Essential info for South Africa
Time: In South Africa the local time is GMT +2.
Electricity: The electrical current in the country is 230 volts, 50Hz. Typically, three-pin round plugs are standard.
Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, though English is the standard form of communication. Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho are also spoken and vary in prevalence depending on geographic location.
Health: Expats require no vaccination to enter South Africa, though those travelling from yellow fever infected areas must have a vaccination certificate in their possession. There is a low-risk of malaria in certain areas of the Northern Province, in north eastern KwaZulu-Natal and also in the region of Mpumalanga, including the Kruger National Park.
Tap water is safe in urban areas, but purchasing bottled water or sterilisation is advisable in very rural places – particularly northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
Drug-resistant TB has been reported throughout the country, and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS remains.
Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash up front and public hospitals are best avoided.
Safety: Expats moving to South Africa should note the country’s high incidence of crime.
Opportunistic crime is often targeted at foreigners, thus expats should be aware of the risks and consequences associated with places and actions.
As general rules of thumb, expats should take care to lock car doors when driving, should not walk alone after dark or in isolated areas, and should not leave valuables unattended.
In Johannesburg, Berea and Hillbrow are known to be extremely dangerous, and recent incidents of petty theft have been cited in Cape Town’s national parks.
Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs, and always ask that members of the service industry swipe your credit card at the table with wireless credit card machines to avoid instances of fraud.
Business: South Africa's multicultural status means that there is not a uniform standard of behaviour and etiquette in the business world. Though professionalism mimics Europe and United States in the larger urban centres, it can vary immensely depending on the parties involved and geographic location.
English is the primary language of business.
It is recommended to dress formally, though attire is generally more relaxed than the western world. South Africans are thought to be relaxed with regards to introductions and the handling of business cards.
Shaking hands is common for both men and women. The giving of gifts is rare and not necessary.
Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications: The international access code for South Africa is +27. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). As of 8 January 2007, South Africa has changed to 10-digit dialling (so city codes must be included, e.g. 021 for Cape Town) and international dialling has changed from 09 to 00. GSM mobile phone networks providing 900 and 1800 frequencies serve the country. Mobile service providers offer very cheap 'pay-as-you-go' Sim cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some time. Internet cafés are widespread. Card and coin operated pay phones are also widespread.
Electricity: The electrical current in the country is 230 volts, 50Hz. Typically, three-pin round plugs are standard.
Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, though English is the standard form of communication. Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho are also spoken and vary in prevalence depending on geographic location.
Health: Expats require no vaccination to enter South Africa, though those travelling from yellow fever infected areas must have a vaccination certificate in their possession. There is a low-risk of malaria in certain areas of the Northern Province, in north eastern KwaZulu-Natal and also in the region of Mpumalanga, including the Kruger National Park.
Tap water is safe in urban areas, but purchasing bottled water or sterilisation is advisable in very rural places – particularly northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
Drug-resistant TB has been reported throughout the country, and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS remains.
Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash up front and public hospitals are best avoided.
Safety: Expats moving to South Africa should note the country’s high incidence of crime.
Opportunistic crime is often targeted at foreigners, thus expats should be aware of the risks and consequences associated with places and actions.
As general rules of thumb, expats should take care to lock car doors when driving, should not walk alone after dark or in isolated areas, and should not leave valuables unattended.
In Johannesburg, Berea and Hillbrow are known to be extremely dangerous, and recent incidents of petty theft have been cited in Cape Town’s national parks.
Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs, and always ask that members of the service industry swipe your credit card at the table with wireless credit card machines to avoid instances of fraud.
Business: South Africa's multicultural status means that there is not a uniform standard of behaviour and etiquette in the business world. Though professionalism mimics Europe and United States in the larger urban centres, it can vary immensely depending on the parties involved and geographic location.
English is the primary language of business.
It is recommended to dress formally, though attire is generally more relaxed than the western world. South Africans are thought to be relaxed with regards to introductions and the handling of business cards.
Shaking hands is common for both men and women. The giving of gifts is rare and not necessary.
Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications: The international access code for South Africa is +27. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). As of 8 January 2007, South Africa has changed to 10-digit dialling (so city codes must be included, e.g. 021 for Cape Town) and international dialling has changed from 09 to 00. GSM mobile phone networks providing 900 and 1800 frequencies serve the country. Mobile service providers offer very cheap 'pay-as-you-go' Sim cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some time. Internet cafés are widespread. Card and coin operated pay phones are also widespread.
