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South Africa Travel Tips |
At SELFTOURS
we want to ensure that your holiday goes as smoothly as possible,
and as part of this service we have some South Africa travel tips
to share with you to make your travel to South Africa as trouble-free
as possible. It is not to say you will experience any mishaps during
your travels - but rather good common sense that the not-so-frequent
traveller may not be aware of. It is still quite amazing how many
people travel with little more than a tooth brush in the one pocket
and a passport in the other. Sound planning & organisation always
makes for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. |
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one of the headings below to view additional information. |
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THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAVELLING TOOL ..... YOUR LUGGAGE |
Start with the right luggage:
* Buy luggage that meets your most demanding
travel needs. Sensible, sturdy, medium priced luggage is best.
If you intend hiring a car, one hard suit case and some soft,"
squash able" bags can fit into those little spaces.
* Always lock luggage, not only to discourage
theft but also to make sure it does not open during handling.
Buy small locks to lock all external zipper pockets of bags. This
will also protect against others slipping illegal substances into
your luggage. Little plastic cable ties are invaluable. They have
to be cut to be opened. Available at most electrical and motor
spares shops.
* Never leave your camera, handbag etc unattended
on the trolley while collecting your suitcase from the carousel
– it’s amazing how these things suddenly disappear.
A fellow passenger who has travelled on the same flight from your
home country may just decide he can make better use of your camera.
* If your luggage appears to have been tampered
with – be wary – someone may have slipped something
illegal into it, don’t touch it. Rather call a customs official
or a security guard and report it.
* Identify your luggage with bright tape or
stickers, this makes your bag recognisable to you - be creative
- remember hundreds of people will be watching your bag going
around the carousel, but no one will be brave enough to walk away
with it.
* Remember to label your baggage inside and
out, with your home address. If luggage goes astray, it will eventually
end up at your home address. However, if you label it to where
you are going, you may have returned home by the time your luggage
gets to your destination. If it has gone astray, and the name
has come off the outside, it can be forced opened and still be
returned to your home address.
* Lay out everything you intend taking with
you, and take half of it. You will still have too much! Rolling
your clothes instead of folding and stacking saves more space.
* Sadly, never offer to carry a case for anyone
no matter how sweet that little old lady appears to be, rather
call for a ground hostess to assist him or her. Many a traveller
has ended up in a foreign jail with drugs in a case that they
swore was not theirs.
* A very useful piece of luggage is the "Moon
Bag / Money Bag" - the small bag people strap to their waist.
It can be worn under your shirt and is ideal carrying money and
other important documents, airline tickets, credit cards. etc
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TRAVELLING WITH THE CHILDREN |
* A trip abroad for most children is a big adventure.
Make the most of this adventure and start to build up a few weeks
early. Get a special calendar so that they can mark off the "sleeps".
* If you are making an itinerary, make sure
you include input from the children. Itineraries should be flexible
but giving the children the opportunity to decide what they would
like to see and do, increases the trip excitement and makes them
feel they are part of the ‘deal’. It also gives them
something to talk about at show time!
* When flying with small children, the best
seats to reserve are at the bulkhead. That's the first row of
seats in the plane (in economy). You will be facing a wall, however,
there is more legroom and most airlines will provide a basinet
that hooks onto the wall. If you have flight time options, choose
night flights. The children are more likely to fall asleep.
* Young children on holiday are so busy enjoying
themselves that they sometimes stop using the bathroom regularly.
This can lead to constipation problems. After much crying and
discomfort a doctor maybe needed to get them restarted.
* Don’t overfeed them with sweets –
they need a nourishing balanced meal everyday and need space to
enjoy that all-important meal, they are active.
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HOW TO GET RID OF THOSE UNWANTED COINS |
| When leaving a country, the last
thing you want is a pocketful of coins, as most moneychangers will
only take notes. A helpful hint on getting rid of your change:
* Purchase magazines, sweets or refreshments at
the airport.
