Planning a Trip to South Africa? Here’s Everything You Should Know
South Africa is a diverse country. It boasts of unique features and activities which make it a tourism hotspot. The country has a great culture, and the locals are welcoming and lively. Its incredible sceneries, amazing features, and other things to explain why the state gets millions of visitors every year.
If you would like to be part of the rainbow nation visitors, here are essential things you should know.
South African Rand is the local currency
Currency is a crucial concern for international trips. When you get in South Africa, you will convert your money to the South African Rand. Before you depart, check out the current value of the Rand against the USD. The ATM transactions for foreign currencies have favorable rates, and so, you don’t have to worry about the expenses of making the transactions. Also, some credit cards do not charge any fees for foreign operations. You should, however, note that the banks in South Africa close as early as 3 PM on weekdays, and 1 PM on weekdays. Plan accordingly to avoid inconveniences.
The country has three main capitals
Johannesburg is a famous town in South Africa, yet, it is not one of the official capitals. The three capital cities are Bloemfontein, Pretoria, and Cape Town. They are all strategically located in the country. Pretoria is the largest city. It is located on the northern side of the country, and it houses the president. Cape Town is located in the southern part of the country. It is safe to stay in Cape Town, primarily if you choose an ideal rental space. There are other big towns too, but these three are the most developed, hence, they accommodate the highest number of visitors.
South Africa has 11 official languages
English is the official language in South Africa. However, there are ten other languages, which include Afrikaans, Tswana, Zulu, Swati, Venda, Tsonga, Northern Sotho, Xhosa, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, and southern Sotho. Most of the natives communicate in Zulu, and so, they only use English in business, e-commerce, tourism, and government. All the languages are easy to understand, and you can, therefore, enroll in a few classes to understand them better.
Taxis are a common public means of transport
South Africa resembles many western countries, such as France. The main difference between the nation and the other developed countries is transport. The country lacks the intercity buses or railways which the tourists prefer to use in the developed countries. However, private cars and taxis are common, and you should, therefore, be prepared to board them for your transportation needs. You can also consider car hire if you find the taxis costly.
South Africa is a big nation
South Africa is ranked as the 24th largest country worldwide. Its large size means that there are millions of good things to see and places to visit. Before you take off, research on the best areas of your interest to visit. Also, be ready to explore its towns and cities for a more extended period since you won’t be able to accomplish everything within a short period. If you have a tight schedule, split your program to visit different cities. For instance, you can decide to visit Cape Town on your first visit, and then visit the other towns on the future tour.
South Africa is a safe country
Just like the other reputable nations, South Africa has been making news headlines for both goods and wrong reasons. Safety is one of the right sides of South Africa. The citizens are welcoming and friendly, and they handle the foreigners well. Besides, there are many taxis and private cars which ensure that foreigners reach their destinations safely. You only need to research the best safari and make your bookings early in advance.
Mobile coverage is excellent
The phone coverages in South Africa are surprisingly great, extensive, and easy to access. The only thing to do once you get there is to purchase a local sim card. There are four leading telecommunication companies which are Telkom, Cell C, MTN, and Vodacom. The airport guards will direct and advise you on the best line to purchase according to your needs. All the sim cards connect to the internet quickly, primarily if you are residing in the town.
South Africa is a large, peaceful, and diverse country. If you intend to visit it as a tourist or as a student, the information above will help you know some of the things to expect. Hopefully, you will have an exciting and rewarding experience there!
