FAQs

Question

Transport

Answer

Many international airlines, including Delta, fly directly into Cape Town International Airport and Johannesburg’s O.R Tambo. South Africa has a number of domestic airlines should you need to transit or wish to visit other parts of the country. These include Safair, Lift, SA Airlink, Cemair, British Airways, and South African Airways. Once on the ground in Cape Town, we recommend using ubers to get around as the city is relatively small and ubers are readily available and very affordable. For day trips and transfers please reach out to our travel agent Billy at billy@travelhouse.africa, who can organize a car rental or shuttle, otherwise the hop-on hop-off topless City Sightseeing Busses are a great way to visit a multitude of attractions. For those intending to drive, don’t forget that South African’s drive on the wrong side of the road ;)

Question

Visa/Passport

Answer

For entry into South Africa all foreign passports: Must have 6 consecutive blank pages. Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from departure date leaving SA. If you are traveling with children: All children must have a valid passport with 6 consecutive blank pages. Their passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from departure date leaving SA. Bring an original or certified copy of your child’s birth certificate. For children traveling with one parent only, you will need: A consent letter from the absent parent. A copy of the ID/passport of the absent parent. Contact details of the absent parent.

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Currency

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South Africa's official currency is the Rand (ZAR), indicated with an R before a given denomination e.g. R50. The exchange rate is currently 0,05 USD to ZAR. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, however, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for use at local markets, to tip staff, or to donate to local street performers and buskers. You can exchange your currency at the airport, banks, or authorized forex bureaus. Tipping between 10-15% is customary at restaurants and other service providers.

Question

Weather

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While March marks the beginning of autumn in South Africa, you can expect mostly sunshine with highs of 80.6° F (27° C) and lows of 60.8° F (16° C). In the unlikely event of rain, and for the cooler evenings a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

Question

Communication

Answer

E-sims are any easy way to stay connected when visiting South Africa and wifi is widely available at all hotels, many restaurants, and other public spaces. Most South Africans speak English, but South Africa has 11 official languages and knowing a few basic Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and slang words and phrases can enhance your experience (or make for a good laugh!) Ag shame! (pronounced "ogh shame"): This versatile phrase expresses mild disappointment, but in a lighthearted way. It's like saying "oh dear" or "aw shucks." Somewhat ironically, it can also be used to indicate that something is sweet or endearing. Lekker! (pronounced "lek-ker"): This means "nice" or "good," but with a bit more enthusiasm. Use it to describe anything you enjoy, from food to scenery. Dankie (pronounced "dahn-kee") means "thank you" in Afrikaans. It's always a good phrase to have handy! Howzit (pronounced “how-zit”): This informal greeting is synonymous with "what's up?" or "how are you?" in South Africa. Jol (pronounced "joll") is both a verb and a noun meaning "a party" or "to have a good time." Mzansi (pronounced "mzan-see"): the affectionate nickname for South Africa.