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AIRPORTS:
Cape Town International; Johannesburg International;
Durban International; Port Elizabeth; East
London; George; Kimberley; Pilanesburg; Mpumalanga;
Limpopo; Bloemfontein; and Upington.
RAIL & BUS: South
Africa has an extensive rail network, connecting
most of the major cities and towns. Booking
must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
There are a number of upmarket lines and
special steam operators that offer a luxurious
means of crossing the country. These should
be booked through a travel agent.
ROADS: Driving in South
Africa is easy to adapt to, with sign posting
in English and driving on the left on well-maintained
roads. Your home driving licence is accepted
if it has your photo. An International Driving
Permit should otherwise be obtained.
HEALTH: Apart from malaria
in certain areas, travel to South Africa
generally poses no medical threat. Malaria
prophylactics are recommended for travellers
to certain areas of Mpumalanga and northern
KwaZulu-Natal. For travellers entering South
Africa within six days of leaving an infected
area, a yellow fever vaccination certificate
is required. |
WEATHER:
SUMMER: September - April; WINTER: May - August.
South Africa's topography and surrounding
oceans influence its climate, rather than
the latitude. Although the climate varies
from region to region, it is generally mild
and sunny throughout the year. On the whole
it is a dry country with a mean annual rainfall
of 502 mm. Summer temperatures average between
15- 30oC (60-96oF) at midday.
CURRENCY: The unit of
currency is the rand (R), which is divided
into 100 cents. Notes are in R200, R100,
R50, R20 and R10 and coins for smaller denominations.
The exchange rate tends to be in the international
tourist's favour and you should find most
goods very affordable.
TAX: Value Added Tax (VAT)
of 14% is levied in South Africa. Overseas
visitors taking goods out of South Africa
are able to reclaim the VAT. |
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Obtaining
Visa
Obtaining a visa to visit South Africa can
be done at the South African Embassy in Abu
Dhabi or at the South African Consulate in
Dubai.
Abu Dhabi:
Najda Street, Villa No. 12A,
Madinant Zayed, Abu Dhabi.
P O Box 29446
Abu Dhabi
Tel: +97 12 633-7565
E-mail: saemb@emirates.net.ae
Dubai:
Khaleed bin al Waleed Street,
New Sharaf Building, 3rd Floor, Bur Dubai
P O Box 34800
Dubai
Tel: +97 14 397-5222
E-mail: sacons@emirates.net.ae
For more information on visa requirements,
visit the Embassy’s informative and
well-maintained website with a host of interesting
links at http://www.southafrica.ae |
