English Language School in Durban

Travel and Visa Information.

• South Africa's time falls under CAT (Central Africa Time), which is 2 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
  
  
• South Africa's currency is called the Rand(ZAR) and the conversion rate is ± R7.50 to US$1, R12.50 to £1 and R8.50 to €1. South Africa is not an expensive country to visit, as this table shows:

• You can change traveller's cheques at most banks and foreign exchange offices and withdraw cash from most ATM's with your credit card. We suggest you don't travel with a lot of cash. Banks are usually open from 09h00 to 15h30 during the week and from 09h00 to 11h00 on Saturdays.
  
  
• Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 14%. If you buy goods in South Africa you can claim the VAT back when you leave, however you must be able to produce the goods and the tax invoices at the airport when you leave the country. Note that you cannot claim back VAT for any services. This includes English lessons.
  
  
• Tips are not included in restaurant meals. We suggest you tip your waiter 10 - 15% of the price of the meal. If you have a car while you are in Durban, it's customary to tip your car guard when you arrive back at your car.
  
  
• In South Africa, we drive on the left hand side of the road. If you are planning to drive a car in South Africa you will need to get an international driver's license before you leave your home country. To hire a car, most car hire companies will expect you to be at least 23 years old and have a valid credit card.
  
  
• In South Africa, the electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz, the same as in the UK, and we usually use a three-point wall plug. If you don't use this system in your country you may need to buy an adapter or transformer.
  
  
• The tap water in South Africa is safe to drink, but you can very easily buy bottled water if you prefer.
  
  
• The only areas in South Africa where you have to be aware of malaria are in Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal and then only in summer (November to April). You can buy anti-malaria tablets in South Africa at any pharmacy. Contact your local travel clinic or doctor if you want to find out about the suggested vaccinations for South Africa, before you leave. We also suggest you invest in comprehensive travel, medical, personal, repatriation and course insurance before you leave home.
  
  
• As the sun can get very hot in South Africa, especially during summer, we suggest you wear lots of sunscreen. Also make sure you bring along a hat and sunglasses. Here is a list of other important things not to forget: swimming costume, towel, camera, film (you can buy film quite easily in South Africa), binoculars (optional), shorts, long pants, t-shirts, shirts, jerseys or sweaters, a light jacket, a warm jacket (if visiting South Africa during winter), sandals, walking shoes and smarter clothes and shoes for going out in the evenings.
  
  
• We are also very interested to find out about your life and your country, so here is a list of some things you can bring with you to teach us about your culture: photos of your friends and family; information, pamphlets, posters and postcards of your city and your country; traditional food, curios and clothing.
  
  
• As when travelling in any country, security is very important. However, if you are responsible and follow a few suggestions, you shouldn't have any problems. For example we suggest you do not walk in the street wearing a lot of expensive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash and that you drive or catch a taxi at night rather than walk alone. We also suggest that you avoid dangerous areas and that you carry a certified photocopy of your passport with you at all times and leave your original passport at your accommodation or in the safe at the institute. (You can certify a photocopy of your passport at any police station or post office in South Africa.)
  
  
• Another good idea is to always carry a list of important information with you. Include your name; your date of birth; your nationality; your passport number; the names and details of the people you are travelling with; your address and contact numbers in your home country; the name, address, contact numbers and email address of a contact person back home; International House Durban's contact details and emergency contact numbers; the address and contact numbers of your accommodation in South Africa; your travel and medical insurance details; if you are allergic to anything, such as penicillin; if you have any special illnesses, such as diabetes or epilepsy; other important information.

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Visa Info

Please consult the South African consulate or embassy closest to you to find out about visa requirements.

For a list of South African consulates and embassies around the world, visit - http://www.dfa.gov.za (See 'Foreign Representation')

For information on visas, visit - http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za (See 'Services')

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