£1 ZAR 22.70
Today
6:02 am
+2h from you
Weather in South Africa
South Africa
26°
Overcast
Wed
17
26
Thu
16
27
Fri
17
27
Sat
17
27
Sun
18
28
SPF level in South Africa
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around South Africa
Languages in South Africa
Tipping in South Africa
Tipping is customary in South Africa for good service. While not mandatory, it's a common practice to show appreciation.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill for table service
Taxi
10% of the fare, or round up
Hotel Porter
10-20 ZAR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 ZAR per night
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour price
Safety in South Africa
Tips for British travellers
South Africa is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid isolated beaches and do not walk alone on beaches when they are deserted, especially after dark.
Do not display valuables or leave them in your car, and keep car windows closed at junctions.
Only use internationally recognised taxi apps, book the taxi in the app, and check the vehicle registration before entering.
Be cautious using dating apps, meet in public places, and do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
Be alert to card skimming at ATMs and only change large sums of money in banks or secure shopping malls.
Bonus tips:
Only swim between the red and yellow flags on busy tourist beaches and follow instructions from lifeguards.
If you rent a car, save the emergency roadside assistance numbers and download an offline map.
Driving in South Africa
A valid UK driving license is accepted for a period. An International Driving Permit can also be useful.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
10111
Ambulance
10177
Fire
10177
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in South Africa
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type M, Type N
UK adapter needed?
Yes
South Africa operates on 230V at 50Hz. Plug types C, D, M, and N are used. British travellers will require an adapter to use their UK appliances.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in South Africa, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, it's always wise to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments, markets, or rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in South Africa
ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, but less common in rural areas. Ensure you have cash when travelling to remote locations.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are the most convenient way to withdraw cash. Most ATMs accept international cards. Be cautious of transaction fees.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in South Africa. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM data package
5GB for 150 ZAR (~£6.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Vodacom, MTN, Cell C
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls in cities and tourist areas. However, the quality and reliability of the connection can vary.
Average speed
35 Mbps
While WiFi is readily available, purchasing a local SIM card may give you better connectivity, especially if you intend to travel to more remote locations. Data speeds may vary depending on location and network congestion.
Health & vaccinations in South Africa
As a British tourist, you should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other unforeseen events. While the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and its predecessor, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), are not valid in South Africa, travel insurance is crucial to cover any medical costs incurred during your trip.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and recommended vaccinations before travelling to South Africa. Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Africa, particularly Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal province. Discuss malaria prevention with your healthcare provider. Be aware of HIV/AIDS prevalence. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets.
Calling South Africa
Country code
+27
To call South Africa from the UK, dial 00 27 followed by the local number (without the leading zero).
To call a South African number 012 345 6789 from the UK, you would dial 00 27 12 345 6789.
South Africa's country code is 27. When calling South African numbers from abroad, remember to drop the first zero of the local area code.
UK Embassy in South Africa
British High Commission Pretoria
255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
Airports in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.