Practical information
Embassies, money, phones, safety and public holidays.
Violence, Crime and the 2010 World Cup
There was something a little ironic this week about the erstwhile doyen of the African National Congress, Winnie Maikizela Mandela, trumpeting her dismay at the wave of xenophobic violence that has,…
Violence In South Africa: How serious is it?
Joburg in Flames? With the crazy news coming out of South Africa over the past week it was Germany that issued the first travel warning, advising its nationals to steer clear of Johannesburg, and no…
Crime & Conservation: South Africa Today
Smash & Grab! Crime in South Africa merged with conservation this week, which gave a fair indication of the successes of the later at the expense of the former.
Crime in South Africa: Know the Score.
On my most recent trip to South Africa I met and fell into conversation with a Danish women at a local backpackers lodge who had been in the country for a few days, and who was, within a week or so,…
How to avoid getting scammed in Cape Town #1 : Hitchhiking Conmen
As a South African, and long time sufferer of cons, tricks, scams and so forth, I like to think of myself as at least a little streetwise.
Violent crime in Cape Town: Flash Mob
When the pressures of crime , government and equal opportunity get you down, it is comforting to know you can go and smack someone with a pillow.
lotto Muti: The Magic Pen scam
Four men charged with selling fake "magic pens" have been fined R45000 after selling 2500 of them to unwitting victims paying up to R400 each ($50) The pens being blessed with black magic and…
Crime on Table Mountain: New road restrictions for the summer season '06
An attack on two British tourists hit the news today and has caused some shock waves amongst the management of Cape Town Tourism.
Mobile phone coverage in South Africa: Can you hear me now?
Visitors to South Africa are generally delighted with the mobile (cell phone) coverage that we have here.
Two blank page passport law: Heads up
A very big NB , for tourists coming to South Africa is the recent enforcement of a bizarre passport regulation.
Crime Site Makes Everyone Go "Eeek"
SA Logue feels obliged to note the fact that, on the day of Germany's World Cup handover to South Africa , the pressure on crackpots to cash in on 2010 is becoming almost unbearable, and many are…
Transit Visas Out, Foreign Employees In
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs recently suspended all transit visa requirements - meaning anyone can now pass through South Africa to another country without having to do any SA paperwork…
Polish Embassy in South Africa
Polish Embassy Homepage | Visa Applications POLISH EMBASSY Polish Embassy, Tshwane (Pretoria) Tel: +27 (0) 12 12 430 2631/2 Fax: +27 (0) 12 430 2608 Street address: 14 Amos Street, Colbyn, Tshwane…
Clothing, Shoe and Ring Size Conversions for South Africa
The first thing that should be noted, in relation to this subject, is that the science of outfitting onself is not exact, and so it's always best to try stuff on before you buy it.
Mocambiquan High Commission in South Africa
Note: no High Commission homepage. Note: nationals from the US, UK, most EU countries, Australia and New Zealand require visas to enter Mocambique, which can be obtained at the point of entry.
Discount Cards in South Africa
The world of travel discount cards is a crowded and scary place. Let SA Blog be your guide!
Tips for Women Travellers in South Africa
Whether travelling alone or in a group, personal safety features high on women's lists of concerns.
Lesotho High Commission and Consulates in South Africa
Note: no High Commission homepage. Note: nationals from the US, UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa do not need visas to enter Swaziland. How do you pronounce Lesotho?
Visa Information for Visiting South Africa
The good news for nationals from the US, UK, most EU countries, Australia and New Zealand who plan to visit South Africa is that, unless you intend to stay longer than 90 days, you don't need a visa…
Swaziland High Commission and Consulate in South Africa
Note: no High Commission homepage. Note: nationals from the US, UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa do not need visas to enter Swaziland.
Malawian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa
Note: no High Commission homepage. Note: nationals from the US, UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa do not require visas to enter Malawi.
Zimbabwean Embassy and Consulate in South Africa
Zimbabwean Consulate Homepage (sometimes doesn't load) Note: nationals from the US, UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa require visas to enter Zimbabwe, which can be…
Zambian High Commission in South Africa
Zambian High Commission Homepage | Visa Applications Note: nationals from South Africa do not require visas to visit Zambia as tourists; nationals from the US, UK, most EU countries, Australia and…
Botswana High Commission
Botswana Foreign Representation Homepage | Consular Services Note: nationals from the US, most EU states, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa do not require visas to visit Botswana as tourists.
