Information on South Africa can be obtained from
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
website at
http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/geo/South-Africa-fs-en.aspxAlso see
http://www.southafrica.info/ and
http://www.info.gov.za/
Telephones
If you want to phone Canada from South Africa
you must dial +00 (1) then the area code and
number. It is more economical to call Canada on
fixed telephone lines. Calling from the hotel is
much more expensive and you are advised to ask
beforehand what the impulse tariff is.
Electricity
Electrical appliances run on 220 Voltage in
South Africa. Regular outlets are composed of
three pin plugs.
Time Difference
The time difference from Ottawa + 7 hours.
Climate
The climate varies from region to region. Flash
storms can occur in Gauteng from November to
April. There are heavy rains along the south
coast from June to September. Dirt roads can
become hazardous during these periods. You
should keep informed of regional weather
forecasts and plan accordingly. Veld (bush)
fires are common during dry seasons. They can
spread very quickly due to high winds. Always
check with relevant authorities before going on
bush walks.
Currency and Banks
The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques can be
easily exchanged at major banks and foreign
exchange counters.
Traveller’s Cheques and Credit Cards
Canadian currency and traveler’s cheques are not
widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank
for information on Automated Banking Machine
(ABM) services in other countries or regions.
You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or
the MasterCard ATM locator page for the
addresses of ABMs around the world. Your bank
can advise if you need a new personal
identification number (PIN) for overseas access
to your account. Credit cards and debit cards
should be used with caution due to the potential
for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs
should be used during business hours inside a
bank, supermarket, or large commercial building.
Leave copies of your card numbers with a family
member in case of emergency. The most commonly
used Cards used in South Africa are the VISA
card.
The PSU does not accept traveler’s cheques or
credit cards as payment for any of the services
it may render.
Banks
Business hours:
Monday to Friday 08:30 to 15:30
Saturday 09:00 to 10:30
Main Banks and their Branches
South Africa (Pretoria - Hatfield) has a number
of commercial banks, including:
Standard Bank +27 (0) 12 431 2950
ABSA +27 (0) 12 422 3100
FNB +27 (0) 12 366 0200
Nedbank +27 (0) 12 362 9500
Customs Regulations and Transportation
You are subject to local laws. A serious
violation may lead to a jail sentence. The
sentence will be served in local prisons.
Import
Foreigners have the right to import an unlimited
amount, provided it is declared on arrival, as
well as 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco and
500ml alcohol.
Export
Foreigners may do so provided that what is
expected is equivalent to what was imported and
declared.
Airport Departure Tax
No departure taxes payable in South Africa –
this is already included in the ticket.
Main Airlines
South African Airways (SAA) +27 (0) 11 978 1111
British Airways Comair +27 (0) 11 921 0222
Kulula.com 0861 585 852
1 Time +27 (0) 11 928 8000
Taxi Services
Taxis are always available at the airport. The
tip you give to the cab driver is at your
discretion.
Johannesburg/Pretoria
Airport Link +27 (0) 11 792 2017
Magic Bus +27 (0) 11 548 0800
Avis Point to Point +27 (0) 11 923 3600
Rixi Taxi Service +27 (0) 12 362 6262
Car Hire
Avis +27 (0) 861 02 1111 / +27 (0) 11 923 3500
Budget +27 (0) 86 101 6622 / +27 (0) 11 398 0123
Imperial +27 (0) 861 131 000 / +27 (0) 11 574
1000
Driving In South Africa
Traffic drives on the left. Traffic accidents
are largely attributed to poor driving standards
(ignoring red lights, speeding, and drunk
driving). Exercise caution at traffic lights and
stop signs. Insufficient lighting on rural roads
makes it difficult to see pedestrians. Avoid
driving after dark. It is illegal to carry
gasoline in portable containers.
Long-distance trains are typically much safer
than commuter trains, but passengers should
always lock their compartment when absent from
it and should keep windows closed in and when
approaching stations.
Canadian provincial driver's license holders can
legally use their Canadian licenses in South
Africa if they are there as a visitor or on a
student or work permit. You can encounter
problems with obtaining car insurance for either
car rentals or purchasing a car without an
international driving permit. An International
Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended