Organize your stay South Africa
Money South Africa
The currency is the South African rand, symbol ZAR, written R, subdivided into centes. There are bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 rands, and coins of 0.50, 1, 2, 5 rands.
The exchange rate is 1 € = 19.15 R and 1 R = 0.052 € (February 2023).
Banks are open between 9am and 3:30pm on weekdays and sometimes on Saturdays between 8:30am and 11am. Exchange offices are common in airports and city centers, but you should prefer to use a bank card. For withdrawals and payments by card, the exchange rate is generally more interesting.
In case of loss or theft of your card abroad, your bank will offer you adequate solutions so that you can continue your stay in complete peace of mind. To do this, remember to take note of the assistance number indicated on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet before you leave.
Advice before departure: remember to inform your bank advisor of your trip. He or she will be able to check your payment and withdrawal limits.
Budget & Tips South Africa
Budget ideas (including meals, accommodation and visits per person):
Small budget: from 50 to 60 €/day.
Medium budget: from 60 to 80 €/day.
Big budget: from 80 to 140 €/day.
Passport and visas South Africa
No visa is required for stays of less than three months.
Driver's license South Africa
Avisitor's permit will be issued to you at passport control upon entry. Therefore, it is necessary that the passport contains a blank page.
Health South Africa
To receive advice before your trip, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Institut Pasteur medical center: ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical), or go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under the heading "Advice to travelers" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).
In case of illness or serious problem during your trip, quickly consult a pharmacist and then a doctor.
Mandatory vaccination South Africa
No vaccinations are required to stay in South Africa. However, for the more preventive, you can get information on the website of the Pasteur Institute.
Security South Africa
South Africa is known as one of the most violent countries in the world. Even if the official statistics tend to decrease, one should remain cautious, especially in the cities where, as in all big cities after all, muggings, robberies and carjackings occur. Avoid going alone to the townships after dark, or walking to the waterfront in Cape Town. Avoid displaying wealth and carrying valuables with you. When driving, be vigilant in locking doors and closing windows at traffic lights or other stops.
Time difference South Africa
South Africa is at UTC + 2, i.e. at the same time as us (France, Belgium, Switzerland) during the European summer and one hour ahead during our winter.
Spoken languages South Africa
afrikaans (13.3%), Northern Sotho (9.4%), Tswana (8.2%), Southern Sotho (7.9%), Tsonga (4.4%), Swati (2.7%), Venda (2.3%) and Ndebele (1.6%). English is spoken everywhere and remains the main language of communication. Assimil offers two pocket conversation books to learn Afrikaans or Zulu.
Electricity and measurements South Africa
The voltage is the same as in Europe but the plugs are different, with three pins. Buy an adapter on the spot, because it is only valid for South Africa and Botswana. Weights are in kilograms and distances in kilometers, not like in the UK.
Luggage South Africa
Take a flashlight, a Swiss Army knife, mosquito repellent spray or cream, an invisible pocket or belt under your clothes to hide your money, passport and credit card in high-risk areas, walking shoes or good sneakers for the bush, light clothing for tropical areas, and warm clothes if you are going to the mountains.
