last edited Dec 11, 2019
Other Practical Information for South Africa
Luggage and Equipment to Bring
During the southern summer (December–March), lightweight clothing is recommended, plus a sweater for cooler evenings or when climbing to higher altitudes. Warmer clothes are necessary for the southern winter months (June–September). Also bring sun and dust protection, rain gear for the season, mosquito repellent, sturdy walking shoes, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Communications
Telephone
Country code: (00 +) 27.
Internet
Post
Post offices are generally open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to noon.
Time Difference
Local time: .
South Africa is on GMT+2 year-round, like its neighbors. This means one hour ahead of France in winter and no time difference in summer.
Electricity
220/230 V (50 Hz) with mostly specific three large round-pin plugs (officially types D and M), which were once the British standard, and occasionally other models (type N) with two smaller pins. In all cases, an adapter is required and can be easily found locally for US plugs and, if you prefer, French ones as well.
Note that in the most populated areas, electricity consumption can peak in the early evening, leading to more or less prolonged power outages.
Opening Hours
Banks are open weekdays from 8:30/9:00 AM to 3:30/4:00 PM and Saturdays until 11:00 AM or noon. Post offices follow roughly the same hours. Shops generally open from 8:30/9:00 AM to 5:00/6:00 PM on weekdays and until 1:00 PM on Saturdays. In urban areas and shopping centers, Saturday hours extend to 6:00 PM, and Sundays and public holidays are open from 10:00 AM to 3:00/4:00 PM.
Laundry
Most international hotels offer laundry/pressing services, as do many shopping centers. Self-service laundromats with coin-operated machines can also be found in some tourist or commercial areas of cities.
Local Tourist Offices
Weights and Measures
The country uses the metric system, like France, with distances in kilometers and weights in kilograms.