VisaBritish citizens do not require a visa, however, please note that your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the South Africa entry stamp. British visitors without a free blank page in their passports will be denied entry
Customs Allowances
400 cigarettes
250 grams of tobacco,
50 cigars,
One litre of spirit,
Two litres of wine,
50 ml perfume,
250 ml of eau de toilette,
Also gifts, souvenirs and other goods to the value of R500. Duty is levied at 20% thereafter.
Health
South Africa boasts excellent medical facilities. However all medical treatment must be paid for, so you should purchase travel insurance for your stay. Tap water is safe to drink throughout South Africa. You can swim safely at beaches along the entire coastline. You shouldn't swim in rivers and lakes in the eastern and northern regions, as the bilharzia parasite may be in the water. Warning signs are usually posted. The Eastern Cape is bilharzia-free. Cape Town and the surrounding areas are all Malaria free, but if you are going on safari, preventative measures may be required dependent on the area you are travelling to.
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Difference
GMT +2 hours
Calling South Africa
The international code for South Africa is 27, which should be preceded by the international prefix of 00 if calling from the UK, 011 if calling from the U.S etc. When dialling from outside South Africa, omit the 0 at the beginning of the area code, but use it when dialling within the country. Public phones are either coin or card operated. You can buy telephone cards at post offices and airports.
Public Holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day; March 21 - Human Rights Day; Easter; April 27, Constitution Day; May 1 - Workers' Day; June 16 - Youth Day; August 9 - National Woman's Day; September 24 - Heritage Day; December 16 - Day of Reconciliation; December 25 - Christmas Day; December 26 - Boxing Day, Day of Goodwill.
Driving
Driving in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa is on the left-hand side, as in Britain. Tolls are charged on some major roads. The general speed limit on freeways is 120 kph (75 mph). Elsewhere the speed limit is 100 kph (62 mph); in populated areas it is 60 kph (37 mph) unless otherwise posted. Seat belts must be worn at all times and it is illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving. Keep your doors locked at all times and avoid leaving anything of value visible in the vehicle when unoccupied. An international driving licence is required when driving in Cape Town, South Africa. Petrol stations are generally open 24 hrs a day as well as their restrooms and kiosk. It is also advisable to use the garage or dedicated parking at your Cape Town luxury holiday villa to ensure further safety.
Security
For your own safety, do not carry excessive amounts of valuables around with you, and always use the safes provided in the Villa.
Do not venture off the beaten track, stick to tourist areas unless you are part of an organised trip. It is safe to walk alone in Camps Bay and around the Waterfront and major tousirs areas, but as with all places, be vigilant and alert. |
