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CLIMATE South Africa lies almost wholly within the southern temperate zone, and its climate is more equable than that of corresponding northern latitudes because of its surrounding waters. Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate and is warmer than some areas further north that are affected by the cold Benguela Current on the west coast of Southern Africa. The winter months are mild and changeable, this is also the time when most the rainfall occurs. The Durban and Kwa-Zulu-Natal coastline is affected by the warm Mozambique current and enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year, but the summer months can become very hot and humid. Throughout the country, however, the mean annual temperature is just below 15.6?C (60?F). On the high veld there are sharp differences of temperature between day and night; but there is less daily fluctuation nearer the coast. Rainfall is unpredictable in large parts of the country, and prolonged droughts are a serious restriction on farming in such areas. While the mean annual rainfall is 18.6 inches, nearly 30% of the country receives less than 10 inches and 65% receives less than 20 inches. Much of South Africa gets its rain in the summer months, but the western coastal belt is a winter rain area. Along the Cape south coast, rain falls during both seasons. Generally the winter months are between April and August with summer being from September to March -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London) (http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VISAS & IMMIGRATION Entry permits are issued on arrival to holiday visitors from most British Commonwealth countries and to holders of Japanese, Irish, Swiss and German passports. Currently holders of Scandinavian and Finnish passports do not require visa but this situation could change and it is advisable to check with your nearest South African Embassy/Consular. South Africa has at least consular representation in most countries. It is possible that, on entry into South Africa, you will be asked to show sufficient funds to support your stay or have an onward ticket. Visa extensions are expensive and can be difficult to obtain because of the recent influx of illegal immigrants. Listing of South African Tourist offices and/or embassies located around the world -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MONEY Currency: 1 South African Rand=100 cents Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate ( http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic) Credit and charge cards are widely accepted, including American Express, Bank of America, Diners, MasterCard, Standard Bank Card and Visa. Some ATM's give cash advances. Travellers cheques are also widely accepted and exchanged. Different commission charges are incurred depending on which bank you use and which travellers cheques you have. Most banks are open Mon-Fri 0900-1530 and Sat 0900-1100. Autobanks are found in most towns and operate on a 24-hour basis.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL TIME South Africa is two hours ahead of GMT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GETTING AROUND International flights to South Africa: BA.com Flies into:Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, , Zimbabwe The railway system is South Africa is well established and mostly privately run. All the major towns are connected. There is a Metro service in and around several cities. The Blue Train, which runs between Pretoria and Cape Town, is famous for its sheer luxury, people come to South Africa just for the experience. If the whole trip is out of your budget you can take just a section of it. The train is very popular and bookings will need to be made in advance. The train recently started a new service "Zimbabwe Spectacular" where two nights are spent on board. You can also experience a steam train tour, including "Apple Express" from Port Elizabeth, the "Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe between Knysna and George the "Banana Express" along KwaZulu Natal South Coast and "Magaliesberg Express" from Johannesburg to Magaliesberg. If you are train enthusiast then South Africa offers you an experience not found elsewhere. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS January 1st New Years's Day March 21st Human Rights Days March/April Good Friday March 31st Family Day April 27th Constitution (Freedom) Day May 1st Worker's Day June 16th Youth Day August 9th National Women's Day September 24th Heritage Day December 16th Day of Reconciliation December 25th Christmas Day December 26th Day of Goodwill -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ELECTRICAL POWER Electric Power is 220/230V (Grahamstad & Port Elizabeth 250V; also found in King Williams) running at 50Hz. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRAVEL INSURANCE If you need medical care whilst in South Africa, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.
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