South Africa flights and travel guide

Language

South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely spoken.

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Communications

The international access code for South Africa is +27. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). International phone cards cannot be used in South Africa. The country is served by three GSM mobile phone networks. Mobile service providers offer very cheap pay-as-you-go Sim cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some time. Internet cafes are widespread. Card and coin operated pay phonesare also widespread.

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Tipping

If a service charge is not included in the bill, waiters expect a tip of 10 per cent. Tipping for services rendered is widely anticipated by porters, taxi drivers, golf caddies and petrol attendants. "Car guards" operate in the city centers and tourist spots and will offer to look after your parked car; they are usually immigrantsfrom neighbouring countries looking for work and will expect anything from R2 upwards on your return.

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Safety

Visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's high incidence of crime. Although this tends to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country, for example in the township areas, opportunistic crime is fairly widespread. Travellers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions. Doors should be locked when driving. Berea and Hillbrow in Johannesburg are high risk areas and visitors should be cautious in the area.

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Health

Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise no vaccinations are required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and northeastern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and precautions are advised when travelling to these areas. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere, as there are periodic outbreaks of cholera in the poor communities of rural South Africa, particularly in Northern KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces.Outbreaks of extensive drug-resistant TB have also been reported in various regions of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Food poisoning is rare. Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash upfront and public hospitals are best avoided.

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Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are standard.

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