South Africa travel guide

Before you go to South Africa

Currency: ZAR R
Emergency number: 112 / 10111
Plug type: Type M (large 3-round-pin), Type N (3-round-pin, newer standard), Type C (2-round-pin, many adapters work)
Tap water: Safe in most urban areas (tap water is drinkable in all major cities). Avoid drinking from rivers or streams near informal settlements.
Tipping: Expected
Bargaining: Not expected
eSIM: Available
Card networks: Visa, Mastercard
ATM fees: R 60-70 per withdrawal

Cape Town South Africa's "Mother City", Cape Town sits at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain on the tip of the Cape Peninsula. Famed for…
Johannesburg South Africa's largest city and economic hub, Johannesburg—known locally as "Joburg" or "Jozi"—offers vibrant contrasts: from the poignant…
Durban South Africa's coastal playground on the warm Indian Ocean, Durban captivates with golden beaches, the vibrant Victoria Street Market,…
Stellenbosch South Africa's premier wine capital and home to one of its oldest universities. Cape Dutch architecture, oak-lined Church Street, and over…
Pretoria South Africa's administrative capital, the "Jacaranda City", home to Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, and a vibrant cafe scene. Every…
Knysna Nestled along the Garden Route between dramatic sandstone cliffs, Knysna Lagoon is one of South Africa's most beautiful natural settings.…
Hermanus World-renowned for the best land-based whale watching on the planet, Hermanus sits on Walker Bay. Southern Right Whales arrive June to…
Mbombela Capital of Mpumalanga and the main gateway to Kruger National Park, Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) is surrounded by subtropical lowveld,…
Gqeberha Formerly Port Elizabeth, Gqeberha is gateway to the Eastern Cape malaria-free game reserves including Addo Elephant National Park. Wide…
George Capital of the Garden Route and gateway to the Outeniqua Mountains, George is a lush city famous for world-class golf, Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe…