About South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is the southern most country on the continent of Africa.  It has about 1,800 miles of coast line and borders both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.  Though the country has a history of civil strife, it has been unified and had its first democratic election in 1994.

The Republic of South Africa is the 25th largest country in the world with 50 million inhabitants who speak eleven officially recognized languages.  English is still the language used most in commerce and in public.  There are nine provinces.

South Africa is known for its gold and diamonds, both of which were discovered in the late 1800’s.  It is also a very biologically diverse country with 10% of all known plant species on Earth being found here.  A visitor will see lions, leopards, white rhinos, blue wildebeest, kudos, impalas, hyenas, hippos, and giraffes as well as vegetable crops, cattle and dairy farms.

Most visitors come to South Africa for the diverse and picturesque culture, wildlife, local wines, and ethnically diverse cuisine.

Travel Links
Weather                       
Currency           
Airport links
Visa
Passport                 
(be sure to mention code 47135 for discounted rates)

Quick facts

• Time zone
• South African Standard Time (SAST) used in all of South Africa
• South Africa does not observe Daylight Savings
• UTC+2, Noon in Austin, Texas means it’s 8pm in South Africa
• Calling code is +27
• Currency
• South African Rand
• Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5
• Bank notes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200
• All prices are rounded to nearest 5 cents
• Security features on coins include using two metals like the Euro and Canadian coins and a security groove along rim
• A passport with two blank pages and at least 6 months validity is needed to enter South Africa.  No visa is needed for a United States citizen staying less than 90 days.  A return ticket is also required for entry.
• ATMs are easily found, MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere.  ATMs give cash in a variety of denominations.
• Prices in shops are fixed, while prices in open-air markets are subject to bartering.
• Tips are expected at restaurant and full-service gas stations.  10% is acceptable.
• Tap water in the city is safe to drink.
• Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places.
• There are plans for special measures to ensure the safety and security of football fans.  The plans have not been officially released yet, but new equipment, training and recruits will play an integral part in the safety of fans and tourists for World Cup.
• Drive on the left side of the road, always wear your seat belt, and never use your cell phone while driving.  South African drivers are known to be aggressive and they generally ignore road rules altogether.  Be aware of wildlife on the roads.
• Social etiquette that is acceptable in Europe is also acceptable in South Africa.
• Cell phones that work in Europe will work in South Africa.
• There are plenty of internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots.
• South Africa uses a three-pronged “M” style plug that is 220 volts.
• Though eleven languages are officially recognized, English is the most common commercial and public language.
• Temperatures throughout the year range from a high in the 70’s to lows in the 50’s.  The rainiest months are May to August with a total of 25 inches of rain per year.

Transportation—
While the detailed South African Transportation Plan for 2010 has not yet been fully released to the public, plans include improving the current public transportation system within the various cities.  Please continue to check on this page for World Cup transportation updates.
Huge transportation projects began at every host city in 2008.  These included upgrades to roads, freeways, airports and the rail system and its stations.  The airports in Johannesburg and Cape Town are being expanded and a new airport is being built near Durban.  The passenger rail system will receive new and upgraded train stations and new passenger coaches.  A rapid link system is being implemented as well as a new bus system (Gautrain).  The buses will travel on bus-only roads.
In 2009 the focus will be on creating a detailed plan to move athletes, officials and other key personnel.