If South Africa isn’t already on your trip itinerary, it should be! South Africa is a cultural melting pot brimming with history, variety, and breath-taking natural beauty. South Africa has everything — busy cities, vibrant landscapes, incredible wildlife, and mind-blowing cuisine.
However, if this is your first travel to South Africa, you are undoubtedly concerned about several factors. Is South Africa a safe place to visit? How to navigate? What to bring for a vacation to South Africa? These are among just a couple of the questions that a first-time tourist to South Africa have while planning their trip. To assist you in determining the do’s and don’ts in South Africa, here is a list that includes some of the country’s best travel advice.
Do Your Research!
Doing as much research online as possible will help make your trip less stressful and more pleasurable. Additionally, consider the date and location of your visit. It’s essential to plan your first journey to South Africa in advance by creating a complete travel schedule. Make sure you do enough research and sketch out your itinerary, including where to go, what to see, and how to get there.
Make Sure You Bring A UK Adapter
If you are in South Africa for the first time, you will almost certainly want an adaptor. However, if you are from the United Kingdom, Australia, or South Korea, you do not need to carry one on your trip. South Africa’s standard voltage is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. Plugs of type C, D, M, and N are used. While most outlets accept a type M plug, your hotel should have other sockets accessible. If you’re carrying a hairdryer or straightener, invest in a reliable converter as well to be safe.
Doing Some Flying?
To save money, try scheduling local flights rather than traveling great distances. Kalula and Mango are two of South Africa’s top and cheapest airlines.
Booking flights and vehicle rentals concurrently may streamline the process—particularly given that these bundles are often significantly less expensive than individual reservations. Once you’ve hired a vehicle, you’ll have the freedom and security to explore South Africa at your own speed.
Additionally, there are reasonably priced long-distance transport buses in South Africa, such as Greyhound or InterCape. However, from my experience, they are not suggested for usage. Travel durations are pretty lengthy, and breakdowns are not commonplace.
Foreign Exchanges?
Another critical piece of travel advice for South Africa is to be aware of money exchange locations. Money exchange is most straightforward at the airport, so make sure to do it upon arrival. Additionally, most hotels and banks provide currency exchange services. Bear in mind, however, that you may have to wait in lengthy line-ups at the bank and may need to bring your passport.
Exchange bureaus are also quite simple to locate in more popular areas such as Cape Town or around the Kruger National Park. (Don’t forget to download Google Maps beforehand for correct instructions and information). South Africans traveling on a South African passport who do not live in South Africa will be required to provide evidence of residence at the airport in order to exchange money.
Get Familiar With Some Local Phrases
The second travel advice for South Africa is to be aware of language obstacles. Although South Africa has eleven official languages, English is the medium of communication for practically everyone. As a result, there is no need to speak with the natives. South Africans like mixing their languages, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who only speaks one of the country’s official languages!