11:39 pm
+2h from you
Weather in South Africa
South Africa
26°
Thunderstorm
Sun
18
26
Mon
18
26
Tue
16
30
Wed
19
30
Thu
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.
Transportation in 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 way 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 day
Tour Guide
50-100 ZAR per person, depending on the tour length and quality
Safety & security in South Africa
Tips for British travellers
South Africa is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not walk alone on deserted beaches, especially after dark, and avoid isolated picnic spots.
Keep car doors locked and windows closed at junctions to prevent 'smash and grab' thefts.
Use an internationally recognised taxi app, confirm the booking in the app, and check the vehicle details before entering.
Hide your PIN at ATMs and only exchange large sums of money in banks or secure shopping malls.
Only swim between the red and yellow flags on beaches and follow instructions from lifeguards.
Bonus tips:
Stay on main roads like the M3 and N2 when travelling to and from Cape Town airport to avoid attacks.
Avoid hiking alone in Table Mountain National Park and stick to busy, marked trails on popular days.
Driving in South Africa
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 M, Type N
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in South Africa, particularly in major cities, tourist areas, and large establishments. However, smaller shops, markets, and rural areas may prefer cash.
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. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially when travelling to more remote locations.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept international cards. Look for ATMs from major banks like ABSA, Standard Bank, FNB, and Nedbank. Be aware of your surroundings and potential for scams, especially at night.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile phone users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in South Africa. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 300 ZAR (~£13)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, GSM, UMTS
Local carriers
Vodacom, MTN, Cell C
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and airports, especially in urban areas. Quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Free WiFi is not as widely available as in Europe or North America. Some establishments may offer free WiFi for a limited time or with a purchase. Mobile data can be a more reliable option.
Health & vaccinations
As a British tourist, you will need travel insurance for South Africa. Ensure it covers medical expenses, repatriation, and any activities you plan to do. The GHIC/EHIC card is not valid in South Africa.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and recommended vaccinations for South Africa. Malaria is a risk in some areas, particularly Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and consider antimalarial medication. HIV/AIDS is prevalent, so take appropriate precautions. Private medical facilities are generally good in urban areas.
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 Johannesburg number 011 123 4567 from the UK, you would dial 00 27 11 123 4567.
The country code for South Africa is 27. The UK exit code is 00. When calling a South African number, drop the leading zero from the area code.
UK Embassy in South Africa
British High Commission Pretoria
255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
Airports in South Africa
Frequently asked questions about South Africa
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.