FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
| |
| Q |
What is the monetary unit in South Africa? |
| A |
Rand (click here for foreign currency conversions: www.xe.com ) |
|
| Q |
What credit cards can I use in South Africa? |
| A |
Most banks, stores, and restaurants are VISA and MASTERCARD compliant. Local Banks are ABSA, Standard, First National, Nedbank. |
|
| Q |
Is shopping available? |
| A |
Yes, plenty to choose from. Most shops are in large malls and cater to everyone from the very rich to the very economical. |
|
| Q |
What do I need to bring? |
| A |
Clothing, bible, toiletries, converter plugs, and necessary funds for your trip.
** South Africa is a first-world and a third-world country. Thus, anything and everything you will find in a store in Australia, England or America will be available in South Africa - even gluten- and dairy-free food.
** Be aware of the seasons in South Africa - Summer (October to May) - hot, our rainy season - thus light clothes, open shoes and dry-mac; Winter (June to August) - cold - even very cold (below freezing) - with frost - thus don't forget your beanie, jersey, jacket, long johns, boots. Our homes are not built for winter - therefore no double glazing or interior heating. The days are short, pleasant and sunny - but once the sun has sunk below the horizon - it can be very cold.
** Remember a converter plug. We have 2 types of plugs - 2-pronged (with round prongs) ; and 3 pronged (large round prongs).
|
|
| Q |
What are some tasty places to eat out? |
| A |
Good fast food outlets: Steer's, Wimpy, McDonalds, Nando's, KFC
Cozy and comfy restaurants: Mugg & Bean, Moya
|
|
| Q |
What is driving like in South Africa? |
| A |
We drive on the left side of the road and have plenty of four-way stops (instead of round-abouts). Do not expect road courtesy (generally an indicator encourages other vehicles to speed up). Average speed limit is 60-80 km in town; 120km on freeway). Roads are generally in good condition and signs are well-marked. There are attendants at fuel stations to fill up and wash your windshields.
|
|
| Q |
Do you have a bus system? |
| A |
Yes, Translux, Greyhound, or Bazbus ( www.bazbus.com - for economical and easy tours) are some options. |
|
| Q |
Is in-country air travel available? |
| A |
Yes, and it's very affordable and good quality. Kulula, Mango, and 1time are some domestic airlines. |
|
| Q |
What language is spoken in South Africa? |
| A |
There are
11 official languages, but English is spoken and understood everywhere. |
|
| Q |
What are some cool, new interesting words I can use in South Africa? |
| A |
"bakkie" (pronounced 'bucky') = a car that resembles a ute/pickup truck
"robot" = traffic light
"lekker" = nice, good, great
"larny" = smart
"braai" (pronounced 'bry') = barbeque
"biltong" = dried raw meat
"must" = means a suggestion - not a command
"just now" = anything from in ½ hour to 2 hours from now
"now-now" = later
|
|
| Q |
What are some suggested accommodations near Johannesburg? |
| A |
City Garden Bed & Breakfast - 45 minutes from OR
Thambo Airpor (karens@mouldnet.co.za)
Africa Sky or Avant Garde guesthouses - 10 minutes from OR Tambo Airport (right next door to Scheeper's home)
|
|
General Info:
• You can drink the tap water, it's safe.
• Be careful in malaria areas (Johannesburg is a malaria-free zone).
• AIDS and HIV are widespread in Africa.
• The sun in South Africa can burn you quickly - wear sun protection cream.
• It does get cold in South Africa, especially between the months of May and August. Please bring a windbreaker or cardigan. It has even been known to snow.
• Leave a copy of your documents in a safe place - not under your pillow or in your suitcase. Preferably leave a copy on the Internet.
• Leave valuables in the hostel safe. Ask before wandering around.
• Don't leave anything in your car at night - windows are easy to break and a pain to replace.
• Be careful when you drive at night - hazards include potholes, rocks, animals and pedestrians.
• Do not believe everything you are told. Our locals have fantastic sob-stories and know how to play with your conscience.
|
|
