Area
1,219,192 sq. km. (470,693 sq. miles)
Location
Southern Africa
Population
46 million (as per estimates of 2005) and Population Density of 36.8 per sq. km
Capital City
Pretoria (Administrative Capital) with a total population of 1.98 million (as per estimates of 2001).
Cape Town (Legislative Capital) with a total population of 2.89 million (as per estimates of 2001).
Bloemfontein (Judicial Capital) with a total population of 119,698 (as per estimates of 2001).
Language
The 11 official languages of Africa are Afrikaans, Siswati, Xitsonga, isiNdebele, isiZulu, Sepedi, English, Sesotho, isiXhosa, Setswana, and Tshivenda
Electricity
AC 220/240 volts, 50Hz; AC 250 volts in Pretoria. Three-pin round plugs are commonly used.
Currency
Rand (ZAR; Symbol ZAR). 1 ZAR = 100 Cents
Notes prevalent = ZAR 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200
Coins prevalent = ZAR 1, 2, and 5; Cents 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at some banks, major hotels, large shops, restaurants, and authorised Bureaux de Change. Automated foreign exchange machines are also available at some locations. However, proof of identity may be required when exchanging foreign currency. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. widely accepted. It is advisable to carry some cash as well, as most petrol pumps do not accept credit cards. ATMs are also situated in major cities. Cash advance against credit cards can be availed from some ATMs.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are accepted at banks, some hotels, restaurants, and shops. For exchange purposes and in order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Banking Hours
Banks in South Africa normally function from Monday to Friday from 0900-1530 and Saturday from 0830-1100.