1. Which language is spoken in South Africa?

A. There are 11 official languages. English is widely spoken and is the official language of parliament and business.  The languages are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.

　

2. How far is South Africa from Japan?

A. It is a more or less a 18-hour flight. As there are no direct flight between South Africa and Japan, visitors have to transit via the route is transiting via Hong Kong, Singapore or Bangkok or other south east Asian cities.  Please note that South African Airways (SAA) flies from Johannesburg to Hong Kong and co-shares with Cathy Pacific from Hong Kong to Tokyo.

　

3. Which is the currency unit used in South Africa?

A. The Rand (ZAR) denoted by R. (exchange rate: US $1 = 5.79 R  or Yen 18.09= R as of 24 February 2005) 

　

4. When is the best time to go to South Africa?

A. South Africa has many days of sunshine.  Mid winter occurs in June and July and midsummer in December and January. Summers are generally warm to hot ; winters are dry and sunny except in Cape Town where the rainy season is during the winter.  Spring is in September/October and November.  Days of sunshine range from 265 days a year in Johannesburg to 197 days in Durban.

　

5. Is there a time difference between Japan and South Africa?

A. Yes. Throughout the year South Africa time is GMT + 2 (7 hours behind Japan)

　

6. Are there specific rules to follow on the road?

A. The basic rule of the road is to drive on the left hand side. 

All visitors intending to drive are required to obtain an international drivers permit, visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. Visitors will also not be able to rent a car without a valid driver's permit. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law.

Our transport infrastructure is excellent and our roads are in good condition. However, the distances between towns are significant, so if you're planning to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary to ensure that you don't drive long distances as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as it always carries more risk. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas, the roads are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road - which could be very dangerous at night. (Cows don't have headlights.)

We have very strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Our speed limits are 120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns. Some major national roads cut through residential areas so there may be a speed limit of 80 or 60kmph to protect pedestrians, especially children, so we really do encourage people to comply.

　

7. About Electricity

A. South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)
Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

8. About Tipping

A. Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills - thus it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip. Parking and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

1.  Does Embassy introduce South African exporters/suppliers or Japanese  importers?

A. Please send your request by fax or e-mail to the marketing officer in charge of the product and he will handle your request.

　

2.  Are all Rooibos tea graded by the South African government?

A. There are no such national gradings but individual South African suppliers of Rooibos tea may have their own gradings.

3. Can one export second-hand cars to South Africa?

A. The South African government prohibits import of second-hand vehicles from outside South Africa to protect the domestic auto industry as well as consumers.

4. Is DA59 (a format of country of origin) required when exporting to South Africa?

A. It used to be required before but now it is not required unless a L/C requires one.

5. What is the import tariff rate for a certain products?

A. Please access the following website for customs tariff duty in South Africa

　

6. What are the key economic indicators of  South Africa?

A. Please take a look at DTI and Statistics South Africa and Reserve Bank website for full economic indicators. 

　

CONSULAR

1. Do I need a visa to go to South Africa?

A. For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa.

Travellers from certain regions of the world (Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need to formally apply for a visa. Upon arrival in South Africa, countries falling into this category will automatically be given a free entry permit sticker that outlines how long they may remain in the country. This automatic entry permit is usually for a maximum of 90 days, though the immigration officer may tailor the time period according to the airline tickets held. Foreign nationals from some other countries are offered this service, but for a maximum of 30 days. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they will have to apply formally for a visa, as opposed to relying on the automatic entry permit.

For more information, please see Administration & Consular page

　

2. Do I need to get certain vaccinations before entering South Africa?

A. No. Nevertheless, visitors to certain game reserves must get anti-malaria tablets (available at drug stores in South Africa.) Yellow Fever Certificates are required for persons whose journeys start or entail passing through the Yellow Fever Endemic Areas. Please see Immunizations page for more information.

　

3. TAX

A. Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.