Important information

Foreign visitors need visa for entering into South Africa. Regarding visa regulation kindly make enquiries at the Visa Section of the South African Embassy located in your country !

The seasons in South Africa are the opposite of the European seasons. In short: winter is June, July and August, spring is September, and summer is the longest season: from the second half of September to the beginning of May, autumn is the second half of May. There is no distinct rainy season all year round.

The country covers an area 13 times the size of Hungary. The climate in the north and south of the country differs in detail, with the north having a sub-tropical climate and the south mainly Mediterranean.

No vaccination is required during your stay in South Africa ! The Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon area are the only malaria areas, therefore, when visiting during the summer period - from September to mid-May - it is strongly recommended, on medical advice and prescription, to take anti-malaria tablets. The latest tablet is available in Hungary under the name MALANIL or MALARONE.

During the winter season - June, July, August - no protection is needed!

If foreign visitors are planning to visit the Victoria Falls in neighbouring Zambia and Zimbabwe, malaria vaccination is absolutely necessary during all periods for 12 months!

230 Volt, 50 Hz, 3- and 5-hole sockets are used throughout the country.

English is the most widespread and widely used language in the country, out of 11 different languages (9 x tribal and 2 x European).

The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), which is made up of 100 cents. Foreign convertible currencies, e.g. Euro/US$/Sfr/UK Pound, etc. can be converted into South African Rand at all commercial banks, money changers, major hotels and ATM machines (exchange at ATM machines, extra care when withdrawing money!) International credit cards and debit cards are accepted as means of payment throughout the country.

On weekdays - Monday to Friday - from 09:00 to 15:30 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 11:00.

The standard tip in South Africa is 10%, with good service. However, it is worth asking whether the bill does not already include the so-called "service charge".

It is also advisable to tip porters, taxi drivers and service staff at petrol stations. In South Africa, unlike in Europe, petrol station staff fill up the tank, take care of card payments, measure the tyre pressure and clean the window glass - conveniently, without getting out of the car.

The South African authorities pay particular attention to the safety of tourists. The areas around popular tourist sites and hotels are generally safe. Visitors are advised to keep a close eye on their luggage and other valuables at all times during their stay, and not to walk alone in deserted areas, dark places, especially late at night or during the night. Simply put: what you wouldn't do at home for your own safety, don't do here.

It is advisable to avoid wearing expensive watches and jewellery on the streets and to use ATM machines with caution.

South African culture and etiquette in urban areas is similar to that in Europe. Dress codes are different especially in rural areas. Homosexuality is legally accepted but can be a problem in suburban areas. Racism is a sensitive issue, but race and inter-ethnic relations are now common.

In African racial terminology, the terms "black" and "white" refer to people of African and Caucasian descent, while "coloured" refers to people of mixed African and European descent - and the term is not considered offensive. Nudist bathing is only allowed in a few designated places.

South Africans are friendly, kind, smiling and hospitable, eager to help visitors to enjoy themselves and, if necessary, to support tourists in need as best they can.

Tourists are exempt from paying customs duty on imports of 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 50 ml of perfume, 250 ml of cologne and other goods up to a value of ZAR 5,000.

The current exchange rate is around ZAR 1 = HUF 20.

VAT (in South Africa VAT) on all products is 15%, which can be reclaimed at the airport before take-off on presentation of the invoice and the purchased item at the shop.

South Africa international code +27.

Mobile phone networks are available throughout the country, and the country has roaming agreements with most international mobile operators. It is also possible to use the free WHATSAPP, VIBER services.

WIFI is easily available, especially in cities. Mobile services offer worldwide SIM cards, a good choice, especially

for longer stays. (In this case, we recommend contacting our Budapest office.