South Africa is widely admired for its tremendous natural beauty and the variety of its landscape. Cape Town is often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and tropical Durban's beaches can be used year-round. South Africa's game parks are also a popular attraction.

Traffic in South Africa travels on the left side of the left hand side.

To contact Auto Europe from South Africa, dial 001 0 800 990 440.

Entry Requirements
U.S. & Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa for visits of less than three months. You will be issued an entry permit, free of charge, upon arrival. To bring your pet to South Africa, you must fill out documentation provided by the South African Department of Agriculture.

Local Time
South Africa is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.

Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

Electricity
South Africa operates on 220/230 volt, 50 Hz electricity. Three-pin plugs are standard in South Africa.

Local Tourist Information
South African Tourism Board
Bojanala House
90 Protea Road
Chislehurston
Johannesburg
2196
Postal address:
Private Bag X10012
Sandton
2146
South Africa
Tel: + 27 (0)11 895 3000
Fax: +27 (0)11 895 3001
E-mail : info@southafrica.net

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of whiskey and 2 liters of wine; and 80 ounces of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Most banks in South Africa are open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Currency can also be exchanged at most major hotels in South Africa. Keep your receipts from these transactions as you will need them when you exchange your rands at the end of your trip.

Tipping
It is appropriate to tip wait staff, cab drivers, and hotel employees 10% if service is not included in the bill. Keep in mind the low wages earned by service providers, and feel free to reward exceptional service with an additional 5%.

General Business Hours
Most shops in South Africa are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Some shops are open on Sundays, but few so it is important to plan accordingly.

Tax
14%

United States Embassy in South Africa
877 Pretorius Street
Pretoria
Phone (+27 12) 431-4000
Fax (+27) 12-342-2244