Useful Information

Crime
South Africa is actively addressing the issue of crime. It does have a high level of crime, but most occurs in isolated areas away from the normal tourist destinations. The risk to visitors traveling to the main destinations is low.

The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists. Tourism police are deployed in most of the large towns.

As elsewhere, thieves like to operate at international airports, bus and railway stations. Passport theft is common. You should carry photocopies of your passport with you. Keep your baggage with you at all times. Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and cell phones out of sight. Do not change large sums of money in busy public areas.

For your convenience and safety, you may wish to carry a mobile cellular phone with you at all times. Most cell phones with international roaming facility work in South Africa. You should check with your network operator before traveling. Alternatively, cell phones can be hired on arrival at the main international airports.

Important Telephone Numbers (Area code 021)

Emergency (general): 107

Police: 10 111
Ambulance: 10 177
Fire Brigade: 535 1100

Mountain Rescue: 948 9900
Sea Rescue: 449 3500
Aviation Rescue: 937 1211

Taxi: 430 4444
Automobile Club: 0800 010 101

Weather Bureau: 082 162
Wildflower Hotline: 083 910 1028
Whale Hotline: 0800 228 222

Airport Flight Times: 937 0407
Airport Shuttle Service: 934 5455

Tourist Information: 426 8043
Telephone Directory: 1023

Time
South African Standard Time is two hours in advance of GMT, one hour in advance of central European winter time and seven hours in advance of United States eastern standard time throughout the year.

Electricity
Electricity is generally 220/230 volts, 15 amps, and is supplied through either 15-amp three-prong or 5-amp two-prong plugs, in both cases with round pins. If you're bringing anything electrical, bring an adapter – or you could buy one here. Television is on the PAL system.