This came over my email today - it's long, but there is good advice no matter where you might travel.
INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR TO SOUTH AFRICA
International visitors traveling to South Africa must please ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their entry date and that they have a minimum of 2 (but we recommend 3 especially if you are visiting more than one country on your journey) blank VISA pages (not endorsement pages) (if there is insufficient space in the passport then entry will be denied) in their passport to enable the entry visa to be issued.
South Africa is the economic powerhouse of Africa with first world infrastructure and a thriving economy. The road and rail network is well developed and the country is open to investment and development.
Malaria prophylactics are recommended for travelers to Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal. These are available from South African chemists, but you should consult your local pharmacist regarding malaria.
Apart from malaria in certain areas, travel to South Africa generally poses no medical threat with the greatest health risk to visitors being indulging too much in the finer things the country has to offer or the African sun which can be a risk if precautions are not taken.
As can be expected in a place where the world's first heart transplant was performed, medical facilities in the major centers are excellent with South African doctors enjoying an international reputation.
Currency
The South African currency is the rand (ZAR - often called the "buck" by locals) which is divided into one hundred cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10, and coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1 and 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.
Basic Costs
A generally favorable exchange rate ensures that Europeans, North Americans and Australasians find South Africa a very affordable holiday destination. Home users of Euros or US Dollars particularly will be pleasantly surprised at their purchasing power in South Africa.
Over the past decade South Africa has been among the world's best-performing developing economies, so travelers have been getting progressively less bang for their buck.
Banks
Banks in South Africa open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and from 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Most banks change all traveler’s checks in major currencies, but the commission charged can differ greatly between banks. Thomas Cook is represented in South Africa by Rennies Travel, American Express by Nedbank, and Visa by First National Bank. ATM machines will support your card if it bears the Cirrus logo.
Credit cards
Visa, American Express, Diner's Club and MasterCard are honored by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale and service, but not at petrol stations. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances, so it's useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification. A word of caution: beware of increasing credit card scams - keep a close eye on your card.
Climate
SUMMER: September - April
WINTER: May - August
South Africa is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on your priorities. The best season for the beach is summer (November to mid-March). The southern regions are summer destinations, with low summer rainfall.
Temperatures reach 28-30°C ( 82-86° Fahrenheit) or higher during this time and warm waters of the east coast make for almost year-round swimming. Safaris in the Kruger region are best in the dry winter months from May to September or October when the vegetation is sparse so game viewing is easier, and the temperatures are milder.
South Africa is a big country just south of the tropic of Capricorn, but it is the topography and surrounding oceans that influence its climate, rather than the latitude.
Although the climate varies from region to region, it is generally mild and sunny throughout the year. On the whole it is a dry country with a mean annual rainfall of 502 mm. Snowfall is limited to the highest mountain peaks.
The southern Gauteng region has hot summers with occasional thundershowers and frosty winters, while the eastern part of this region (known as the Lowveld) enjoys mild winters.
Shopping
Traditional South African souvenirs include animal skins, elaborate Zulu beadwork and other handicrafts, as well as garments, pouches, belts and pipes.
Township art is widely available in urban centers and on roadsides, taking the form of wire models and functional items (baskets, candlesticks, etc.).
Roadside stalls also sell local art - soapstone and wooden sculptures and colorful paintings on fabric. Remember to check the quality carefully, and haggle.
As you would expect from a country rich in gold and diamonds, there is an excellent selection of jewelery available, as well as opportunities to watch goldsmiths in action.
Many visitors take advantage of the exchange rate to buy clothing, golfing equipment, and other fairly expensive goods.
What to Pack
Pack clothing to suit the season and location of your visit. South Africa is coldest during a Cape Town winter or at night-time on the Highveld.
The days can be very warm at any time of year though, so bring plenty of cool clothing. In summer, don't forget beach wear.
Remember a sun hat, particularly if you're going on safari, and sun protection cream. If you're heading into a malaria risk area you'll find full-length clothing useful (just make sure it's not too heavy) as well as spray-on mosquito repellent.
Bring practical shoes - you'll probably be doing a fair amount of walking. Bring hiking boots if you plan on doing mountain trails longer than a single day.
Posh hotels and city clubs may require collared shirts, so bring a set of smart clothing if you plan on being glamorous.
The most practical items to pack are:
• Khaki, brown, white and beige colors
• Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer
• Safari trousers and warm tops for evenings and cooler days
• Swimwear, snorkel, mask, fins, sun lotion
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Plastic sandals, to protect feet against injury from sharp coral or stone fish
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera film and batteries
Power
All electrical appliances run on 220v. Outlets are round 3 pin, 15 amp plugs. Special adapters for video cameras, chargers and hairdryers are needed and can sometimes be supplied by some hotel receptions.
Various safari camps and lodges may not have 220v and may operate on solar powered 12v electricity. Remember to bring spare batteries to have charged at the lodge while out on safari.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking, that the sole responsibility lies with the guests to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependants/traveling companions for the duration of their trip to southern Africa. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities:
Compulsory Insurance:
• emergency evacuation expenses,
• medical expenses,
• repatriation expenses,
Recommended Insurance:
• cancellation or curtailment of trip,
• damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods.
LUGGAGE ON SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
Scheduled airlines in southern Africa generally carry a weight restriction of 44 lbs per economy class traveler, and 66 lbs for business class. Please ensure that you comply with the applicable restrictions (further details regarding number of luggage pieces and exact dimensions, for the particular carrier can be obtained from your ticketing agent).
Please note when combining scheduled airline flights and air transfers (as specified below), then the smaller restriction of the two will apply unless alternative arrangements have been made for the storage or separate transfer of excess luggage.
It is very important that you do not put anything of high value (personal or financial value) in your checked-in baggage as luggage can be tampered with and valuables removed. This includes, but is not limited to, jewelry, cameras, video equipment, reading / sunglasses, laptops or other computer/electronic equipment, medication (especially chronic medication) etc. Please also lock your luggage with a suitable lock to deter opportunistic theft.
TIPPING / GRATUITIES
Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:
• Camp, Game Lodge and Specialist Guides
We recommend US$10 per guest per day.
• Mokoro Paddlers and Trackers
We recommend that each paddler receive US$5 per guest per day and that camp / lodge trackers receive US$5 per guest per day.
• The General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff
We recommend about US$5 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff
• Transfer Driver
Transfer US$2 per person
• Touring (excluding Camp / Game Lodge) Driver and/or Guides
Half day tour US$5 per person
Full day tour US$10 per person
• Hotel Staff
We recommend between US$1 and US$2 per guest per day for hotel staff i.e. housekeeping etc
• Porterage
We recommend about US$1 per person per movement.
• Blue Train and Rovos Rail
Cabin attendant R100 per person per journey
Waiter, Dining Car R75 per person per journey
• Restaurants / Hotels
10% is customary on meal accounts if you are satisfied with the service.
...C'mon out and say hi! 
anic:. 