Banks
Most major commercial banks offer foreign exchange services. The main banks are found in every large town. Some are able to provide foreign exchange using UK bank and credit cards.
Rand traveller`s cheques are now available in the UK.
Visitors can also obtain cash using UK bank cards from many of the automatic teller machines (ATMs) outside banks.
Check the symbols displayed on the machines with those on your card - and remember your PIN number!
Several international banks have branches in the main city centres.
Banking and shopping hours
Most commercial banks are open from 09.00 - 15.30, Mondays to Fridays; from 08.30-11.00 on Saturdays.
Shops open from 08.00 to 16.30 Mondays to Fridays and from 08.30 - 12.30 on Saturdays, although in the main centres, opening hours are likely to be longer. Hours may vary from province to province.
Beaches
South Africa`s beaches are not only beautiful but swimming is generally safe and hygienic. Tests have shown that the sea water off South Africa`s beaches is among the cleanest in the world.
Bird-watching
South Africa has one of the widest diversities of bird types in the world, boasting more than 870 different species.
The Kruger National Park and Kalahari Gemsbok National Park are amongst the last strongholds of the large raptors, such as vultures and eagles.
Reserves such as Ndumu, Mkuzi, Lake Sibaya and St Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal are highly recommended for bird enthusiasts, as they are breeding grounds for migrating flocks of pelicans and flamingos.
An impressive range of birds inhabit the fynbos reserves of the Western Cape and the Langebaan Lagoon is populated in the summer by over 50,000 birds including enormous numbers of curlew sandpipers. In the Free State, the goldfield pans and Seekoeivlei, support large bird populations.
Inland regions such as Nylsvlei in the Northern Province and Barberspan Nature in the North West Province are two superb locations for birdwatching.Barberspan is another one of the largest waterfowl sanctuaries in South African and over 350 species have been recorded here. Birds peculiar to the bushveld are found in great numbers, especially at Nylsvlei.
Border posts
Motorists who wish to travel from South Africa to neighbouring countries should contact the Department of Home Affairs for details of the opening and closing times of the relevant border posts. Tel: +27 (0)12 324 1860.
Bus travel
Luxury coaches link the major centres, while travel companies offer a variety of coach tours around the country.
Regional services in Southern Africa are provided by: Greyhound, Intercape Mainliner and Translux Express.
Greyhound - Johannesburg/Bulawayo/Harare (Zimbabwe)
Intercape Mainliner - Johannesburg, Upington and Cape Town to Windhoek (Namibia), Maputo (Mozambique) and Lusaka (Zambia)
Translux Express - Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Baz-Bus - offers an alternative low-budget service, principally for younger people and backpackers, from Johannesburg to Cape Town via the Drakensberg.