The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR): 100 cents = 1 Rand.
South African notes are issued in denominations of 10.00, 20.00, 50.00, 100.00, and 200.00 rand.
The coins consist of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent pieces, as well as 1, 2, and 5 rand. The old
coins are still common and some five rand notes are still in circulation. The R200.00 note looks
very similar to the R20.00 note.
Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and at authorised dealers
such as Thomas Cook and American Express. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign
currency travellers are allowed to bring into the country. However, if you want to change rand
back into your own currency at the end of your trip, you will need to produce at least some of
the receipts you received when changing your money into rands.
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European
Time, seven hours ahead of USA Eastern Standard Time, and eight hours behind Australian
Eastern Time. There are no different time zones within South Africa.
Banks
Banking hours vary, but are usually from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays and from 08:30 to 11:00
on Saturdays. Banking facilities are available at the three international airports.
Most ATMs are available 24 hours a day.
Shops
Shopping hours are generally between 08:30 and 17:00 on weekdays and from 08:30 to 15:00 on
Saturdays. Many shops are open on Sundays in the cities. General shopping can be done at
mini-supermarkets and corner cafes, which are open from early morning until late evening every day of the week
throughout the year.
Post Offices
Most post offices are open from 08:00 to 16:30 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 12:00 on
Saturdays.
Bars and Pubs
Bars are open from 10:00 to 02:00 daily. Liquor stores are open from 09:00 to 18:00 during
the week and from 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Some supermarkets stock wine.
South Africa is a dry, sunny country, with a high number of sunshine days. The general annual
rainfall is 502mm (20in). Summer is from October to March with temperatures ranging from 15°C to
36°C (60°F to 90°F). Snow is usually only found on the highest mountain peaks as a result of the
mild climate. Despite winter months being cooler, it is suitable to travel any time of the year.
The country can be divided into two climatic zones: the winter rainfall region, in the
southwestern corner, and the summer rainfall region, which covers most of the country.
The climatic conditions also vary between the different provinces.
KwaZulu Natal has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm winters. The Southern
Gauteng region has a dry, frosty but sunny climate in winter with a maximum temperature of
about 20°C (68°F) at midday and lower temperatures of about 5°C (41°F) at night. The summers
are hot with occasional spectacular thunderstorms and hailstorms.
The Lowveld (the northeastern part of Gauteng), the Free State and the Cape interior share
Southern Gauteng's stormy, hot summers and warm, mild winters. The Western Cape has a
Mediterranean climate with dry and sunny summers achieving average maximum temperatures
around 26°C (79°F). It is during the summer months that the Southeaster (or 'Cape doctor'
as it is informally known because of its smog-moving power) blows, often reaching gale force.
The winters are mild and wet with an average temperature of around 17°C (63°F). The nights can
be very cold and snow is not uncommon on high peaks.
Most of the country experiences twelve hours light a day with small seasonal fluctuations.
However, the Western Cape enjoys long evenings in summer with the sun setting between 19:00
and 20:00.
The elevation and dry air of most of the country results in few health risks. However,
malaria occurs in the Northern Mpumalanga, Eastern Lowveld and the Natal coast and it is
highly recommended that all visitors take a course of tablets, starting at least four days
before entering these areas. No prescription is required.
Bilharzia is found in the rivers and lakes of these regions and can be cured with a course of
tablets available at pharmacies. Tick-bite fever is also a danger and can be avoided by
regularly checking for ticks after a hike in a bushy area. Vaccinations are recommended for
polio, tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid, cholera and yellow fever. The latter three are only
necessary if you intend travelling further into Africa. Visitors having passed through a
yellow fever zone must produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination when entering
South Africa.
Tap water is safe in the urban areas. Caution should be taken against sunstroke and
dehydration.
It is advisable to take out a travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical
problems. The public health system is not free, is overcrowded and grossly underfunded.
The private hospitals are excellent but expensive, as are the ambulance services which are
often privately run.
For mild illnesses, it is best to consult a pharmacist at one of the many pharmacies around
the country. They are highly trained and willing to advise and dispense certain medications.
Some medications require a prescription which must be obtained from a doctor. Emergency
pharmacies are open 7 days a week until 23:00 but others may close at 18:00 and may not be
open on Sundays. For more serious illnesses, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Names and
addresses of various doctors are listed in the telephone directory under 'Medical Practitioners'
or they can be obtained from the nearest consulate or police station. Major hotels have
contracts with doctors and dentists. The national ambulance phone number is 10-177.
