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South Africa Travel Insurance

With fascinating landmarks such as Table Mountain, Nelson Mandela Square and Kruger National Park plus copious wildlife and amazing vineyards – it’s easy to understand why South Africa is a favourite on many people’s bucket lists.

Often described as 'the world in one country' South Africa has a unique and diverse mix of culture, landscapes and wildlife. Furthermore, with the contrast of modern cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, there are all the offerings you would expect of a European city, within a country as amazing as Africa.

If you're planning a trip to the beautiful country of South Africa, you should always consider taking out a travel insurance policy.

Why choose Alpha if you’re travelling to South Africa?

Alpha Travel Insurance policies can offer policies to suit your needs at a budget-friendly price. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about searching through hundreds of options – our policies all offer the same great levels of cover, all you have to do is choose the excess you would like to pay in the event of a claim.

Below are just some of the benefits that Alpha has to offer:

What to do in South Africa

Full of wildlife, steeped in history and stunning panoramic views, you would be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed when planning what to see and do. We have compiled a few of our favourites for you to get you started:

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

mountain

Aquila Game Reserve Wildlife Safari

safari

Mandela House

‘The Mission of Mandela House is to provide an effective, efficient and meaningful experience to all visitors, informing them of President Nelson Mandela’s story, both in the context of his home, and in the context of his life as a whole, in a manner that promotes human rights, democracy, reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance amongst the peoples of South Africa’.

*Prices and information correct as at August 2018

Advice for travelling to South Africa

Entry Requirements

In order to enter South Africa, you will need the following:

If you are travelling for less than 90 days you will not need a visa.

Medical

Although there is currently no risk of yellow fever, you are required to produce a vaccination certificate.

You are advised to have the following vaccines before travelling:

Depending on where you are travelling to within the country you may also require:

We recommend you see your GP at least 4-6 weeks prior to travelling to ensure you are fully treated before travelling.

For more information please see here.

Travelling with children

Due to new immigration rulings, parents travelling with children under 18 will be asked to produce the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. The short copy will not be accepted.

If you are travelling without the other parent of the child, please see here for more information.

Useful Info:

CurrencySouth African Rand-
Click here for the current exchange rate.
Capital CityCape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein
Population Over 57,000,000
Emergency InfoFor General emergencies, call 112.

Police: 10111

Ambulance: 10177

Sea Rescue: 112
Tipping ProtocolGenerally, restaurants will add gratuity if the party is 6 or more people as they do here in the UK.

Otherwise 10-20% is preferable- this is the same for Bars also.
Drinking Age18 years – although 16/17year olds are permitted to drink a glass of beer, wine or cider in a restaurant whilst eating.

The government are looking to change this to 21 – so make sure you check!
WeatherFlooding, Wildfires and Storms can occur.
SeasonsSpring – September until November

Summer – December until February

Autumn – March until May

Winter – June until August
Languages spokenEnglish, Afrikaans, Zulu, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, SiSwati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa
PhrasesHello – Sawubona

Good Morning – Sawubona

How are you? – Unjani?

How much please – Kungakanani sicela

Good night – Ulale kahle
Plug Type230V – 50Hz
Driving sideLeft Hand Side
Local Laws/CustomsYou should always be able to show identification- Photocopies of your passports should be enough – unless it is whilst driving when you will need the original.

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal.
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