From the bustling cities, to the incredible natural wonders, there’s so much to see and explore when you travel to South Africa.
In order to truly make the most of your trip, though, it’s best to be prepared. Knowing what to expect in South Africa can help you avoid some of the little stresses that go along with travel and spend more time on what you came for: life-changing experiences.
Here are some tips for making sure you’re ready for your trip to South Africa:
What do I need to know about South Africa?
Formal name: Republic of South Africa
Capitals: Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town
Prime Minister: Cyril Ramaphosa
Religion: Mostly Christian
Time zone: Coordinated Universal Time (EST+7)
Currency: South African rand (ZAR)
What do I need to know about South African culture?
Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, with Zulu being the most common first language. Many South Africans speak Afrikaans, and many speak English.
It’s okay if you have no knowledge of the many languages spoken there — tour guides will help you navigate, and it’s not hard to get around without knowing the language, especially since many South Africans speak at least some English.
Etiquette: You generally won’t find etiquette in South Africa to be much different from what you experience at home. People shake hands as a greeting. When in doubt, look around you and get a sense of what locals are doing, or ask your tour guide.
Holidays: If your trip happens to fall during a holiday, this can be an excellent way to interact with locals during your free time, though it may affect business hours for shops and sites. Check out a calendar of South African holidays to see if any of them overlap with your trip dates.
What about health and safety?
Safety: As of this post, the U.S. State Department has listed South Africa as Level 2, meaning you should exercise “increased caution” while traveling there. That means keeping an eye on your luggage and wallet, staying with your group if you’re with a tour, and generally being aware of your surroundings.
The high crime rates in South Africa have made headlines in the past few years, but high-crime areas are usually more rural and less touristy. Places where tourists venture are generally safer, but you should never walk alone at night, and avoid carrying large sums of money. Click on the State Department link above for more safety tips.
South Africans drive on the left. Be careful when crossing the street; just like when you were little, be sure to look both ways, every time. If you go on safari, be sure to follow your guide’s directions and don’t try to engage with the animals.
Health: You do not need to have any vaccines (other than what’s routine in the U.S., like the MMR vaccine) to travel to South Africa, but it is recommended that you get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Talk to your doctor about what they recommend for you depending on your health and the area you’ll be visiting.
You should avoid drinking tap or well water (drink bottled water instead) and eating any fruits or vegetables that haven’t been thoroughly washed and peeled. Protect against bug bites on safari by wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes.
Weather: South Africa’s summer is from September to May, with winter coming in from June to August. During summer, temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s, and in the winter they range from the 40s to the 60s. Before you go, check out the weather for the specific areas you’ll be visiting, and pack accordingly.
Food: South Africa has very diverse cuisine, consisting of mostly meat dishes. If you’re a vegetarian, you can generally find options as long as you’re in a touristy area. If you venture beyond the big cities, though, it can be more difficult.
How do I use my phone in South Africa?
International calling: The number to call for emergency services is 10111. To call the U.S. from South Africa, dial 001, and then the number, starting with the area code.
For information on how international calling works for your cellular provider, contact them directly.
WiFi: Your hotels will probably offer WiFi, but it’s always good to check ahead. WiFi will be more common in larger, more touristy cities.
Adaptors: You will need a power adaptor when you travel to South Africa. Buy one that’s specific to the country, or get a universal adaptor that will work anywhere.
What do I need to get in, out, and around South Africa?
Passport and visa: Your passport must be valid for 30 days following the duration of your stay in South Africa. Visas are not required if you are staying in the country for less than 90 days. Make sure you have two blank pages in your passport; if you don’t, you may need to get a new one.
Customs: Don’t try to bring any raw beans, or fruits or vegetables back into the U.S.
Money: South Africa uses the rand (R). Be sure to carry at least some rand around. Other types of paper currency won’t be accepted, though credit cards from the U.S. are accepted at many locations. Check with your bank to see if you’ll be charged a fee for using your card abroad, and definitely notify them of your tour dates.
Check out the exchange rate for USD to rand before you go, and if you decide to change money, make sure the rate is favorable. Usually, the airport currency exchange will not offer you the best rate, and you’re best off using a debit card at an ATM during your trip, but be aware of any international fees.
Also, be sure to check out our tips and guidelines for spending money abroad.
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