What to expect

LANGUAGE

South Africa is a multilingual country with 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu. English is widely spoken and understood in major cities and tourist areas, making it easy for travelers to communicate with locals.

ELECTRICITY

In South Africa the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor

CURRENCY

South African Rand is the official currency in South Africa. Dollars and euros are accepted in the majority of touristic places, restaurants and hotels, as well as all the major credit cards, but some places like local markets and small vendors will only take cash in rands so it is smart to exchange some money during your trip. 1 USD is equivalent to about 18.39 South African Rands as of 2023.

SAFETY

South Africa does have a high crime rate, but mostly on the big cities and poor neighborhoods, especially after dark. Muggings, break-ins, and petty theft are common, but still thousands of visitors travel there every year without a incident. Caution and common sense will do it. Try not to wear expensive jewelry, and avoid leaving valuables inside if you rent a car. 

CLIMATE

The climate in South Africa varies depending on the region, with the northern parts of the country experiencing a subtropical climate, while the southern coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate. It is a seasonal country, with summer, fall, winter, and spring. I would recommend to check the weather of the specific places you are going to visit, and to pack for all occasions just in case.