Africa
South Africa
Big landscapes, Cape Town, the Garden Route and Kruger, with great food, wine, good roads and strong value. High violent crime means planning how you move, especially after dark.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa86 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyZARUS$1 ≈ R16.66Details
- Price level42%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType C, D, M, N230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink in Cape Town, Johannesburg and most cities; some small-town supplies fail quality tests, and Gauteng has frequent water outages.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAfrica's most legally protective country, with gay scenes in Cape Town (De Waterkant) and Johannesburg; rural areas and townships are conservative and hate crimes occur.Details
- Internet50 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 70 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftLicences in English with a photo are accepted; otherwise carry an IDP. Rental firms may still ask for one.
- Digital nomad visaYesRemote Work Visa (visitor's visa for remote work)Details
Where to go in South Africa
13 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape TownCity | 3/5 | $1,680–2,520 | Nov–Mar | 26/100 |
| JohannesburgCity | 2/5 | $1,440–2,280 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 32/100 |
| Kruger National ParkRegion | 4/5 | $1,800–3,000 | May–Sep | 32/100 |
| DurbanCity | 3/5 | $1,200–1,920 | May–Sep | 61/100 |
| StellenboschTown | 4/5 | $1,440–2,160 | Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov | 51/100 |
| PretoriaCapital city | 3/5 | $1,200–1,920 | Mar–May, Sep–Oct | 56/100 |
| HermanusTown | 4/5 | $1,320–2,040 | Aug–Nov | 57/100 |
| KnysnaTown | 4/5 | $1,140–1,800 | Nov–Apr | 69/100 |
| Plettenberg BayTown | 4/5 | $1,320–2,040 | Nov–Apr | 60/100 |
| Port ElizabethCity | 3/5 | $1,080–1,680 | Nov–Mar | 71/100 |
| FranschhoekTown | 4/5 | $1,560–2,400 | Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov | 43/100 |
| UmhlangaDistrict | 4/5 | $1,440–2,280 | May–Sep | 52/100 |
| Jeffreys BayTown | 4/5 | $1,020–1,620 | May–Sep | 76/100 |
When to visit South Africa
Cape Town and the Western Cape: November–March is dry and warm, June–August rainy. Kruger and the north: May–September for dry-season game viewing. Durban's coast is warm year-round.
Good to know
Entry
- Since 1 July 2026 every traveller must complete the SARS online traveller (customs) declaration before arriving or leaving, on the web or SATMS app.
- Passport needs at least 2 blank pages and 30 days' validity beyond departure; airlines refuse boarding without the blank pages.
- No visas on arrival. Visa-required nationals apply through VFS Global or, for a growing list of countries, the online ETA.
- Travelling with under-18s: carry full birth certificates and consent affidavits. Bring a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking alcohol in public places, including most beaches, is illegal and fined.
- Cannabis is legal only for private use at home; buying, selling and public use are not.
- Drink-driving limit is 0.05%; roadblocks are frequent, especially on weekends and holidays.
Etiquette
- Greet first ('Hi, how are you?') before asking for anything
- Tip car guards and petrol attendants; they rely on tips
- Visit townships with a local guide and ask before photographing people
- At a braai, bring your own drinks and often your own meat
Tipping
10–15% in restaurants; small change (R5–R20) for car guards and petrol attendants, who fill your tank; tip safari guides and trackers.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: South Africa
- SARS Customs online traveller declaration
- Department of Home Affairs: Remote Work Visa requirements
- Speedtest Global Index: South Africa
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.