Hotels graded under "national grading and classification system" display a burgundy red plaque with the ranking shown by stars: one star means the hotel is acceptable, two stars show it is good, three stars very good, four stars exceptional, while five stars indicate it is of international first class standards. In addition, hotels are awarded a bronze plaque for good service or a silver plaque for an exceptional standard of service, hospitality and ambience.

For International tourists a hotel of three-star rating and upwards are usually recommended. Rooms in this category usually offer bath/shower, lavatory, radio, television, and telephone. However hotels of one and two star rating are quite acceptable, particularly for travellers on a limited budget. Hotel prices are normally for accommodation only - although breakfast and sometimes dinner as well may be included in the rate. Sometimes an extra charge is made for full English breakfast.

Banks
Most major commercial banks offer foreign exchange services. The main banks are found in every large town. Some are able to provide foreign exchange using bank and credit cards. Rand traveller's cheques are now available. Visitors can also obtain cash using bank cards from many of the automatic teller machines (ATMs) outside banks. Check the symbols displayed on the machines with those on your card - and remember your PIN number! Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Most commercial banks are open from 09.00 - 15.30, Mondays to Fridays; from 08.30-11.00 on Saturdays. Shops open from 08.00 to 16.30 Mondays to Fridays and from 08.30 - 12.30 on Saturdays, although in the main centres, opening hours are likely to be longer.

Climate
South Africa's seasons are midwinter in June and July and midsummer in December and January. On the highveld in the interior, there is sunshine the year round. Summers are hot and thundery; winters bright dry and cold at night. Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate, with mild, changeable winters, when most of the rainfall occurs, and a warm to hot summer. Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast enjoys a sub-tropical climate, again with plenty of sunshine year round. Summers are hot, thundery and humid at sea level. June and July, when the humidity is low, are ideal months to visit Durban and the coast.

Conversions - Distances and Temperatures
Distances throughout South Africa are given in kilometres. One mile is equivalent to 1.62 kilometres. For a quick conversion of kilometres into miles divide by five and multiply by eight.

Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (Centigrade). Ten degrees Celsius is equivalent to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, 20°C = 68°F,
30°C = 86°F

Credit Cards
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Bank of America, Diners, MasterCard, Standard Bank Card, Visa and their affiliates are accepted. However use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and in some retail shops. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities and operate 24 hours a day. Credit cards are not generally accepted for the purchase of petrol.

Currency
The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Exchange rate Click Here

Customs Allowances
400 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco and 50 cigars, one litre of spirit, two litres of wine, 50ml of perfume and 250ml of toilet water. Also gifts, souvenirs and all other goods to the value of R500. No person under 18 is entitled to the alcohol or tobacco allowance. Duty is levied at 20% thereafter.

Disabled Travellers
There are facilities in South Africa for people with disabilities, although they are limited. It is best to check with hotels precisely what's available. The Association for the Physically Disabled can provide information about facilities and outdoor activities to those with disabilities; Tel: +27 11 646 8331. SAA provides passenger aid units at all major airports. Many hotels offer facilities for the disabled as do most rest camps in the Kruger National Park. The larger car hire companies can provide vehicles for hand controls. A directory of services for the visually handicapped is available from the SA National Council for the Blind; Tel: +27 12 346 1190.

Drinking
Alcoholic drinks may only be purchased by those over the age of 18 and must not be consumed in public, other than in restricted areas such as bars and restaurants.
Water: Tap water is safe to drink.

Driving
Driving Licence must with an integral photo, is required by law in South Africa as the licence must carry the photograph as well as the signature of the holder. Driving is on the left and speed limits are in kilometres and are 120 km/h on the highways and 60 km/h in built-up areas. Cash is required to pay for fuel no credit cards are acceptable as payment for petrol within South Africa.

Electricity
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second, which is compatible with most appliances. A three-point round-pin adapter plugs is required for razors and hairdryers and travel irons - these adapters can be purchased in South Africa.

Emergencies
Dial 10111 for the police and 10177 for an ambulance.

