There are no compulsory vaccination requirements for persons entering South Africa although a certificate for yellow fever may be required if you are entering from certain South American or sub-Saharan African countries. Certain parts of the country have been designated as malaria risk areas. If you intend travelling to one of these areas, it is essential that you take prophylaxis before arrival and whilst in the area. Protective clothing and insect repellents should also be used.
Cape Town is a malaria risk free area. South African doctors and dentists are highly trained professionals and hospitals are well equipped. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health insurance prior to departure and consult their local general practitioner for personal expert advice. The South African National Travel Health Network (SaNTHNet) has been established to provide travellers with essential information related to health risks both locally and across borders. The website has regular updates on health risks, as well as providing general information related to vaccination requirements for various destinations.
For more information, please visit: https://www.santhnet.co.za/
It is safe to drink tap water throughout South Africa. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, this is readily available in various stores. Smoking is prohibited by law in most public buildings in South Africa (airports, shopping centres, restaurants etc.), except in designated smoking areas.
There are currently no Covid-19 restrictions applicable for entry into South Africa.
The official congress language will be English.
The currency of South Africa is South African Rand (ZAR). 1R (Rand) is divided into 100 c (cent). There are 6 different coins: R1, R2, R5, 5c, 10c, 20c. There are 5 different bank notes with the following values: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200. To avoid unexpected risks of receiving fake money, we reccommend checking the currency when trading. Be especially careful with those banknotes: R200, R100. The current exchange rate of South African Rand (ZAR) is: $1 USD = 18 ZAR. (Data updated: 11 April 2023)
- For 1$ United States dollar (USD) you can get: 18.33ZAR South African Rand (ZAR)
- For 1€ Euro you can get: 20.00ZAR South African Rand (ZAR)
- For 1£ British Pound (GBP) you can get: 22.80ZAR South African Rand (ZAR)
- For 1₽ Russian ruble (RUB) you can get: 0.22ZAR South African Rand (ZAR)
Is South Africa an expensive country?
Prices of basic products in South Africa are lower than in United States. You have to pay 2.08 times less for shopping in South Africa than in United States. The average accommodation cost in South Africa range from: 483 ZAR in hostel to 1,800 ZAR in 3 star hotel. Price per night in a luxury hotel in South Africa is about 130,000 ZAR.
Using public transport in South Africa comes at a cost of: 25 ZAR for a one-way ticket. The price for renting a car in South Africa (e.g. Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla) to 378,000 ZAR. If you prefer taxi, remember that the price of a taxi in South Africa depends on several factors. Taxi starting price is about: 20 ZAR. For 1 km ride in South Africa you have to pay about: 14 ZAR.
Car-related costs are mainly fuel, road tolls and parking fees. Of course, the price depends on the purpose of the journey and energy efficiency of a vehicle.
In South Africa, you will pay for the fuel accordingly:
- Petrol price in South Africa is around: 1.20 USD (23 ZAR)
- Diesel fuel price in South Africa is around: 1.20 USD (22 ZAR)
Prices of food products are 0.46 times lower in South Africa than average food prices in United States. The most popular food products cost:
- 1kg sausage: 11 USD (202 ZAR)
- 0,5 kg bread: 0.86 USD (16 ZAR)
- 10 eggs: 1.70 USD (31 ZAR)
- 1kg cheese: 6.40 USD (118 ZAR)
- 1 liter milk: 0.95 USD (17 ZAR)
- 1 kg apples: 1.40 USD (25 ZAR)
- Bottle of local beer (0,5 liter): 1.90 USD (35 ZAR)
When visiting South Africa, you should try local specialties, the easiest way is to order them in a local restaurant. A meal in a middle-class restaurant for two people costs on average 33 USD (600 ZAR). You will find various hotels and hostels in South Africa. In addition to food, accommodation is also important. Prices of hotel rooms in South Africa depend on the standard. Hotel room price in South Africa is 0.94 times lower than average price in United States. Average hostel prices in South Africa is 26 USD (483 ZAR). 3 star hotel costs: 99 USD (1,800 ZAR).
