7 Do's And Don’ts While Volunteering In South Africa

South Africa is huge and diverse, spanning 471, 000 square miles, with a population of over 59 million that speaks 11 official languages. For full booking conditions visit Booking Conditions. Top 10 South Africa Travel Tips. Here you'll need to tip just about anyone in the service industry, whether it's a waiter, bartender, car guard, tour guide, taxi driver and even the guy filling up your tank at the gas station! Have a Dummy Wallet.

Do's And Don'ts In South Africa

South Africa is a big country and although it may be dwarfed by some really large places like Australia don't underestimate how much time it can take to get around. If you order bunny chow, the server will ask if you want it hot or hot-hot. Though I believe I stayed safe mostly because I didn't walk around much, there were a few times when I got tired of being scared and walked short distances instead of taking a taxi or a bus. Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage). The traveling times are very long and breakdowns aren't uncommon. It's best to pre-book and pre-pay for rides, so ask the hostel/guesthouse staff for their recommendations on reputable companies as well as how much a ride should be. Check out the penguins in their natural habitat. Give gifts such as cigars, whiskey, wine, a souvenir from your hometown, or flowers. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but not all the parts of your trip are listed on it, those parts not listed will not be ATOL protected. When talking about things not to do in South Africa, then this one should never be forgotten.

Do's And Don'ts South Africa Business

Taxis are generally safe here. The weather in South Africa is generally fairly hot by European standards but not exceptionally so, and the winters are considered to be generally mild. In both social and business etiquette in southern Africa, it's best to refrain from discussing politics. South Africa will always have a piece of my heart. Liked these Tips for Your First Visit to South Africa?

South Africa Do's And Don't Mess

These travel stories help you find your best trip ever! Your servers won't offer it to you—because of the "water shortage" and all—and they will bring you bottled stuff if you don't specify. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: - Safety Wing (best for everyone). Be very careful at Cape Point where I have seen baboons become very aggressive when trying to take food (including trying to get into cars). South Africa is a beautiful country with many activities to delight any traveler. We really mean ANYTHING. Here, she's sharing safety tips for South Africa.

South Africa Do's And Don'ts

Not a single traditional African or Cape Malay restaurant that we ate at had us eager to return for more. Don't let the lack of distinct etiquette guidelines worry you, though, because at AfrikaansPod101, we teach you culturally-relevant lessons! The views also gave us a better understanding of what's where around the Cape, which even lifelong residents find confusing. Do not drive with your car doors unlocked. Addo Elephant Park has amazing views, and you can take a little or as long as you want to drive through the park. If you are however using a card as payment at a restaurant, be sure to ask for the card machine – never let your credit card out of your sight. My favorite book when I was a kid turned out to be just as entertaining to Kim and I as we listened through the audio version during our two-week Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip, a. k. a. the Hectic Route. ✓ Do try some South African dishes, though. Don't forget to tip!

South Africa Do's And Don't Want

There are some areas I would avoid completely and as a tourist these high crime areas will probably not be on your itinerary. And that's easy to do because quite a few of our favorite Cape Town restaurants have offers on it. 0333 calls are included within inclusive minutes package on mobiles, otherwise standard rates apply. Remaining attentive to your companions' needs at a table is usually viewed favorably. This is true of business etiquette in South Africa, and also in social relationships.

In Cape Town and Johannesburg it is possible to take a hop–on–hop–off bus, which stops near most of the tourist spots. Unlike other countries, getting around in South Africa is not as easy as you may have hoped. ✓ Do get a local SIM card from MTN. Unlike Asia, tipping is common practice in South Africa, and I don't mean just at restaurants!

Don't walk around with food in your hand near baboons. Note: Mzansi's, the #1 Cape Town restaurant on TripAdvisor as I write this, doesn't count. To save some money, you might want to consider booking local flights instead of driving long distances. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe. If you're sick with a cold or flu, blow your nose often and discard dirty tissues in the dustbin. Don't just turn up at the cableway on a clear day either as chances are tickets will have sold out! The more likely it seems that you're a foreigner who does not know the lay of the land, the more likely you are to become a target for petty theft. Bunny chow — NO BUNNIES WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING — is a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with a yummy curry. Any person likes it when you make an effort to learn their language; it warms the cockles of the heart.