Some Facts to know:
There is no public healthcare system in South Africa. Thus, we recommend you get travel insurance's for the time you stay here.
South Africa has a good road network and as a former British colony motorists drive on the left side of the road. You can rent a car at a reasonably low cost if you are at least 23 years of age. Should you stay up to 3 months, you can use your driver's license. You don't need an international driving-license.
Shops are open from 8.00am to 5.00pm during the week, while banks and post offices close at 3.30pm. Many shops and especially supermarkets are opened on weekends. The Waterfront and other major shopping centers offer extended shopping hours until 9.00pm.
You can import a maximum of R500, while all other currencies can be imported in any amount. We recommend changing money in South Africa, because the exchange rate is much better and like in any other city you can pay with credit card.
You may stay in South Africa for a maximum period of 90 days, without a visa unless you intend to work here. For further inquiries, approach the South African embassy in your country.
If you bring any electrical equipment with you, you will need an South African adapter. These are available in local supermarkets and many other places.
South Africa offers you a variety of scenic landscapes from the desert, to the highlands with its fertile ground and the snow covered peaks of the high mountains. Since South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, summer starts in December, with warm weather up to the end of April.
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the South African winter. There are numerous ways to spend your leisure time have a barbecue (Afrikaans = Braai) with your friends, watch wild animals in their natural environment, go on a safari and watch the "Big Five" They are the Rhinoceros, Elephant, Lion, Buffalo and the Leopard. They appear in that order on the bank notes.
In the interest of your health, the following information is worth mentioning: There is no danger of contracting Malaria in Cape Town and it is safe to drink tap water. The hospitals have modern equipment and highly skilled staff. The biggest danger to your health in Africa is Aids. One in every five South Africans is infected with the virus, so in the interest of prevention, please practice safer sex. Ask your doctor for further information.
Facts about history
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1488 Cape of Good Hope was sailed around by Diaz
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1652 First supply station built by Jan van Riebeek
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1795 English take over the Cape
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1834 Abolition of slavery
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1948 Birth of Apartheid through an election victory of the National Party
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1961 South Africa left the Commonwealth
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1986 Initial dismantling of Apartheid
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1990 Release of Nelson Mandela
• 1994 First free and democratic elections, Mandela becomes President
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1996 Introduction of the new constitution
Facts about South Africa
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You have a big selection of Internet cafes in Cape Town
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You get the V.A.T. back at the airport or at the Tourism Office
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Cape Town has a wind called the Cape Doctor (a strong SE wind that blows in the summer)
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Cape Agulhas is the most southern point of Africa and not the Cape of Good Hope
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South Africa conducts shark research
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Horse-racing is a popular sport in South Africa and is one of the country's biggest industries
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Biltong is a well-liked dried meat
These are just some aspects of the county.
You will experience the whole repertoire yourself, when you visit South Africa.
Should you require any further information, please contact us.
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