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Africa · Destination guide

South Africa

Capital: Pretoria/Cape Town/Bloemfontein (3 capitals)

CurrencyR ZAR

Language11 official languages. English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans most common

Drive on⬅ Left

Plug typeType M · 230V

🛂Visa requirements

🇬🇧 UKVisa-free · 90d

🇺🇸 USVisa-free · 30d

🇦🇺 AUVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇪 UAEVisa required

Check your specific passport on the visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards widely accepted. Tap-and-go common in cities.

ATMs: Absa, Standard Bank, and FNB ATMs reliable. Use ATMs inside shopping centres where possible.

Tipping

10–15% in restaurants standard. Petrol station attendants: R5–10. Car guards (informal parking attendants): R5–10.

💬Language

11 official languages. English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans most common

English is the language of business and tourism throughout South Africa. No language barrier for English speakers.

Useful phrases

·Dankie — Thank you (Afrikaans)
·Sawubona — Hello (Zulu)
·Howzit — How are you? (South African English)

🔌Electricity & plugs

Voltage230V

Plug typeType M (large round 3-pin — South African standard) / Type N (smaller)

South Africa uses a unique Type M plug. All visitors need an adapter. The D/C/N pins can also work in many South African sockets.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.South Africa is a diverse, multicultural society — respect is shown by learning about and acknowledging different cultures.
2.Braai (barbecue) is a national institution — it is the primary social gathering format. Being invited to a braai is an honour.
3.Road safety: do not stop at red lights at night in unsafe areas — it is legal to treat red lights as stop signs after dark in areas of concern.
4.Load shedding (scheduled power cuts): check the Eskom schedule and have offline entertainment and torch ready.
5.Wildlife areas: never get out of your vehicle in game reserves unless at designated stops.

📶SIM cards & connectivity

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for South Africa

Local SIM: Vodacom and MTN have the best coverage. Telkom and Cell C cheaper but weaker in rural areas. SIMs at airports and supermarkets. ID required.

WiFi: Good in Cape Town and major cities. National parks: very limited.

🛡️Safety

Follow local advice carefully. Cape Town's tourist areas (V&A Waterfront, Gardens, Camps Bay) are generally safe in daytime. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Never leave valuables visible in a parked car.

💉Health

Malaria prophylaxis required for the Kruger National Park region and Mozambique border areas. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. HIV/AIDS prevalence is high.

🚨Emergency numbers

police

10111

ambulance fire

10177

emergency

112

🚗Driving

Traffic side⬅ Drive on the left

LicenceForeign licence valid for 6 months. IDP recommended. Driving is the best way to explore outside cities.

Explore South Africa

Itineraries in South Africa Events in South Africa Visa checker

💬Language

11 official languages. English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans most common

English is the language of business and tourism throughout South Africa. No language barrier for English speakers.

Useful phrases

·Dankie — Thank you (Afrikaans)
·Sawubona — Hello (Zulu)
·Howzit — How are you? (South African English)

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.South Africa is a diverse, multicultural society — respect is shown by learning about and acknowledging different cultures.

2.Braai (barbecue) is a national institution — it is the primary social gathering format. Being invited to a braai is an honour.

3.Road safety: do not stop at red lights at night in unsafe areas — it is legal to treat red lights as stop signs after dark in areas of concern.

4.Load shedding (scheduled power cuts): check the Eskom schedule and have offline entertainment and torch ready.

5.Wildlife areas: never get out of your vehicle in game reserves unless at designated stops.