Day to Day needs

We have compiled a range of useful things to know. Think something is missing? Just let us know. Arrival Process

It is the same as all international arrivals - first you will head to immigration, then you move onto baggage reclaim, then finish the process at customs. This will take up to an hour normally. If you have a non-biometric passport they are still allowed. At customs there is now a declaration form to be filled out in advance but it is still a non-compulsory form. It appears likely that it will be similar to other countries in that there will be an online app and that a manual version will be handed out on the flight, and be available on arrival.

It is vital that you check with the official information in your own country regarding visas. South Africa offers free on entry visas to many countries but that might not be the case for your country.

Plugs

South Africa uses four types although two are more common. The types are Type M (three round pins in a triangular pattern) and Type C (two round pins). Type N (three round pins) is also used, especially in newer buildings. While Type D (three round pins in a triangular pattern) is less common.

Type M is meant to be getting phased out but seems to still be widely used. Type C is the plug used across Europe and will fit in an N socket. We have also seen an increase in USB sockets, often using small plugged in extension sockets.

Type M

Type C

Currency South Africa uses the Rand. It is available in coins (5c, 10c, 20c, 50c. R 1, R 2, R 5) and notes (R 10, R 20, R 50, R 100, R 200). You will find cards are used very widely but it can be useful to have some notes, especially for small tipping (more on that below) or incidental purchases.

Medicines

It is essential that you check your own medicine when trying to take it into South Africa using official channels. The following is a direct copy from the South African Customs and Excise page when it lists various items that are normally restricted but may have an exemption

• Medicine (excluding sufficient quantities for three months for own personal treatment accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician)

Pharmacies are excellent and can offer advice and dispense a range of items.

Laundry

You might be staying somewhere with clothes washing facilities, or else happy to improvise. But you will also find many places offer a laundry service at a much better rate than many other countries. In addition you will find launderettes in places where they make sense - the large built up areas for example, but also in smaller places that have more casual backpacking style accommodation. Got a question that you think should be answered here? Just send us a message and we will add it!