THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION ISLAMABAD PAKISTAN TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS 48 Margalla Road, F8/2, Islamabad

Standard time in South Africa is three hours behind Pakistan time.

As South Africa lies in the Southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite of those in Pakistan. Summer falls between November and March, with the peak summer months being December and January. Winter months are from May and August. Most of South Africa enjoys a pleasant, warm climate year-round. Snow sometimes falls in the Drakensberg and Cape mountains in winter. The interior is dry and mild in winter, with cool nights. Summers are hot with more frequent rain.

South Africa has 11 official languages. English is the language of administration and is widely spoken. Others are Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

Foreign exchange services are provided by all major banks and Foreign Exchange Bureaus. American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted. Local currency = Rand (R1 =100 cents). Because of the favourable exchange rate, foreign currency goes far in South Africa. There are numerous automatic teller machines (ATMs) outside banks.

Most commercial banks are open from 09.00 - 15.30, Mondays to Fridays, and from 08.30-11.00 on Saturdays. Shops open from 08.00 to 16.30 Mondays to Fridays and from 08.30 - 12.30 on Saturdays, although in the main centres, opening hours are likely to be longer.

A number of international and local car hire companies offer a range of quality vehicles to suit all needs and budgets, like Avis Rent-a-Car, Budget-Rent-a-Car, Cape Car Hire, Car-Tel, Europcar, Hertz and others. Package deals with airlines and hotels are offered. South Africans drive on the left, as in Pakistan. Speed limits range from 60km/h in urban areas to 120km/h on freeways. Coaches, buses, trains & domestic airlines service all major cities.

Spoornet operates the main rail network. There are a number of passenger services, operated by named trains, that will appeal to tourists. Information and reservations: Johannesburg (0027-(0)11-773 2944), Cape Town (0027-(0)21 449 3871).

Taxis can be obtained from your hotel reception or at ranks which will be found in key locations throughout major cities and towns. They are relatively cheap, but you should insist that the meter is switched on at the beginning of the journey.

You can tip waiters and taxi drivers 10 percent of the bill, unless a service charge has been added. A 14 percent value-added tax (VAT) is added to the price of most items and services. You can claim VAT back on goods priced higher than R250 at the airport of departure. The original tax invoice, the VAT refund control sheet, your passport and the item are required.

Any valid driver's licence is accepted in South Africa, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English. If your licence does not comply, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before departure. South Africa has an excellent road network. Driving is on the left. Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory and non-compliance may result in fines. Traffic laws are generally strictly enforced. Some South African highways and roads require tolls. If you intend to drive upon arrival, it is advisable to carry some South African coins or currency in small denominations.

South Africa boasts excellent medical facilities. However all medical treatment must be paid for, so you should purchase travel insurance for your stay. Tap water is safe to drink throughout South Africa. You can swim safely at beaches along the entire coastline. You shouldn't swim in rivers and lakes in the eastern and northern regions, as the water may contain the bilharzia parasite. Warning signs are usually posted. You should take anti-malaria tablets before visiting the game reserves and parks of the Northern, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. You can take tablets 24 hours before entering a malaria-affected area and then on a weekly basis for five to six weeks. They are available without prescription at South African pharmacies.

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