Travel Essentials › South Africa
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C, M and N, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 10111, Ambulance 10177, Fire 10177. Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants is standard; tip petrol attendants and car guards a few rand. Tap water: Generally safe to drink in most cities..
Open The South Africa Trip Kit
Types C, M and N, 230 V
| One number for everything | 112 |
| Police | 10111 |
| Ambulance | 10177 |
| Fire | 10177 |
10-15% in restaurants is standard; tip petrol attendants and car guards a few rand.
Greetings. A firm handshake is standard; South Africans value politeness and small talk before business, and greeting people individually in a group is expected.
Diversity of cultures. South Africa has 11 official languages and diverse customs across communities; asking respectfully about someone's background is generally welcomed.
Tipping. Tipping 10-15% at restaurants is customary, and it's normal to tip car guards and petrol station attendants a few rand.
South Africa has a high crime rate, including violent crime, concentrated in certain urban areas; most tourist areas and organized activities are fine with normal precautions, but street awareness matters more than in most destinations.
Fake helpers at airports/ATMs. Strangers offer unsolicited help finding an ATM or carrying bags, then demand a tip and can become aggressive if refused; politely decline and use official staff or machines inside secure areas.
ATM/card skimming and 'kidnap and withdraw'. Skimming devices and shoulder-surfing target tourist-area ATMs; rare but serious cases involve forcing victims to withdraw cash. Use ATMs inside banks or malls and cover the keypad.
Distraction theft in traffic. Smash-and-grab thefts from stopped cars happen at traffic lights in cities; keep windows up, doors locked and valuables out of sight.
Women travelers. Women travel solo in South Africa regularly, but harassment and more serious assault risks exist, especially at night; avoid isolated areas, use trusted transport, and take local safety advice on specific neighborhoods seriously.
Legal · Mostly Safe
South Africa was the first country to constitutionally ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and has had same-sex marriage since 2006; Cape Town has a vibrant gay scene, but attitudes are less accepting outside major cities, and LGBTQ+ people, especially outside urban centers, can still face discrimination or violence.
| Coffee (café) | R30 | $1.65 |
| Local bus or metro ride | R15 | $0.85 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | R220 | $12 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | R380 | $21 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | R1,450 | $80 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | R2,700 | $150 |
2026-09
May-September (dry winter) is best for safaris, when animals gather at waterholes; September-November (spring) and February-April offer pleasant weather, wildflowers and fewer crowds; December-January is peak summer holiday season with the highest prices.
South Africa visa requirements by nationality
Basic Zulu phrases · Basic Xhosa phrases · Basic Afrikaans phrases · Basic English phrases