POPULATION

South Africa is home to multi-cultural melting pot of 60 million beautiful people of diverse origins, cultures, languages, and religions.

LANGUAGE

Although English is widely spoken and is used for informational signage, South Africa celebrates diversity in language with a total of 12 official languages. These languages are Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Sign language, Siswati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga and English.

CONGRESS LANGUAGE 

The official language of the Congress is English. 2024AAAC will provide simultaneous interpretation from English to French in sessions scheduled in the Plenary Room. 

RELIGION

Enshrined in the South African constitution is the right for all people to practice their religion free from persecution. The most practiced religion in South Africa include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism.

CURRENCY

The Rand is the official whole currency unit in South Africa. A Rand is the equivalent of 100 cents. Currency denominations include 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent coins, as well as 1, 2 and 5 Rand coins. 1 Rand is the equivalent of 100 cents. Bank notes include denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. 

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TIPS AND TIPPING

You will be glad to know that in South Africa your tip should be at least 10 - 15% of your bill. In some restaurants, you will notice that the tip is included in the total.

PAYMENTS

Most major international Credit Cards are accepted throughout South Africa, including Visa and Mastercard. Although widely accepted American Express and Diners Club sometimes may not be accepted. ATM’s are widespread and most will allow visitors to withdraw Rands directly from bank or credit cards.

TAX

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 15% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

FOREX

Forex desks are situated at most airports to exchange currency. In addition to this most major retail banks are able to assist with currency exchange. These forex desks will produce a quote for the exchange which must be agreed to in order to exchange currency.

GEOGRAPHY

South Africa is situated on the Southern tip of the African Continent. It shares neighbouring borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. South Africa encloses both Swaziland and Lesotho. South Africa has over 2700 km of Coastline shared between the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast and the warm Indian Ocean on the east coast.

TIME ZONE

The time in South Africa is 2 hours ahead of UTC and the same as in Eden Glen. The timezone in South Africa is South Africa Standard Time (SAST). 

PROVINCES

South Africa is divided into 9 beautiful provinces, each with their own incredible diversity and history. These include the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West.

CAPITALS

South Africa has three capital cities. Cape Town is the legislative capital, Pretoria is the administrative capital and Bloemfontein is the judicial capital.

PASSPORT

All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. However, it is important to note that under South Africa's Immigration Act of 2002 (Act. 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, (a) Immigration Act, 2002 the passport shall contain at least THREE unused page when presenting the passport for endorsements. Failure to have a clear page can result in entry being refused.Please apply for your visa timeously, as many of the Embassies are backed up as a result of all the applications post Covid. 

Passports need to be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your departure date from South Africa. 

VISA

HEALTH

South Africa has a well-developed healthcare system. There are both public and private hospitals throughout South Africa. Be sure to top up on medical insurance before leaving your home country. Well-qualified doctors, dentists and specialists can be found easily, but it is advisable to make an appointment unless it is an emergency.

MALARIA

While most of South Africa is malaria-free, this mosquito-borne disease is prevalent throughout the year in the Kruger National Park and the low-lying areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal. Consult a healthcare professional about a suitable prophylactic. Your choice of drug will depend on how long you are visiting the malarial area, the time of year and your personal health.

VACCINATIONS

South Africa requires all visitors travelling from yellow fever risk countries to show proof of yellow fever vaccination by means of a valid yellow fever certificate. Click here to view countries for which a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.

Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa. 

DISABILITY

Major hotel chains have ensured facilities for travellers with special needs. If you require additional assistance it is always advised that you verify with the accommodation and experiences you are interested in to ensure that your needs are met. If you require additional dispensation or assistance when hiring a vehicle, most of the major vehicle rental companies are able to assist.

COMMUNICATION

South Africa has a well developed communications infrastructure. A number of network providers offer national coverage and there are well-established landline phone networks. Internet and Wi-Fi is easily accessible in most urban areas at hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and public places.

ELECTRICITY

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. With a few exceptions electricity is available almost everywhere. Please ensure that you bring the correct converter for your electrical equipment.