filling stations. The more remote areas are less so. Many filling stations stay open 24 hours a day; others are usually open from 6 AM to 6 PM. During these hours repairs are also available. Petrol is sold in litres. All filling stations sell diesel.
The Route Marker System
South Africa's main roads are identified by number rather than by name. The national highways take the prefix 'N' followed by a number (i.e. N 1). Regional highways have the prefix "R" followed by a number and metropolitan roads have the prefix 'M' followed by a number and often a letter indicating direction (i.e. N, 5, E,W).
Useful Information