* Use some up on tips |
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USEFUL LITTLE THINGS TO BRING |
| * A length of strong string, suction
cups with hooks to hang things to dry or support clothesline. These
attach very nicely to windows, mirrors, places in the bathroom.
* Bring a multiboard from home that all your electrical
items can plug into and fit a local 3-pin plug on arrival. All your
appliances will then plug into your multiboard. South Africa uses
a standard large 13amp round pin plugs and the voltage is 220 volts.
* A needle and thread can be invaluable in an
emergency when you elastic broke or your button fell off.
* Swiss Army knives also come in handy, but with
the new regulations, these must not be packed in your carry on
luggage, rather put them in your suitcase that will be put in
the hold. Very useful to fit the above electrical plug!
* A small roll of plastic electrical tape has
a myriad of uses for the traveller. A hem has come down? Tape it
up in a pinch. Leaving your luggage at a hotel? Tape everything
closed so nothing can be slipped in or out. Shipping a box home,
need to take fluff off a sweater? Hurrah for electrical tape.
* Take pictures of your family, house and pets
with you - you will be surprised how quickly this breaks the ice
with shy strangers.
* A travelling alarm clock can be very useful
if the hotel desk forgets to give you your wake-up call. |
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MONEYWISE |
| Keeping track of your money is
one of the most difficult, yet a most important part of travelling.
* Carry as little cash with you as you can, enough
for light refreshment and transport to your hotel, tips, petrol,
etc
* If you have drawn a lot of cash don’t
put it in your wallet in your back pocket. Put the wad of notes
in your front pocket. Ladies can find other places if they do not
have a front pocket.
* Change a little of your money to the currencies
you need before leaving home in case local money changing facilities
are closed when you arrive.
* Avoid changing money at the hotel cashiers desk,
as the rates are often higher.
* Use ATM cards and credit cards.
* If possible try and use ATM machines at the
bank premises during banking hours – if your card gets swallowed
the bank is open and you can go inside and ask for it back and there
is always increased security during banking hours.
*Try not to let your Credit Card out of your sight–
when paying for a meal rather take the trouble to walk up to the
desk and watch your card being swiped through the machine. It has
been known for someone to record the numbers and use them over the
Internet to purchase goods before now. AND always check it is the
your correct card that is handed back to you and not someone else's
card.
* If you are using your ATM card, take two cards,
as magnetic strips can be damaged and it is always good to have
a backup, especially if one gets lost.
* If you don't have ATM cards or credit cards,
take most of your money in traveller’s cheques, as these can
be refunded if lost or stolen.
* Make a record of all travellers cheques, mark
off the cheques you have used. If lost or stolen, you will have
a record and claiming insurance will be easier.
* South African petrol stations do
not accept credit cards, so have sufficient cash for
petrol purchases. R100 will buy you about 18 litres and you will
have change out of R400 with filling a small 1600cc car. (Feb 2006
R5.50c per litre)
* On departure from South Africa you can try and
claim back the VAT Tax on items purchased greater than R250 at the
VAT desk at the airport. This does not apply to services rendered,
eg car hire, accommodation costs, etc
* 10% tipping is generally quite acceptable at
restaurants, or a R5 coin will put a smile on the hotel porters
face after carrying your bags to your room.
* Beggars – the world is full of professional
beggars and they can spot a tourist coming. Some of them even use
their children and can put up quite a sob story – it also
gives them a chance to see your wallet. The more successful they
are the more the industry proliferates – we do not ascribe
to this form of donations. If you really feel sorry for him buy
him a loaf of bread and give it to him/her.
Please don't teach South Africans
to become a country of Beggars |
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DOCUMENTATION |
| * When travelling internationally,
you will need a valid passport.
* Many countries require an entry visa, so allow
plenty of time for this to be issued before you depart.
Do
I require a South African Visa?
* Entry visas will vary depending on your citizenship.
* Ensure that you have all necessary documentation
before you arrive at the airport, as you could be denied boarding
at the start of your journey.
