South Africa

Currency in South Africa
Rand (ZAR)

Languages in South Africa
English, Afrikaans, IsiNdbele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sethotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga.

Time Difference in South Africa:
GMT +02:00

Speed Limits in South Africa

• National Highways/Urban Freeways/Major Routes: Maximum Speed: 120km/ph
• Secondary Rural Roads: Maximum Speed: 100km/ph
• Built-up Areas: Maximum Speed: 60km/ph

Many of the country’s national roads are toll roads. Make sure to check the toll fees before you leave for your destination and have your cash or credit card ready to pay. If it is raining, misty or roads are congested, you’ll need to reduce your speed. You should also slow down where there is pedestrian activity.

Currency in South Africa
Rand (ZAR)

Drinking and Driving in South Africa
There are strict laws for drinking and driving in South Africa. The maximum blood alcohol level allowable is 0.05%. This translates as one glass of wine for the average woman and 1.5 or two for the average man.

If you’re driving in South Africa, take our advice and don’t drink. Drivers found to be above the legal limit face a ten-year prison sentence, a $10,000 fine, or in some cases both.

Tourist Information
South Africa Tourist Information

South Africa

All drivers should be in possession of a full driver’s license, car rental agreement and insurance details. An International Driver’s Permit (printed in English) should also be carried in addition to your national license.

It is compulsory for all passengers to wear seat belts.

South Africa

In South Africa it is customary to drive on the left-hand side of the road and to over-take on the right-hand side.

It is illegal to drive while using a mobile phone (except hands free models)

Care should be taken when driving on rural roads, as many are not fenced, meaning animals are free to roam. This makes night driving particularly hazardous. Always take extra care on roads of this type and look out for road signs depicting a leaping antelope

Generally speaking, South Africa has an excellent infrastructure. As with all countries, roads differ from region to region. In South Africa, you’ll find that most main routes are tarred and of good quality. However, as you drive into the countryside, you’re more likely to encounter potholes and poorly surfaced roads.

It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.

Always ensure that documentation is carried with you when driving. Traffic officers expect to see documentation if they stop you for any reason.

South Africa

On the spot fines are in operation. Fines are particularly heavy for speeding offences. The police can impose the fine and collect 1-quarter of the maximum fine and must give a receipt for the amount of fine paid. Illegally parked vehicles can be clamped or towed away and a fine may be imposed.

South Africa

Plan your journey beforehand to avoid unnecessary stops (e.g. off-ramps to unknown destinations).

If you need directions, it is best to stop at a petrol station and ask attendants. Drivers should always maintain a safe following distance and switch headlights on when visibility is poor to ensure you are visible to all road users. Always check the warnings on road signs-be aware that the roads in many rural areas are not fenced, so you could find dogs, chickens, sheep and horses or cows wandering onto the road.

Do not leave anything valuable on show in your car when you leave it unattended and always lock your car when you leave it.

Always park in busy, well-lit areas and if possible, avoid travelling at night or in remote areas.

Thieves have been known to scam drivers into stopping their vehicles on remote stretches of land. One well-known method is the placing of large stones in the middle of the road to obstruct the driver’s path. If you find yourself caught in this type of situation, it’s wise to carefully drive around the stones or obstacle, rather than stop the vehicle.