Money / Currency

Rand (R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Credit cards are widely accepted
Travellers cheques are widely accepted.
Banks and authorised dealers can exchange cash.

Most banks are open Mon-Fri 0900-1530 and Sat 0900-1100. Autobanks are found in most towns and operate on a 24-hour basis.

Advice & Warnings

US State Department
Australia foreign affairs
Canadian Consular affairs
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Visas

For most nationaliities temporary resident permits of up to 90 days are issued on arrival in the country.  You may be asked to prove onward flights or travel arrangements or proof of funds. Click on the link below or check with your nearest South African embassy for details.

South African Embassies Abroad
Travel Visa requirements

Communications

Internet is widely available in cafes, hotels & backpackers hostels
Post to urope takes 4 to 7 days, sending parcels is generally OK, but insurance may be advisable. It is relatively expensive.
Phones are plentiful, and phone cards can be obtained up to a value of R100. Public phones can receive incoming calls if you prefer friends or family to call you back, but the hpone will usually cut out after 10 minutes, then they would need to dial again.
There are mobile phone operators, roaming coverage is supported over most of the country.

Country code ++27

Electricity

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

Public Holidays