30 things you need to know when first you arrive in South Africa – South Africa is a land of contradictions. That it is beautiful is indisputable. That it is also a mix of cultures, ideas, customs and traditions that are unique to the country is something most visitors need to experience first-hand.
But here are a few insider tips for first-time visitors …
1.
When you arrive you must have a return ticket
2.
and at least two blank pages in your passport
3.
It is difficult to find legal work in South Africa, as a foreigner, as we don’t have a Working Holiday scheme
4.
But in SA there’s no such thing as a hard and fast rule – there is always a way around procedures (and I don’t mean bribes, although those do help, apparently); it’s just less rigid than Europe or USA
5.
South Africa is a first world country in the midst of a third world – just down the road from the glitzy malls, BMWs and upmarket mansions are dilapidated tin shacks and RDP houses
6.
A gas station or petrol station is called a ‘garage’ and is fully serviced (you can sit in your car whilst your tank is filled and windscreen washed); just remember to leave a tip
7.
You can also tip your car guard (some are officially appointed, others are self-appointed – either way, they’ll expect a tip for keeping your car safe)
8.
South Africans are really friendly – anyone and everyone will greet you, and many will shake your hand
9.
A glass of wine is really reasonably priced – and our wine is excellent
10.
South Africans love Coca-Cola, McDonalds and KFC – but they taste nothing like they do in America
11.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most beautiful drives in the world
12.
There is a high level of crime, but this doesn’t stop people from enjoying themselves
13.
South African drivers are not brilliant
14.
Minibus taxis have their own set of road rules that do not resemble yours
15.
South Africa has a number of spots along the shoreline where you can spot whales – drive between Cape Town and Hermanus and you’ll see many, between August and November
16.
Township tours can be exploitative but they’re also a good way to experience first-hand the ‘other’ side of South Africa
17.
South Africans love to braai
18.
In South Africa you can buy all you will need; no need to arrive with toiletries or foodstuffs you fear you won’t be able to get
19.
South Africa’s culture can be chauvinistic
20.
It’s hot – very hot; don’t forget hats, shades and sunscreen
21.
Access to the internet is more expensive and slower than most first world countries
22.
We call traffic lights ‘robots’
23.
We call sneakers ‘tackies’
24.
We have certain driving rules that have nothing to do with the road, and everything to do with safety – bags go in the boot, phones should not be where anyone can see them, windows stay up, and at night in areas that are not safe it is common practice to drive through a red light
25.
In Johannesburg life seems to centre around malls and cars
26.
The Kruger, whilst the largest and probably most spectacular game reserve in the country, is not the only reserve worth visiting – South Africa has many off the beaten track nature reserves
27.
South Africans are rugby, cricket and soccer mad (cricket in Cape Town, rugby everywhere else, and soccer in the townships)
28.
South Africa’s game lodges are like arriving on another planet – they revolve solely around meals and game drives
29.
South Africa is a place of exceptional natural beauty – Table Mountain, sunrise and sunset in the Kalahari, the valleys and hills of KwaZulu-Natal, the Drakensberg, the Waterberg, the Magaliesberg, Blyde River Canyon, Lake St Lucia, the Kruger…
30.
You will need to understand that when someone says to you ‘now, now’ or ‘just now’ they mean sometime in the immediate future that suits them
Start planning your trip to South Africa here:
- Book South African Hotels
- Find Holiday Accommodation
- Explore Popular Attractions
- Find plenty of Things to Do
Let us know Your First Impressions of South Africa in the comments below …
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