What is most famous in South Africa? How much does an average entrance to travel attractions in South Africa cost?
The average cost of entry tickets in South Africa is: 5.50 USD (100 ZAR) – 11 USD (200 ZAR)
The most important tourist attractions in South Africa that we recommend:
Cape of Good Hope, Cape Agulhas, Sterkfontein, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Drakensberg
The museums worth a visit in South Africa:
Kruger House, Outeniqua Transport Museum, Franschhoek Motor Museum, Old Town House Museum, Koopmans-de Wet House, Heart of Cape Town Museum, Groote Schuur, Iziko South African Museum, Amathole Museum, Liliesleaf Farm.
On warmer days, we recommend walking in parks in South Africa. Below is a list of the largest and most interesting parks in South Africa. Parks in South Africa:
De Waal Park in Cape Town, Green Point Park in Cape Town, Alexander Park in Johannesburg, Jabula in Johannesburg, Kingspark Zoo in Bloemfontein, Happy Valley Conservancy in Bloemfontein
Most shops in the city centre and suburbs open between 08h00 and 17h00 to 17h30. Shops in major shopping malls open at 09h00 and close at 21h00 or later (especially at the V&A Waterfront), even on Sundays and most public holidays. Government agencies keep to traditional weekday only hours. Most banks close at 15h30 and have limited Saturday morning opening times. Muslim-owned businesses close at noon on Fridays and re-open at 14h00.
How much does dinner cost in restaurants of different cuisines in South Africa?
If you like Italian cuisine, lunch will cost you 7.30 USD (134 ZAR) in an Italian restaurant in South Africa. Dinner at a pizza place in South Africa costs money: 9.00 USD (165 ZAR). Meal in a Mediterranean restaurant costs: 11 USD (202 ZAR).
If you are looking for a quick snack, you can visit fast-food restaurant. Meal set for two people costs around 11 USD (202 ZAR) in South Africa.
Mexican cuisine has a lot of fans. For lunch in a Mexican restaurant you will pay 7.50 USD (137 ZAR).
The electricity supply in South Africa is 220 – 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a round three-pin plug. Most hotels provide dual-voltage two-pin razor sockets (100-120 volts and 220-240 volts).
Loadshedding is another term for rolling blackouts and power cuts. Load-shedding happens when there’s a huge demand on the national power grid, leading to the interruption of the electricity supply to the country. Loadshedding discontinues the power supply to certain areas, according to a schedule, to allow the power utility to get failed generation units back online. Load-shedding is implemented in stages and depends on the extent of the shortage of electricity generation.
Note: The City of Cape Town only implements load-shedding when instructed by Eskom’s National Control Centre. The decision to implement loadshedding is therefore beyond the City’s control and often at short notice.
Loadshedding affects everyone to varying degrees. There are places which experience little to no load-shedding, due to their proximity to important government structures such as hospitals and parliament etc.
You can call ahead and ask whether the area you’re visiting experiences loadshedding. If they do, enquire about backup generators or alternative power supply.
The Cape Townn ICC has back-up power and will not affect our congress.
International direct dialling, internet, and e-mail facilities are easily accessible in Cape Town. Most of the mobile telephone systems used around the globe operates in Cape Town. Local SIM Cards can be purchased at convenience stores or at the Airport on Arrival.
Gratuities are not obligatory but are expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Airport porters ZAR 20 per item, taxis 10%, waiters, and waitresses in restaurants 10%.
VAT of 15% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on goods or products (not services) that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT Refund Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise Official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded.
The 39th World Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC 2024) accepts no liability for any personal injury, loss, or damage of property belonging to or additional expenses incurred by conference participants either during the conference or as result of delays, strikes or any other circumstances. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect of health, travel, and cancellation insurance.