General Information

The monetary unit is the South African Rand (ZAR) and the international symbol is R. R1 = 100 cents. Currency is issued in denominations of notes of R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 and coins.

Please visit www.xe.com to convert your local currency.

Value added tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods. VAT refunds may be claimed at airports, harbour and custom offices on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250.00. Customs officials will ask to see the items as well as their purchase slips when applying for a refund.

Banks are found in most towns and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

The weather in Johannesburg is usually warm, with cool nights, possible showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon or in the evening. The average temperature is of 19 °C (67 °F), with a minimum of 12.5 °C (54.6 °F) and a maximum of 25.8 °C (78.4 °F).

The comparison refers to Middle European Summer / British Summer time (BST)
South Africa is GMT+2 (2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time).

Example: 12h00 midday in South Africa, is:
06h00 in New York, USA
11h00 in London, UK
12h00 midday in Paris, France
20h00 in Sydney, Australia

A 10% gratuity on the bill generally applies in restaurants and is normally at the discretion of the diner and dependent on the standard of service experienced. Restaurants usually do not include the tip in the bill unless the booking is for 10 or more people.

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC 50Hz. Appliances of lesser voltage require a transformer (especially those with a heating element such as hairdryers). Adapters are obtainable locally and, in most cases, available from your hotel concierge. Most hotel rooms have 110-volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.

South African tap water is completely safe to drink and quite palatable. Bottled water is also available from room service, restaurants and at retail outlets.

Delegates are advised to take the usual safety precautions. Do not walk alone in quiet streets after dark. Use a taxi/uber at night and only those from a reputable company. Check with your hotel concierge as to the safety of a specific area should you be unsure. Do not attract attention by displaying expensive items such as cameras and expensive watches and jewellery when sightseeing. Make use of the hotel safety deposit box or your room safe to safeguard valuables and passports.

Smoking is prohibited by law in public areas throughout South Africa, including airports, shopping malls and restaurants. Most public spaces have specially designated smoking areas.