Amazingwe - Tourist Information

Tourist Travel Information

Currency:
South African currency is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1 = 100 cents. South Africa has an excellent banking system and there are ATM's scattered throughout South Africa from where you can draw money with any major credit or debit card. All international transactions can be performed in South African Banks, distributed throughout the country. Travellers’ checks are also accepted in most stores, hotels and restaurants. Hotels will exchange foreign notes for you but you will get a better exchange rate at a bank or travel agency.
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.

Tipping:
It is customary to tip between 10% and 15% for a meal or in a hotel when ordering room service. It is also wise to tip for any other service that you may receive such as a taxi ride, a tourist guide, etc.

Standard Time:
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.

Electricity:
South Africa power is provide by: 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.

Immunisation:
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.

Climate:

	Western and Eastern Cape: Mediterranean type climate with hot dry summers and cold wet winters.
	KwaZulu Natal: Sub-tropical climate with high humidity summers and mild winters.
	Northern Cape, Free State and North West Province: Hot summers with little rain and cold dry winters.
	Gauteng and Limpopo: Hot summers with thunder showers and cold dry winters
	Mpumalanga: The western region (the Highveld) has hot summers and cold dry winters and the eastern region (the Lowveld) has very hot summers and mild winters.

Seasons:
Summer: December – February
Autumn: March – May
Winter: June – August
Spring: September – November

Tap Water:
Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. However there is a vast selection of inexpensive bottled water available. Do not drink water from any dam or river - no matter how inviting it may look as Cholera and other water borne diseases are common in certain areas of South Africa.

Malaria:
Precautions against Malaria should always be taken when visiting Africa. It is advised that you seek advice to whether you will be travelling to a Malaria infested area and if so to take anti-malaria prophylactics. General lists of the areas in South Africa that are prone to Malaria include:

Dress:
Africans tend to dress casually for most occasions. Smart-casual is suitable for theatres and restaurants. Bring warm clothes for game drives and cool evenings.

Phoning Overseas:
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.

Safety:
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-hikers 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 vehicles.

	There is an extensive network of hard surfaced roads.
	Driving is on the Left-hand side.
	When leaving vehicle always lock your car.
	At night when parking always park in area with security.
	Always park in well lit areas.
	Do not walk alone at night.
	If it does not feel safe it probably is not safe.
	All cities are safe, just enquire about no-go areas and avoid them as far as possible.
	Be aware of the potential threat posed by beggars and street children.

Amazingwe African Tours & Safaris