BANKING

• The Reserve Bank of South Africa is the central bank of the country.
• ATMs are widely available in all cities and towns
• Most bank ATMs accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
• Banking hours are generally from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

CURRENCY:

• Local currency: South African Rand (R).
• ISO code: ZAR
• Currency Subunit: Cents.
  
• Banknote units: 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Rand notes.
  
• Coin units: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent coins.
  

BY AIR

• Major airports: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban
• Domestic airlines: Several, including South African Airways, FlySafair, and Airlink
• International flights: To and from major cities worldwide
• Inbound / Outbound Airlines: Search for flights here. 

BY ROAD

• Well-maintained road network: National roads and provincial roads.
• Car rental: Available at major airports and cities.
• Driving conditions: Generally good, but be cautious in rural areas.

BY BUS & RAIL 

• Bus services: Intercity and local bus services available.
• Train services: Long-distance train services connect major cities.

BY WATER

• Coastal cities: Popular for water activities like boating and sailing.
• Ferries: Connect some coastal towns.
• Cruise liners visit ports in Cape Town, Durban, East London, Langebaan, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), and Richards Bay.

Food and water safety:

• Tap water is generally safe to drink.
• Food hygiene standards are high.

Local cuisine: 

• African, European, and Asian influences.
• Popular dishes include bobotie (a sweetish Cape Malay minced meat dish), braai or shisa nyama (barbecue), bunny chow (curry in a quarter loaf of bread), and seafood.

Local drinks:

• Alcoholic: South African wines, beers, and spirits.
• Non-alcoholic: Rooibos tea, African ginger beer.

Tipping: 

• Tipping is customary in restaurants and hotels.
• A tip of 10-15% is generally appropriate in restaurants and hotels.

Seasons:

• Summer: December to February.
• Autumn: March to May.
• Winter: June to August.
• Spring: September to November.

Climate and Weather:

• Varies by region: Coastal areas are milder, while inland areas can be colder in winter.
• Rainfall: Varies throughout the year, with summer being the wettest season.

Best time to visit:

Depends on preferences:

• Summer for warm weather and beach activities
• Winter for whale watching and cooler temperatures.

Summer Clothing:

• Light, breathable clothing: T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and sandals.

Winter Clothing:

• Warm clothing: Jackets, sweaters, and long pants.

General:

Modest clothing is generally appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites.

Internet Availability:

• Widely available in major cities and towns.
• Wi-Fi is offered in many hotels, cafes, and public spaces.

Electricity and Plug Standards:

• The standard voltage in South Africa is 230 volts.
• Electrical plugs are typically G (three-pin, grounded).
• Electricity power outages are frequent but most hospitality establishments have solar power.