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What to know before you go to 
   South Africa    

Travel Insurance:
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured. In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating without insurance. Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance. For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must.

Visa Information:
US citizens need a valid US passport for entry into South Africa.  Make three photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with family and carry the other separately from your original. Due to new airline regulations, a copy of your passport must also be sent to Pilgrim Tours.

Health Certificates:
None required.

Language Spoken:
South Africa has 11 official languages:  English, Afrikaans, as well as Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Pedi, Shangaan and Ndebele.  Furthermore, because South Africa has attracted a myriad of immigrants from around the world, you’ll also hear other languages like Italian, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, and Czechoslovakian. 

Population:
South Africa is home to approximately 43 million people, of which 77% are black.  Whites represent about 10%, Asians – 3%, and those of mixed origin – 9%. 

Location:  
Situated south of the Limpopo River, South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent with the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast and the Indian Ocean on the east coast.  Northeast of South Africa, you’ll find Mozambique, with Zimbabwe and Botswana on its northern border and Namibia on its northwestern border.  Within South Africa’s borders, lie the independent mountainous kingdom of Lesotho and Swaziland.  

Provinces:  
The country is divided into nine provinces:  Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Northern Province, North West and Western Cape. 

Size:  
South Africa covers an area of 1,221,040 square km (471,444 square miles).  This makes South Africa three times the size of Texas and five times larger than Great Britain, yet it only occupies 4% of Africa’s total land mass.

Currency:
The currency unit is the rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents = R 1.  Check the travel section of your newspaper or the internet for the most recent exchange rate. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks or Bureaux de Changes.  ATM machines are available throughout the South Africa, however, in smaller towns ATM cards, traveler's checks and credit cards may not be accepted. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in the SOUTH AFRICAN RAND ONLY - NOT US DOLLARS.

Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates, are accepted in South Africa.  The major petrol stations, also accept credit cards.

 VAT (Value Added Tax):
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the price of most goods and services.  Foreign visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods, but may claim refund on VAT paid for items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250 per item.  Refunds can be claimed at airports of departure, various harbors and customs offices by presenting the items with purchase slips.  Information leaflets on the procedure to follow are available from VAT Refund Administration offices at Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg International Airports.

Voltage:
Electrical power systems operate at 220/230 volts, AC50Hz.  You will need to bring along the necessary converters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc, or you can purchase such adaptors locally. 

Communications:  
A direct dialing service connects all local centers except the most remote rural districts.  The international telephone service links South Africa with more than 170 countries around the world.  Cellular phones can be rented from one major center and returned at another.  Most hotels and businesses offer fax services and many now have email addresses. 

Transport Systems:
An excellent road network of high quality tarred roads link destinations.  Routes are well posted, and car hire firms operate throughout the country.  Air, rail, and motor coach services link the main centers.  Air charter services are also available.  In addition to main line rail service, the Blue Train and Rovos Rail offer the ultimate in luxury train travel.

Medication:
If you are required to take medications, you should notify the leader of your group in the event of an emergency. Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you if your medication is lost. All medication must be kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medication.

Baggage Allowance:
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse, camera case or video camera). Be sure your luggage is clearly marked (using the baggage tags provided). It is wise to also insert an index card with your name, address and phone number inside of your luggage.

Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to exceed a 45-inch dimension, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

Time Zone:
Seven hours ahead of EST.

Climate:
As a southern hemisphere country, South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere.  Therefore the spring and summer months are September through to March and the autumn and winter months are April through to August.  

Due to its position between the cold Benguela current that flows off the Atlantic Ocean, and warm Agulhas current that flows off the Indian Ocean, South Africa’s climate varies from hot in summer to moderate in winter, particularly during the day.  Most regions have summer rainfall except the Cape, which has winter rainfall.

South Africa’s average daily hours of sunshine are among the highest in the world. 8.5 compared with 3.8 in London, 6.4 in Rome and 6.9 in New York. 

Pre-Flight:
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers. In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Tours at 800-322-0788.

Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.

When at the airport, never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short. Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.

Check-in time for international flights is normally two – three hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification for international travelers.  Please allow time for extra security measures.

Bring along a moisturizer, as the air in the plane cabin is extremely dry.

In order to avoid jet lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water.

What to Pack:
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion. Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but it is not necessary. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings.

A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella.

Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Never pack these items in your checked luggage. 

Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry. A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.

Do not over-pack. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pack. Put half of your items in your companion's luggage and vice-versa. This will ease the frustration of lost luggage.

Take along a small backpack. When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, and a notebook and pen. It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs.

Don't forget these travel sized necessities: sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic "zip-locking" bags (for storing open bottles and containers).

Purchase your film and batteries in the US. Remember to bring along extra for your video camera.

Tipping:
In restaurants, 10% of the bill generally applies, depending on the standard of service.  Restaurants do not usually include the tip in the bill.  Taxi drivers expect 10% of the fare.
A usual tip for tour bus drivers is $1.00 per person, per day and a tour escort usually receives $2.00 per person, per day. Hotel maids receive $1.00 per person, per day. Tip taxi drivers at least 10-15% of the fare. This is simply a general guideline. Tips and gratuities are earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner.

Meals:
For meals that are not included, check with your group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range you are interested in). 

Shopping:
Local manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship and at the current rand value you can afford to be extravagant.  Shopping hours are generally 8.30 am –5.00pm Monday to Saturday and 8.00am – 1.00pm on Sundays.  Major shopping centers are open on Sundays. Check with your group leader or the front desk at your hotel for the best shopping areas. Specify that you are interested in purchasing items that are known for their local and cultural appeal. 

Safety guidelines:
One important and unnerving custom to acclimate yourself to is looking to the RIGHT when crossing streets. Take your time and be extremely careful at intersections. Better safe than sorry.
It is sensible to take the same precautions in major cities and remote areas as you would in any other part of the world.  Keep an eye on luggage and deposit valuables, including expensive jewelry, in the hotel’s safety deposit box.  Secure yourself and belongings in your vehicle.  In the evenings, keep to well lit areas.