INFORMATION ON SOUTH AFRICA

Hi bikers,

Here is some general information on South Africa:

ENTRY

• Germans, Austrians and Swiss do not need a visa when entering South Africa. At their arrival, they get a so-called “Visitor`s Permit “, that is normally valid for 90 days.
• Please always be friendly to the immigration officer, he or she finally decides whether you enter or not.
• Every person must not import more than 5000 rand. The exchange rate in South Africa is more favorable than in Germany.
• Upon your arrival at the airport you can exchange easily.

PASSPORT

• The passport must be valid at least 30 days beyond departure to get a “Visitor`s Permit”. In addition, there must be 2 blank pages for endorsements. An interim passport with the same conditions is valid, too.
• The passport must be machine-readable. The Bordeaux-colored European passport, which has been used in Germany since 2005, is such a passport.

LUGGAGE & LAPTOPS

• Do not lock your suitcase with a padlock. The incoming luggage is often carefully checked and can be opened by customs personnel. If the suitcase is checked, you will find a note in it.
• Technical devices with empty batteries may not be taken on board the aircraft for safety reasons. Please care for sufficient remaining battery power of mobile phones or notebook computers.

LIQUIDS

• Liquids, creams or gel are permissible in the hand baggage with restrictions. They may not exceed 100 ml. These things must be transported in a transparent, resealable plastic bag of a maximum of 1 l. Only one bag is permissible for one person. This also applies to deodorants, tooth paste, perfume and mascara.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CURRENCY

• The South African currency includes rand (R) and cents (C). Banknotes: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10, coins: R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. In all bigger cities and airports, you find banks, where you can exchange foreign currency. South Africa has a modern banking system and most of the shops and hotels accept credit cards.

OPENING HOURS BANKS

• Monday to Friday from 9:00 – 15:30 and Saturday from 8:30 – 11:00

OPENING HOURS POST OFFICE

• Monday to Friday from 8:30 – 16:00 and Saturday from 8:00 – 12:00

MEDICAL CARE

• If you enter coming directly from Germany, no special vaccinations are necessary. It is advised to check all medical necessities (vaccinations) before the travel starts. In South Africa, good medical care is guaranteed and in private hospitals you find first-class medical treatment.

VALUE-ADDED TAX

• The value-added tax is 14% and will be added to the price in nearly all shops, hotels and restaurants. As a tourist, you will be returned this value-added tax under certain circumstances when leaving the country.

CREDIT CARDS

• Credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted in nearly all shops. In service stations or smaller shops, you must pay in cash.

WATER AND HEALTH

• Cape Town is a clean and safe city. There are no health risks and vaccinations are not necessary. Table water can be consumed without a problem and there is no danger of malaria.

SEASONS

• From end of October to March it is summer in Cape Town. In winter, the weather is rather cold and humid. Rainy months are from June to August. The summers are quite warm and in Cape Town there is normally a light breeze. Spring and autumn are very pleasant months and suitable for visiting Cape Town.

SAFETY

• In general, Cape Town is a safe city. Serious crimes focus on the slums (townships and Cape flats), whereas petty crime (pocket picking) can be found everywhere as it is the case also in other countries. Therefore, you must follow the normal rules. Downtown should be avoided after closing hour, at night and on Sundays.

TIP

• In South Africa, you do not tip as often as in Europe. The accepted guideline is always 10%.