Namibian High Commission in South Africa
Namibian High Commission Homepage | Visa Applications | Consular Services Note: nationals from the US, most EU states, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa do not require visas to visit Namibia as…
Public Holidays in South Africa
Here is the full calendar of South Africa's annual public holidays . Links will be added as the holidays are reached, and written about on SA Blog!
Duty Free in South Africa
Foreign tourists entering South Africa can bring in all personal effects duty-free, subject to limits on the following items: Wine: 2 liters Other spirits and alcoholic beverages: 1 liter Cigarettes:…
School Holidays in South Africa
School holidays are a tricky business in South Africa. The holiday dates change each year, and vary between the country's four coastal and five inland provinces.
Ambulances, Hospitals and Doctors in South Africa: Essential Information
You can get world class medical care in South Africa - provided you go with private doctors, ambulances and hospitals. This is one reason why it's essential to travel with health insurance.
Credit Cards in South Africa
The bottom line on foreign credit cards in South Africa is: bring a Visa or MasterCard, and expect it to work most of the time.
Calling Cards in South Africa
If you're coming to South Africa with one of the major calling cards in your wallet or purse, or want to make a collect call from South Africa, here are some handy local numbers (all toll free):…
Israeli Embassy in South Africa
Israeli Embassy Homepage | israeli Citizen Services | Visa Applications ISRAELI EMBASSY Israeli Embassy, Tshwane (Pretoria) Tel (Embassy): +27 (0) 12 470 3500 or 348 6389 Tel (Consular section): +27…
Tap Water in South Africa
The good news about tap water in South Africa is that it's perfectly drinkable in all urban areas, and most rural ones, too.
Greek Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
Greek Consulate-General Homepage (Note: page under construction.) | Visa Applications GREEK EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town Consulate Tel: +27 (0) 21 424 8160/1 Fax: +27 (0) 21 424 9421…
Portuguese Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
Note: no embassy homepage. Emergency Assistance (Portuguese nationals only): 072 186 1354 PORTUGUESE EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town Consulate-General Tel: +27 (0) 21 418 0080/1 Fax: +27 (0) 21 418…
Internet Cafes in South Africa
South Africa is wired! The internet is everywhere here - well, almost everywhere - is decently fast and relatively cheap, and there are hundreds of internet cafes eager to bring it to you.
Spanish Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
Note: no embassy homepage. SPANISH EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town Consulate-General Tel: +27 (0) 21 422 2415/6/7/8 Fax: +27 (0) 21 422 2328 embespza@mail.mae.es Mailing Address: Cnr.
Norwegian Embassy & Consulates in South Africa
Norwegian Embassy Homepage | Norwegian Citizen Services | Visa Applications Emergency assistance (Norweigan nationals only): +27 (0) 82 901 8136 NORWEGIAN EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town Embassy…
VAT Refunds in South Africa
VAT - Value Added Tax - is a 14% sales levy included in the price of most goods in South Africa. Some of the VAT you have paid during your stay here can be refunded to you upon your departure.
Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Cape Town
Chinese Embassy Homepage | Visa Applications CHINESE EMBASSY & CONSULATES Chinese Embassy, Tshwane (Pretoria) Tel: +27 (0) 12 342 4194 Fax: +27 (0) 12 342 4154 reception@chinese-embassy.org.za Street…
Japanese Embassy and Consulate in South Africa
Japanese Embassy Homepage | Visa Applications JAPANESE EMBASSY & CONSULATE Cape Town Consulate General Tel: +27 (0) 21 425 1695 Fax: +27 (0) 21 418 2116 Email: click here Street address: 2100 Main…
ATM Scams in South Africa
ATM scams are probably the most prevalant petty crimes in South Africa . Fortunately, they're easy to foil , relying as they do on your letting down your guard, rather than on technical…
Danish Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
Danish Embassy Homepage | Danish Citizen Services | Visa Applications Emergency Assistance (24 hours) (nationals of Denmark only): +27 (0) 82 373 4504.
