Official Language:
There are 11 official languages in South Africa, but the majority of people speak isiXhosa, followed by Afrikaans and English. Other official languages include: isiNdebele, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga
South Africa’s Eastern Cape region is home to Port Elizabeth and is known for its great natural beauty. The “Friendly City,” as it has been dubbed, is a major tourist destination. With its spectacular coastlines, long stretches of pristine sandy beaches, rocky coves, secluded lagoons and towering cliffs, it is easy to see why so many people are drawn to the area. If that isn’t enough, the Eastern Cape region also offers nature and wildlife attractions.
Passport/Visa Requirements
A
valid U.S. passport is required for entry into South Africa. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens holding U.S. passports. For more information on passport/visa information, visit: http://www.cibt.com. Please note: your passport should be valid throughout your stay in South Africa.
If you are planning to visit different regions of South Africa, a Yellow Fever certificate may be required. Please check with your PPS representative for confirmation.
Currency South Africa's unit of currency is the rand. Notes come in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. Visit www.xe.com current exchange rates.
All major (MasterCard and Visa) credit cards can be used in South Africa. However, there is one exception: fuel/gas cannot be purchased with a credit card – you must use cash. Please note: American Express and Diners Club are not as widely accepted as MasterCard and Visa. You may also find that shops in smaller towns do not accept credit cards, so cash is required. If you are unsure about the compatibility of your card, contact your credit card company or local bank. It is always a good idea to let your credit card company know you will be traveling out of the country to avoid any usage problems.
Time South Africa is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. There is no daylight savings time is 2008.
Electricity The electrical standard in Port Elizabeth is (200/250 V) AC 50 Hz. Most plugs have three round pins, but some appliances have plugs with two smaller pins. Adaptors can be purchased, but may be in short supply. We recommend purchasing an adaptor prior to leaving the U.S. U.S.-made appliances may also need a transformer.
Water Unlike most destinations where tourists have to buy bottled water, South Africa's tap water is of high quality and is fine for drinking.
Climate
South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate with warm sunny days most of the year. The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. From February to April is autumn in South Africa. The average daily high for this time of year is 73.4° F. The average daily low is 57.2° F. Average rain days for April are nine. South Africa enjoys one of the world's highest average daily hours of sunshine with about eight-and-a-half each day.
Communication
The region is very well developed in terms of telephone communications. The international access code is 27 and the city code is 41. Internet access is available at all major hotels and cybercafés are within walking distance.
Transportation
Walking and taxis are the best means for getting around the city. If you are planning any side trips, most tour companies will arrange for pickup at your hotel.Visitors to South Africa are permitted to drive so long as they hold a valid driver’s license from their own country. The driver’s license must bear a photo and signature and must be in English. If your driver’s license does not meet these requirements, an international driver’s license is required. Please note: driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is mandatory.
Tipping Tipping is common practice in South Africa for a range of services. In restaurants the accepted standard is between 10 - 15 percent of your total bill. Gratuities are sometimes added to the bill for large parties. Barmen (bartenders) are tipped a similar percentage.
Other tipping suggestions include:
Hotel porters - two to five rands.
Taxi drivers and tour guides – two to five rands
Gas station attendants – two to three rands. (Attendants will often pump your gas, clean the windshield, and check your tires.)
If you park a car in a populated area such as near a shopping center, street security guards will usually ask whether they can watch over your car and in return should be paid a small fee - anything from two rands upwards.
Tax
Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14 percent VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.
Smoking Laws
The law prohibits smoking in most public spaces, including airports and railway stations. Most restaurants have designated smoking and non-smoking areas.