* It is a good idea to keep photocopies of your
passport, entry visas, travellers cheque sales advice, airline tickets,
drivers licence etc. separate in your luggage, and also leave copies
at home with family or friends in case of theft. It is always easier
to obtain replacements when you have photocopies of all the details!
* Keep a separate note of your Credit Card numbers
– very useful if you have to report it stolen also your banks
contact telephone number. |
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HEALTH |
| * It is always a good idea to take
out medical insurance with your travel agent when you buy your tickets.
* Vaccinations and other medical precautions are
needed for travel to some countries, and advise is easily obtained
through your doctor or chemist. Have them well before your departure,
to allow time for recovery from any side effects.
* If you are on a prescription or if you take
a specific medicine, take enough away with you, as you may not be
able to get replacements. Carry your medical prescription clearly
stating what medication you are taking just in case you have to
purchase more during your summer holiday vacation. In this day of
illegal drugs it is wise to carry them in the manufactures box/container
so if stopped by a customs official he can clearly see the name
and know that these are not illegal drugs.
* Always carry a doctor’s certificate for
any prescribed drugs so you don't have any problems at customs.
* If you have prescription spectacles, carry a
copy of the prescription for easy replacement should you lose or
break them.
* Kruger Park and Namibia are Malaria areas -
ask your family chemist for the right anti malaria pills for your
country of destination. Remember to start 2 weeks before you depart
and continue 2 weeks after returning home. We do not recommend ‘Larium’
as there have been many reports of adverse side effect. Small babies
must not be taken into Malaria areas.
*Always carry a few basic items from Elastoplasts,
head ache pills, & something for upset tummies.
* A word of caution on drinking water –
The tap water all over South Africa is normally perfectly safe but
if you are not acclimatised to it or have a sensitive tummy you
could spend a great deal of your holiday in various bathrooms. This
warning also covers ice in your drinks and rinsing ones mouth after
brushing your teeth. All the international canned drinks are available
as well as various bottled spring waters. What has become very popular
are the flavoured spring waters and they have the added advantage
of a screw-on cap so they can be saved for later without leaking
– very refreshing
* If you have any questions please ask your GP. |
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AIRLINE TRAVEL |
| Long flights can be rather uncomfortable.
Here are a few tips to make those long flights a little more pleasant.
* Wear comfortable, loose fitting, non-creasing
clothes.
* Your feet will swell up when you fly, so you
will be more comfortable if you remove your shoes. Most airlines
provide socks to wear during long-haul flights. Don't wear new or
tight shoes, as you won't be able to put them on when it is time
to land.
* Most airlines offer free alcohol on tap. This
may seem great at the time, but when consumed in large quantities
it will make your jet lag twice as bad. Instead, drink lots of water
or fruit juice and eat lightly.
* Try and do gentle leg and foot exercises. |
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INSURANCE |
| As you are probably aware, travel
insurance is an integral part of your travel package, and should
be purchased at the same time as you purchase your travel tickets.
Your existing house hold insurance policy may well have All Risks
cover which is international cover and where you can specify various
important & expensive items – jewellery, cameras etc.
Strongly recommend you phone your insurance agent beforehand and
ask him how much cover you have under the All Risks section for
overseas travel. |
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MOBILE PHONES |
| Always a useful convenience to
carry with you wherever you are in the world. If booking through
SELFTOURS
we can arrange the free use of a phone on collection of your car
hire - you only pay for your calls and insurance. Another alternative
is to bring your phone from home, provided it is not dedicated to
your service provider back home. You can purchase a starter pack
on arrival at the airport for about R90, insert the new smart card
with your new South African telephone number and you are on your
way. Additional prepaid cards can be purchased and loaded in; the
shop assistant will assist you and explain everything to you. When
you return home you discard the SA smart card and revert to your
original smart card. |
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| SELFTOURS
wishes you a memorable holiday in our 'Rainbow nation' - ‘a
world within one country’ |
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