Useful hints for your trip

Entry:

Visitors from Germany, Switzerland and Austria do not need a visa for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival.

Vaccinations:

Not prescribed. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for certain areas but not for Cape Town, the Wine region or the Garden Route.

The Tropical Institute will inform you accordingly.

Changing money:

Foreign currencies can be exchanged without problems at the airport or any bank. Travellers’ cheques and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

You can also draw money at any autobank with your EC-card. (limit)

Tip:

As some wages are very low in South Africa, the service staff, of course, appreciate a tip. The general rule:

If you were happy with the service in a restaurant, a 10 % tip of the total bill is regarded as adequate.

Petrol station attendants and car guards appreciate 2–3 Rand.

A chambermaid will be pleased with 5–10 Rand per day and room.

Telephone:

Your mobile phone will work perfectly in South Africa, provided you have a roaming arrangement with your server. A considerably cheaper option is to buy a local Prepaid-card, which enables you to make phone calls at local fees and can be contacted at any time.

Electricity:

South Africa has a 220 Volt alternating current system. All foreign devices work with a plug adapter.

Physicians:

The medical service in South Africa is excellent. The well-known Mediclinic in Somerset West has a very competent team, if required. There are also some practising German-speaking doctors.

Time:

In the European summer the times are identical. During European winter South Africa is one hour in advance.

Traffic:

South Africa has a well-developed road system with left-hand traffic. An international driver’s licence is required.

Climate:

Very pleasant, Mediterranean climate all year round. In the summer months November to March the average daily temperature is ca. 27 ºC. At night the temperatures cool down to a pleasant 15 ºC. The travel season is from October to April. Sun protection is strongly recommended!