Health
No vaccination certificates are required from visitors exept visitors from a yellow fever zone. Visitors to the eastern lowveld of Mpumalanga and Northern Province, the Kruger National Park and the game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal are strongly advised to take a course of anti-malaria tablets before entering these zones. Consult your General Practitioner or your Pharmacist for appropriate medication. In a malaria region, avoid wearing perfume or after-shave and wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. The bilharzia parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the country, so visitors should not drink from or bathe in these waters. The Eastern Cape is bilharzia free. It is safe to drink the tap water throughout South Africa, and health regulations control the hygiene of street food vendors. While South Africa boasts excellent medical facilities, visitors should ensure they take out insurance to cover the cost of treatment should the need arise. Most hotels have a list of doctors, whose names may also be found in the 'medical' section of telephone directories.

Languages
There are 11 official languages in South Africa. English is the language of administration and is widely spoken. Other languages are: Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

Local Time
GMT + Two hours

National Symbols
South Africa's national flower is the Protea, named after the Greek God, Proteus, who could change his shape at will. The Springbok gazelle is the national animal, while the endangered Blue Crane is the national bird.

Public Holidays 2003
January 1 (New Year's Day), March 21 (Human Rights Day), April 18 (Good Friday), April 21 (Family Day), April 25 (National F;ag day), May 1 (Workers' Day), June 16 (Youth Day), August 9 (National Woman's Day), September 24 (Heritage Day), December 16 (Day of Reconciliation), December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Day of Goodwill). If any of these public holidays falls on a Sunday the following Monday shall be a public holiday.

Safety and security up date
Despite news reports about crime. South Africa is basically a safe place for international tourists. Visitor numbers are growing dramatically, yet only a tiny percentage have any experience of crime. The South African Police Service has introduced plans to ensure the safety of tourists. Nevertheless, the normal safety precautions should be exercised in South Africa as with anywhere else in the world.

Telephones
Many hotels now have direct international dialling from the 'phone in your room or you can be connected via the switchboard. Public phones in South Africa are either coin or card operated. Only green public telephones use telephone cards. The cards come in amounts ranging from R10 to R200 and can be bought at various hotels, post offices, airports, bookshops and supermarkets such as Pick & Pay. Local calls made from a 'phone box cost approximately 40 cents for three minutes. Trunk calls vary with the distance between exchanges. Mobile 'phones, known as cell 'phones in South Africa, are widely used. The international code for South Africa is 27, which should be preceded by your international prefix (i.e. 00 if calling from the UK). When dialling from outside South Africa the '0' at the front of the local area code should be omitted, but it should be used when dialling within the country.

Tipping/Service Charges
Waiters and taxi-drivers should receive 10% of the bill, unless a service charge is levied. Two Rand per bag is recommended for porters.

VAT
VAT (Value Added Tax), currently at the rate of 14%, is levied on most items and services, including hotel accommodation, goods, transport and tours. VAT on goods can be re-claimed at point of international departure. Please refer to the VAT shop at the international airport

What to Take
A camera or camcorder is essential. Batteries and film are generally available in main centres, but it is a good idea to stock up before going into more remote areas and into the game parks, although some private reserves have well-stocked shops. Before going into the reserves take a can of insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes. Binoculars will considerably improve the game viewing, while a torch is a good idea for seeing the way around the camp after dark.

What to Wear
In the South Africa summer, lightweight clothing is the norm; in the winter a jacket, jumper or coat may be needed, particularly in the evenings. While some establishments require jacket and tie, or cocktail dresses for the evening, many stipulate "smart casual" - a collared-shirt and slacks or a blouse and skirt. On the beach, topless sunbathing is becoming more accepted. At game reserves, neutral colours, such as browns, beiges and khakis are preferred on game drives. Pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the early morning and after dusk. Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and don't forget swimsuits for sitting round the pool during the day. Take sensible shoes - there may be the opportunity to go on a walking safari.

INFORMATION COURTESY OF SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM