Home Africa 10 Useful South Africa Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors

10 Useful South Africa Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors

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south-africa
south-africa

South Africa is a wonderful travel destination for all kinds of tourists. There is something for everyone, whether you live for adventure or let your stomach decide where you go. Here are ten helpful tips for traveling to South Africa for first-time visitors.

1. South Africa’s safety

South-Africa
South-Africa

I am frequently questioned about safety when traveling to South Africa. Yes, in a nutshell, provided you exercise common sense and are conscious of your surroundings.

Even if your destination is only three streets away, you should always take an Uber at night if you want to experience the nightlife in Cape Town or Johannesburg. Similar places exist in South Africa, just as there are areas that aren’t as safe in New York City or Los Angeles.

Before leaving, always check with a local to see if the area is secure.
However, your trip to South Africa should be trouble-free if you stay in the main tourist areas and avoid flashing your valuables in inappropriate locations.

2. Study the regional slang

South-Africans
South-Africans

There are an astounding 11 official languages in South Africa. Although English is the third most common language spoken worldwide, South Africans have given it its own special spin and added a mixture of Afrikaans and Zulu words for good measure.

3. South African custom of tipping

tipping
tipping

In South Africa, tipping at restaurants often ranges between 10% and 15%. People typically give the bartender any spare change from the bill while they are in a bar.

The vehicle guards of South Africa will interact with you if you rent a car there. These are people who, in exchange for a few Rands, will watch your car while you run your errands.

4. You may consume bottled water.

bottled-water
bottled-water

Some of the cleanest tap water in the world is found in South Africa. You don’t need to worry about purchasing water bottles while traveling because it is absolutely fine to drink straight from the faucet. Bring a refillable water bottle with you and fill it up as you go!

5. Purchase travel insurance

travel-insurance
travel-insurance

Travelers with a sense of adventure should definitely choose South Africa. You may paraglide off Lion’s Head in Cape Town, jump off the highest commercial bungee in the world, and go on challenging multi-day hikes through the Drakensberg.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for extreme sports if you intend to get your adrenaline fix while traveling.

Additionally, you’ll require all-inclusive general travel insurance. It’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any airline disruptions and unforeseen hospital visits, given how far most people have to travel to get to South Africa.

6. Hop a Country

The cheapest international flights to Southern Africa from the United States often land in Johannesburg or Cape Town. There are numerous incredibly cheap return flights to Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique nevertheless, once you’re in the nation.

Why not extend your trip by a week so you can see one of South Africa’s neighbors?

7. Purchase a Local Sim Card.

Sim-Card
Sim-Card

Purchase a Vodacom sim card from one of the vendors inside the airport as soon as your flight to South Africa has landed and you have your luggage. You can purchase airtime for any necessary phone calls as well as data bundles that will keep you connected.

8. Carry cash with you

money-south-africa
money-south-africa

Despite the fact that credit cards are frequently used in South Africa, you’ll still require cash for the duration of your trip. I advise getting cash from the ATM when you get there. Instead of employing a currency exchange service at the airport, use the machines to receive a better exchange rate.

Download the Snapscan app if you’re visiting Cape Town and have a local sim card. It’s an app that integrates with your credit cards so you can tap to pay with a QR code at various retailers and vendors. It is used by numerous restaurants and stores for simple one-step credit card purchases.

9. Uber it

Uber
Uber

Uber is the greatest mode of transportation in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Compared to a metered taxi, the service is significantly more affordable, convenient, and reliable. Additionally, Uber South Africa conducts background checks on its drivers and verifies the validity of their licenses.

10. Rent a Car

south-africa
south-africa

You’ll need a car if you wish to travel through the renowned Garden Route in South Africa or through the Drakensberg Mountains to Lesotho, where there is the Highest Pub in Africa.

Fortunately, car rental costs are considerably lower in South Africa than in its surrounding nations. Additionally, if you have a car, you can drive to Kruger National Park and take a self-drive safari there!

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