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Packing tips for your singles vacation

South Africa Travel Information, Tips and More

 

Passport and Visa

USA and Canada citizens are not required to hold a visa for leisure travel.  It’s crucial for you to have at least two blank pages per entry into South Africa for entry stamping. It’s also a requirement that your passport be valid for six months after the date of travel.

  

Local Currency

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the currency of South Africa. which is divided into 100 cents.  The coins are one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and R1, R2 and R5. The notes are R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.

All major credit cards can be used in South Africa. If you have a "chip card", you will be required to enter your pin code. Pin-based debit cards are often accepted too.

 

Local Time

South Africa Time Zone - is abbreviated as SAST (South Africa Standard Time) zone and is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time that is 5 hours ahead of EST / 8 hours ahead of PST

South Africa does not utilize daylight saving time.

 

Electric Plugs 

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

The U.S. and Canadians will need an electric converter and probably a special South Africa plug. You can purchase one online here - https://www.bestsingletravel.com/travel-products

 

South Africa Weather

Being in the southern hemisphere, South Africa seasons are opposite to those of Europe and North America. The country is famous for its sunshine and is a relatively dry country.

 

The temperatures in Cape Town & Johannesburg average in the high 70’s to Low 60’s

Victoria Falls temperature in the high 80s to low 60s.

 

Kruger Park has a hot, subtropical climate and most of the year it is hot during the day (above 77° F). Game viewing is best during the dry winters months, however the wet summer season brings full waterholes, lush bushveld, many newborn wildlife and the summer migrant birds arrive.

 

South Africa Packing
Overall South Africa attire is casual and comfortable. Given the warm weather please consider the items you will bring with you.

Please check your international airlines for the weight and luggage allowances. South African Airways’ website regarding luggage requirements states Economy Class Travel is allowed a maximum of 50 lbs with a maximum dimension of 62”.

 

For safaris bring lots of mosquito repellent as well as anti-histamine and lotion for insect bites. If you are taking anti-malarials, don't forget to bring them too! Your ankles are the most vulnerable area, so pay special attention to protecting them.

 

Local Foods

South Africa boasts excellent fresh produce, meat, fruit, wines and seafood. Types of dishes served include sosaties (a type of kebab), bobotie (curried mince), crayfish, biltong (seasoned dried meat), and potjiekos (a casserole cooked for hours in a three-legged iron pot). Also try some traditional African and Afro-fusion dishes. The traditional beer -umqombothi - is a home-brewed sorghum beer sold in many African townships.

 

Shopping in South Africa 

When in South Africa buy art and handicrafts. Gold, diamonds and semi-precious stones are usually a good buy, especially in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Shop for beadwork, baskets, rugs, and wood carvings.

 

When shopping in South Africa you can get a VAT refund on purchases. A tax invoice must be requested rr time of purchase. The invoice must have the seller's name, address,  VAT registration number, description of items, the cost in Rands, and the amount of VAT charged. VAT is levied at a rate of 15%. For purchases of more than R3000, the buyer's name and address must appear on the tax invoice.


Cape Town, South Africa. There are lots of things to choose from - wooden carvings, beaded jewelry, tableware (silverware, serving pieces) with beaded accents, items made from ostrich eggs, batik table linens, and items made from recycled items (really cool stuff made from old Coke cans). 


Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg craft markets feature African masks, wooden carvings, beaded dolls, wire baskets and a variety of other native handicrafts. You will also find clothing, ceramics, collectibles, second-hand books,  jewellery, and plenty of cheap mass-produced goods.

Kruger National Park, South Africa. Most camp/hotel shops offer a great selection of wildlife books, DVDs, safari clothing and African crafts. 

 

Very Important

* Do not carry a lot of cash, you will not need it and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere

* Money – Debit/Credit cards - be sure to have your PIN numbers.
* Call your banks and credit companies and let them know you are traveling

* We do not advise to take Travelers Checks, they are hard to exchange

* A copy of your passport is always a good idea to leave with your emergency contacts
* Best Single Travel suggests that you visit your Doctor before your trip.



Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!