Brazilian Embassy in South Africa
Brazilian Embassy Homepage Emergency assistance (Brazilian nationals only): +27 (0) 82 653 6468 BRAZILIAN EMBASSY Diplomatic Mission Head, Tshwane (Pretoria) Tel: +27 (0) 12 426 9400 Fax: +27 (0) 12…
Kenyan High Commission in South Africa
Note: the Kenyan High Commission in South Africa has no website. All visa business is conducted by fax. Please phone for details.
Swedish Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
Swedish Embassy Homepage | Swedish Citizen Services | Visa Applications SWEDISH EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town Honarary Consul Tel: +27 (0) 21 418 1276 Fax: +27 (0) 21 418 6068 norsksvensk@mweb.co.za…
Indian High Commission and Consulates in South Africa
Indian JNB Consulate General Homepage (under construction) | Indians Overseas INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION & CONSULATES Johannesburg Consulate General Tel: +27 (0) 11 482 8484/5/6/7/8/9 Fax: +27 (0) 11 482…
Italian Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
Italian Embassy Homepage | Italian Citizen Services | Visa Applications Emergency assistance (Italian nationals only) (after hours): +27 (0) 82 854 4725 ITALIAN EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town…
French Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
French Embassy Homepage | French Citizen Services | Visa Applications Alliance Francaise SA FRENCH EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town Consulate Tel: +27 (0) 21 423 1575 Emergency assistance (French…
Dutch Embassy & Consulates in South Africa
Dutch Embassy Homepage | Dutch Citizen Services | Visa Applications Emergency assistance (Dutch nationals only): +27 (0) 83 292 0894 DUTCH EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town Consulate General Homepage…
Canadian High Commission in South Africa
High Commission Homepage | Canadian Citizen Services | Visa Applications CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSION Cape Town Consulate General Tel: +27 (0) 21 423 5240 Emergency assistance (toll free to Ottawa):…
Australian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa
High Commission Homepage | Australian Citizen Services | Visa Applications Emergency assistance (Australian nationals only): 0800 993 511 ( SA ) OR 0961 9 616 261 1446 ( AU ) AUSTRALIAN HIGH…
German Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
German Embassy Homepage | German Citizen Services | Visa Applications Emergency assistance (German nationals only): +27 (0) 83 325 2694 GERMAN EMBASSY & CONSULATES Cape Town Consulate General Tel:…
British High Commission and Consulates in South Africa
High Commission Homepage | UK Citizen Services | Visa Applications Emergency assistance (UK nationals only): +27 (0) 12 421 7500 BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION Cape Town Consulate General Tel: +27 (0) 21…
United States Embassy and Consulates in South Africa
US Embassy Homepage | US Citizen Services | Visa Applications UNITED STATES CONSULATES Cape Town Consulate General .flickr-photo { } .flickr-frame { float: left; text-align: center; margin-right:…
This is the Adapter Plug You Want
South Africa has the oddest electrical plug system ever dreamt up. Few are the adapters that can cope.
Buying or Hiring a Cell Phone in South Africa: Leticia's Question Answered
Leticia posts a comment , asking - What is the most economical way to rent cell phones - here in the States, or there in South Africa (and if there, where)?
What to do During a Power Failure in South Africa
Power failures, a regular feature of life in Johannesburg for some years now, have begun to pester Capetonians in recent months, too.
Exchanging Money in South Africa
Spare yourself a dreaded visit to one of SA's banks: cash traveller's checks and exchange money at smaller forex-dedicated counters.
Banking Hours in South Africa
Visitors to South Africa who need banking services - apart from exchanging money and cashing traveller's checks ( see related post ) - will be forced to accommodate themselves to local banks'…
Which ATMs Work Best in SA?
The word "Big" is important in Africa: you have your Big Men, the Big Five, and, in the world of SA finance, the Big Four banks. These are: ABSA, First National, Nedbank and Standard.
Avoid Passport Panic: Keep a Few Pages Blank
(An SA Blog Beta post from Your Correspondent) The moral of this post is: Ensure there are a few blank pages in your passport before travelling to South Africa, or you may be refused entry!