Useful Information
Destination: South Africa
Healthcare
You will need to pay for all your own treatments and therefore finding a comprehensive health insurer is recommended. Medical facilities in cities and larger towns are world-class but you will find the clinics and hospitals in rural areas do not offer the range of medical care that larger metropolitan hospitals do.
Malaria and bilharzia are diseases endemic to certain parts of South Africa. Before visiting the country, foreigners are advised to take precautions.
In addition, South Africa is currently experiencing one of the most severe AIDS epidemics in the world with almost 1,000 AIDS deaths occurring every day. A toll-free HIV/AIDS helpline exists on 0800 012 322.
By Car
If you intend on driving in South Africa you will need to produce your own national driving licence or apply for an International Driving Licence (especially if your licence is not printed in English).
For your own safety, follow these precautions when driving anywhere in South Africa: always drive with your doors locked and windows wound up (especially when stopped at traffic lights); keep handbags, cell phones and other potential items out of sight; do not stop to pick up hitchhikers; try to park in a busy, well-lit areas; don't get out of your car if you are knocked or hit from behind in suspicious circumstances; and be aware some drivers will be carrying guns.
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Prefix for International Call: | +09 / +00 |
|---|---|
| Operator: | 1025 |
| Directory Assistance: | 1023 |
| International Directory Assistance: | 10903 |
| Yellow Pages: | 10118 |
Emergency Services
There are currently attempts in South Africa to have a national emergency number for all services on 112 and it is hoped this will be achieved in 2009. In the meantime the required service still needs to be called on the following numbers:
| Emergency/Ambulance: | 10177 |
|---|---|
| Fire: | 10177 |
| Police: | 10111 |
| Difficulty Calling Emergency: | 10222 |
For help on the road, call:
| Metro Emergency Rescue Service: | 10177 |
|---|---|
| SA Police Emergency: | 10111 |
| Vodacom Emergency: | 147 |
| MTN Emergency: | 112 |
South Africa Public Holidays 2008-2009
| Heritage Day | 24th September 2008 |
|---|---|
| Day of Reconciliation | 16th December 2008 |
| Christmas Day | 25th December 2008 |
| Day of Goodwill | 26th December 2008 |
| New Year's Day | 1st January 2009 |
| Human Rights Day | 21st March 2009 |
| Good Friday | 10th April 2009 |
| Easter Monday 2009 | 13th April 2009 |
| Freedom Day | 27th April 2009 |
| Workers Day | 1st May 2009 |
| Youth Day | 16th June 2009 |
| National Women's Day | 9th August 2009 |
If one of these holidays falls on the weekend, it is celebrated the following Monday.
Languages
South Africa calls itself the Rainbow Nation and this reflect the 11 official languages spoken in South Africa; English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
English is largely spoken in business and most urban areas of the country.