Need to Know
Travel Tips & Safety Guide

Weather & Clothing

• Summer days are hot with cooler evenings, with plenty of rainy days.
• Winters require warmer clothes.

Shopping

• Shopping centres and malls generally operate
• Monday - Saturday: 09h00 to 18h00
• Sunday: 09h00 to 14h00.
• Shops in smaller towns may be closed on a Sunday.
• Banks close at 15h30 on weekdays and 11h00 on Saturdays.
• ATMs are available 24 hours and accept most international cards.
• Roadside shopping at vendor stalls is available daily on most popular routes.

Tipping

• Feel free to tip between 10-15% at restaurants.
• Parking and petrol station attendants welcome any small change available.

Food & Water

• Generally, tap water is safe to drink as it is treated.
• Hygiene standards in hotels and restaurants are excellent.

Hospitals & Medical Care

• There is a large network of public hospitals, with generally good medical care.
• Excellent private medical facilities can be found in the larger towns.

Malaria

• Occasionally found in low-lying areas, malaria is low risk in the winter months.
• Effective measures include using a mosquito net and a good insect repellent.
• Consult a medical professional for malaria prophylaxis.

Do Not Drive After Dark (Never!)

• If you have absolutely no choice -
• Phone your next stop and tell them when to expect you and what route you are following.

Plan your itinerary & route in advance

• GPS is not always reliable in rural areas and around the mountains
• Cell phone signal is patchy or not available on rural roads
• Ask a local person before you depart, which road is the best
• Enquire about known road blockages due to protest action
• Look out for potholes, pedestrians and stray animals

Adhere to road signs

• Speed limit could be 80km/h on a road that looks like a highway
• Stop signs could be at unexpected places

If you get pulled over by police / traffic police

• Remain cooperative
• Insist on a written fine in case of an alleged violation
• It is strictly illegal to pay cash to a traffic / police officer (it is a bribe)
• Legitimate fines should be paid at a police station or magistrate's court only, where a receipt must be issued
• If prompted for a bribe, take note of the officer's name, place, time and their vehicle registration number. Report it to the Police or Tourism Help Line
• Never take a photo of any officer! It is illegal to take anyone's picture without consent

Use common sense anywhere

• Do not walk alone
• Do not walk around with expensive items such as jewellery or cameras
• Do not leave valuable items like shopping bags or luggage in your car
• Do not pick up hitch-hikers

Always….

• Keep a copy of your passport with your local travel agent or store a photo of it on the cloud.
• Keep a list of important family contacts with your agent / cloud.
• Learn at least five emergency and family telephone numbers off by heart.

Have the following information ready and remain calm

• (English is widely spoken and understood but not as a First language. Speak slowly and clearly when calling)
• The nature of the emergency
• Exact location of the incident (Including nearby landmarks)
• Details about injuries / possible suspects
• Your personal information
• Take the name of the person you speak to
• Ask how long it will take to get assistance
• Follow up to ensure you get help
• Send a brief report of the incident to the Tourism Helpline