There is much to see and experience when you travel in South Africa. There is a variety of attractions in and around the city and Reception can advise you where to find information on these and tours in and beyond the city.

South Africa Travel Information (Tips)

• Travellers to South Africa must have two (2) blank pages in their passport that lie side by side to one another.
  Passports must be valid for travel for at least six months. It has happened in the past that when travellers have been turned away because they did not have these two blank pages. Do not put yourself in this frustrating situation!

• Foreign tourists in South Africa can have their VAT refunded, provided they spend more than R250 on one item. All VAT refunds happen when you depart the country. Travellers MUST keep all of their tax invoices, the items which you would like a refund from and your foreign passport.
  
  When claiming VAT back upon your departure, you will be required to fill out forms and provide invoices of goods purchased.   VAT in South Africa is at 14%.

• Change some of your money to the host currencies before leaving home, in case local money changing facilities are closed when you arrive.   Use ATM cards and credit cards.
  

• South Africa is a popular tourist destination and it is advisable to make your travel arrangements as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.   This includes accommodation, flights and car hire
  reservations.

• South Africa holiday destinations are generally busiest during the summer months from November to March.   Local summer school holidays fall during December and January and at this time local seaside resorts are particularly busy and packed with families and children.   Other busy holiday periods are over Easter and during the local June/July school holiday period.    For visitors preferring a cooler temperature, fewer tourists and less crowds in general it is worth considering a visit during the off-peak months of April/May or September/October.   You may also be able to take advantage of seasonal discounts at these times.

• South Africa has 11 official languages one of them being English. The majority of the population is able to speak and understand English even if it is not their first language.
• South Africans use a lot of local 'slang' -
  some of those you are more than likely to come into contact with are listed below:
  
  
  • “Howzit”
    A traditional South African greeting meaning "How are you?" or "How are things?"
  • "Boet"
    Is the Afrikaans word for "brother" and is often used as a term of affection between male friends.
  • “Café”
    The local corner shop selling milk, bread, newspaper and cigarettes etc
  • “Just now”
    If a South African tells you they will do something "just now", they mean they'll do it in the near future - not immediately.
  • “Lekker”
    An Afrikaans word meaning nice. It is often used in association with food, as in: "That meal was lekker."
  • “Now now”
    This is not intended to comfort but means shortly, as in: "I will be there now now."
  • “Braai”
    The South African equivalent of a barbeque where meat is cooked over an open fire. A popular weekend and social pastime.
  • “Boerewors/Wors”
    A type of spicy sausage made from beef or lamb. Generally it is quite thick and is cooked on a braai.
    

• Law prohibits smoking in most public spaces, including airports and railway stations. Most restaurants have designated smoking and non-smoking areas.