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| Climate |
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South Africa's topography and surrounding
oceans influence its climate. Although the climate varies from
region to region, it is generally mild and sunny throughout
the year. On the whole it is a dry country with a mean annual
rainfall of 502 mm. Snowfall is limited to the highest mountain
peaks and summer temperatures average between 15-30ºC (60-96ºF)
at midday. KwaZulu-Natal has a sub-tropical climate with high
humidity in summer. The southern Gauteng region has hot summers
with occasional thundershowers and frosty winters, while the
eastern part of this region (known as the Lowveld) enjoys mild
winters. The Cape interior and the Free State have similar weather
conditions to the southern Gauteng region. The Western Cape
region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and
cold, wet winters. Summer : September –
April Winter : May – August |
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| Currency |
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The unit of currency is the rand (R), which
is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in R200, R100, R50, R20
and R10. Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1 and 50c, 20c,
10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.
The R20 note looks very similar to the R200 note, so be careful
when handing over money!
The exchange rate tends to be in the international tourist's
favour and you should find most goods very affordable, and some
imported and specially manufactured items might be cheaper here
than elsewhere. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine,
wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged
by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. |
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| Banks |
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Banks in South Africa are generally open from
09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays.
Post offices are usually open from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Mondays
to Fridays and 8am to noon on Saturdays. Most banks change all
travellers' cheques in major currencies, but commission
can differ greatly. Rennies Travel is an agent for Thomas Cook.
American Express has branches in some cities, and Nedbank is
associated with American Express. First National Bank is the
Visa agent. Most ATM machines will support your card if it bears
the Cirrus logo. |
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| Safety |
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South Africa is one of the few tourist destinations
in the world where visitors are not targeted by criminals. The
South African Police Service is enjoying ever-greater success
against crime. The threat of terrorism is virtually non-existent
in South Africa. Nature reserves and remote tourist areas present
no safety risk but it's best to explore game reserves
with the help of professional guide or game ranger. For the
most part, South Africa's world-class holiday destinations
are set in secure locations where you can enjoy your vacation
with complete peace of mind. |
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| Health
Issues |
| Medical services in South Africa
are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and
beaches, but are limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often
require immediate cash payment, but usually accept major credit
cards. It is advisable to secure medical cover on your medical
insurance before arriving in the country. Note that major hotels
have contracts with physicians and dentists. Visitors are however
advised to bring along supplies of specialised medication they
may require. Otherwise, medicine may be purchased at pharmacies
and emergency pharmacies are open all night. |
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| Passports |
Before entering South Africa, it
is vital that you ensure that your
passport is valid for at least six months, with two
consecutive, blank and adjacent passport
pages in it.
Passengers travelling to South Africa with passports that do not comply
with these requirements, will either be stopped from boarding
the aircraft or risk deportation on arrival in South
Africa. In addition, a child travelling with only one
of his or her parents will need a letter of consent, certified
by the police, from the absent parent. |
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