South Africa travel details
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South Africa has a population of 56M with main currency as South African Rand. The languages spoken are Southern Sotho. South Africa travel safety advice is Exercise a high degree of caution. Automatic teller machines are very common in South Africa. Tipping is expected in South Africa since staff depend on tips to supplement their often minimum wages. Internet speed in South Africa is on average 4.1 Mbps.In South Africa you drive on the left side.
South Africa travel advice
⬤ Exercise a high degree of caution
South Africa’s national elections are scheduled for 29 May. Protests and large gatherings can occur anywhere. Avoid areas affected by protests, demonstrations or large public gatherings. Monitor media for updates and follow advice from local authorities. Use major roads where it's safe to do so and verify that alternate routes recommended by your GPS are safe prior to travel.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the threat of violent crime.
Issue Date : May 13, 2024
South Africa weather
South Africa essential details
Plugs
South Africa uses 230V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C, Type D, Type M and Type N.
Languages
The languages that are typically spoken are Southern Sotho
Money in South Africa
Currencies
South Africa uses the South African rand (symbol: R), code ZAR.Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 rand. Rand is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 rand and 50, 20 and 10 cents.
ATM
Automatic teller machines are very common in South Africa. You can find them in both large & small cities, tourist areas etc.You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Tipping
Expected to tip Tipping is expected in South Africa since staff depend on tips to supplement their often minimum wages.
Internet in South Africa
Internet
Internet speed in South Africa is on average 4.1 Mbps. WiFi coverage in South Africa is moderate. It's relatively easy to find one when needed.
Phones
You can buy a SIM card for about 98.07 ZAR, which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 4 telecoms: Cell C, MTN, Telkom or Vodacom. South Africa uses GSM mobile networks GSM 900 and GSM 1800. If you don't want to buy SIM card in South Africa upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Calling
To call South Africa, dial +, then 27 (the country code for South Africa), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number. For local calls within South Africa, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 10 .
South Africa travel details
Driving in South Africa
Road rules
In South Africa you drive on the left side. Most cars have manual transmission (stick). Unless otherwise posted, the speed limits for cars and motorcycles are as follows: 120 km/h (74 mph) on motorways, 120 km/h (74 mph) on expressways, 40 km/h (24 mph) in all built-up areas and 80 km/h (49 mph) on undivided highways.
Emergecy
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Fire department
112
South Africa map
South Africa visa advice
If you're considering exploring South Africa beyond the usual transit spots, our comprehensive guide on South Africa transit visa offers deeper insights and broader options for travelers of different nationalities. For those transiting through other countries en route to South Africa, understanding South Africa Transit Visa requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey.