GENERAL LAWS AND FACTS ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA:
|
area: |
1 221 307 sq kms |
|
languages: |
English (main), Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans |
| climate: | summer rainfall except in the Western Cape. For an up to date weather report, Tel: 012 219 621 |
|
currency: |
100 cents = 1 Rand. Foreign currency should be declared on entry the Rand may be used in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique |
| time: | GMT + 2 |
| international dialing code: | + 27 |
| telephones: |
public phones are coin or card operated. Green public phones use telephone cards in denominations of R10 - R200, which may be bought at hotels, post offices and supermarkets. Cellular phones are widely used and may be hired at airports. |
| useful numbers: |
Directory assistance: 1023. International Directory Enquiries: 0903 Time: 1026 |
|
emergency numbers: |
police flying squad: 10111 ambulance: 1022 fire: 1022 |
| conversions: | distances are given in kilometres (1 mile = 1.62 kilometres) Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (Centigrade) (20°C = 68°F) |
| electricity: | current is 200/230 volts at 50 cycles per second. A 3-point round-pin adaptor is required for razors and hairdryers |
| passports/ visas: | passports must be valid for 6months after date of departure from SA. Visas are not generally required. Visitors must have a return ticket |
| customs allowances: | personal effects are allowed in duty free. Visitors may bring in goods worth R1250; duty is levelled at 20% up to R10 000. |
| VAT: | Value Added Tax, currently at 14%, is levied on most goods and services. Visitors may reclaim VAT on purchases over R250 at inter-national points of departure. |
| driving: | South Africans drive on the left, and give way to the right. Drivers must have a valid licence, with photo, or an international driving permit. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits (on motor-ways- 120kph; elsewhere - 100kph; built-up areas - 60kph |
|
population: |
± 44.8 million |
|
largest cities: |
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban |
| 9 provinces: | Western Cape; Eastern Cape; Northern Cape; Free State; North West; Gauteng; Limpopo; Mpumalanga; KwaZulu-Natal |
| president: | Thabo M Mbeki |
|
religion: |
predominantly Christian |
|
best time to visit: |
Sept/ Oct (spring) Apr/ May (autumn) |
|
main economic sectors: |
mining; tourism; manufacturing; financial services |
|
fixed public holidays: |
1 Jan; 21 Mar; 27 April; 1 May; 16 June; 9 Aug; 24 Sept; 16 Dec; 25 & 26 Dec. Variable: Good Friday; Easter Sunday |
| smoking: | is not permitted in enclosed public premises |
|
dress code: |
casual, except in some hotels, clubs and restaurants that require more formal attire. Topless swim-ming and sun-bathing is not officially allowed |
| tipping: | waiters and taxi drivers generally expect 10% of the bill. |