Passports and visas
For travel to South Africa, Swedish citizens do not need a visa for a short stay within 90 days. Check that your passport is valid for at least 1 month after entry and that there are two blank pages in the passport.
Vaccinations and health
We recommend vaccination against jaundice. Feel free to consult a doctor or local health center for advice. South Africa has a well-developed health care system with hospitals or health centers in most cities and villages. Feel free to check with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and / or private insurance companies that your health insurance coverage applies in South Africa. Remember to bring documentation of current travel / health insurance.
Weather and clothing
During the autumn in Sweden, South Africa has spring. Normally at this time of year the weather is relatively stable with a daytime temperature of about 20 degrees. However, it can be really cool at dawn and dusk. You can check daily weather reports at www.cnn.com/weather. The atmosphere in South Africa is relaxed and we recommend comfortable casual wear. Casual attire also applies to restaurants and vineyard visits. Feel free to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings and comfortable shoes such as walking shoes, training shoes, hiking boots, etc. Do not forget to put on swimwear!
Currency and exchange rate
The South African currency is Rand. The exchange rate is about SEK 1 for 1 Rand. Most cards, such as Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diner’s Club are accepted. At Forex you have the opportunity to change before the trip. There are ATMs, where you can withdraw money from your credit card. Usually the bank charges around SEK 35 per withdrawal.
Transport and communications
Usually you have to call and order a taxi. Expect about 10 Rand per kilometer. Swedish mobile phones for the GSM network work almost everywhere in South Africa. However, the reception is worse out in the “bush”. Using your mobile phone is a cheaper option than calling from hotels. Costs approx. SEK 15 / min. The cheapest option is to buy a SIM card and charge cash.
Food & beverage The
Cape Province’s food tradition is a mix of Indonesian and Dutch cuisine. For the colored population, South African cuisine consists mostly of rice or corn. The prices of food and drink are significantly lower than in Sweden.
Shopping – gifts
In South Africa’s big cities, there are several large modern department stores with a varied selection of luxurious and sophisticated goods. Of course, there is also a large selection of local handicrafts in ceramics and basket work.
General and Mixed
Tips: Many salaries in South Africa are based on tips. It is normal to give about 10% in tips to, among others, hotel staff, waitresses and taxi drivers.
Baggage: It sometimes happens that the checked baggage gets lost. Therefore, pack important medicines with a certificate from your doctor in your hand luggage. The same goes for valuables. Label all your luggage carefully with the luggage tags you receive with the tickets. This is important as these notes are our identification at the airport and at our hotels. It is good to have a proper, lockable suitcase because the bags are not treated very carefully.
Local time: When Sweden has summer time, we have the same time in South Africa. When we have winter time, South Africa is one hour ahead of us.
Electricity: It is 220 volts everywhere just like in Sweden. Adapter is needed, but can be borrowed.
Languages: South Africa has 11 official languages. However, English is spoken by pretty much everyone where you will be staying.
