Travel Money Guide
South Africa
South Africa
ZAR
Visa Costs (Inbound)
Insurance Cover Tips
To enter South Africa, Australians and New Zealanders do not require a visa,
but do need to have at least six months’ validity on their passport after their
planned date of return to Australia. They are also required to have at least two
blank pages in their passport on which the entry permit can be endorsed.
If you need more information regarding visas and other travel document
requirements for your trip, please ask your travel consultant.
Any airport or departure taxes are included in the price of your air ticket.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends travel insurance
for all overseas travel. Your travel consultant can provide information to you
about travel insurance.
Travel insurance that covers theft and medical issues is essential when
travelling to South Africa. It is also important to ensure your policy covers
ambulances, hospital stays, and emergency flights home. If you plan to go
canoeing or hiking, ensure your policy will cover you for those activities.
Always disclose pre-existing medical conditions and choose an insurer
that offers online access to your policy details and 24x7 support.
Tipping
Accommodation
Tipping is customary and expected in South Africa. In restaurants and bars,
it is expected that you pay a tip of around 10-15% of the total of your bill.
Porters in hotels expect a tip of R10 – R20 each time they assist you.
Budget: Around AU$30/night*
Moderate: Around AU$70/night*
Luxury: Around AU$150/night*
ATM Access
*Based on a standard room for 2 people in Cape Town.
Departure Tax
Good – there are ATMs everywhere
POOR
FAIR
GOOD
Debit and Credit Card Access
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in South Africa, although, the
international transaction fees are known to beIMPOLITE
very high. Pay
in local currency
POSSIBLE
EXPECTED
to avoid hidden conversion fees that can eat into
money. Consider
POORyour travelFAIR
GOOD
using a prepaid currency card to ensure you aren’t wasting your money on
hidden fees.
RARE
Avoid having your cards blocked by informingCOMMON
your bank ofPOSSIBLE
your travel plans
IMPOLITE may appear
POSSIBLEsuspicious
EXPECTED
and dates. If you forget, your international activity
to
your bank.
Pickpocket Security Rating
COMMON
POSSIBLE
RARE
2 stars – theft is common
Pickpocketing and theft are quite
common in South Africa, particularly in the townships. It is advised that
you do not walk the streets at night and, if you can, always travel with
someone.
Tourists are generally targets of pickpockets, particularly if they are welldressed and wearing expensive jewellery. Try not to draw attention to
yourself and consider leaving non-essential valuables at home.
Cost of a Coffee
R20.45 (regular cappuccino)
Transport
South Africa offers several options for getting out and about, including bus,
taxi, train and hire car.
The train tends to be the most appealing for tourists as it covers a wide
range of cities and attractions. It also offers economical transport options or
more luxurious, spacious accommodation for longer journeys.
The Blue Train is South Africa’s most famous train, offering top of the line
luxury for an African safari.
Bargaining Scale
Haggling is not customary in South Africa. However, in some touristy market
places, the prices are inflated with the expectation that tourists will haggle.
Only try to negotiate the price if you genuinely feel it is too high.
Top Expert Tip
Book your trip to South Africa during the off-peak season to take advantage
of discounted rates. Most travellers book their African safari during animal
migration season and pay enormously inflatedPOOR
prices.
FAIR
GOOD
Scammers and Ripoffs
POSSIBLE
EXPECTED
Credit card fraud is known to be an issue IMPOLITE
in South Africa. When you are using your credit card for transactions,
never let it out of your sight and ensure the transaction is performed
in your clear view.
COMMON
POSSIBLE
Also, avoid “helpers” at the ATM, who are just
trying to get
their hands RARE
on your card details.
General Travel Advice
Contact the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade or visit www.smartraveller.gov.au for general travel advice, as well
as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to travel to South
Africa. You can also register your travel plans with DFAT, so that you may
be more easily contacted in an emergency.
Information as at 1 July 2016. This information is a guide only and prepared in good faith. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and
services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information
provided. Travel Money Currency Exchange Pty Ltd trading as Travel Money Oz, ABN 46 121 451 723. TMG68087 Sth Africa
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