• Electricity
220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are universal, so take an adapter. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.

• Currency
Monetary unit is the South African Rand (R).
Foreign exchange bureaus in close proximity to Hotel.
Most international credit cards are accepted.

One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c). Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, & 1c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press.
Link to South Africa Current Exchange Rates

• Traveller's Cheques
Most international traveller's cheques are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.

• Visa Requirements
Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel to South Africa and, where necessary, a visa. Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Visitors who intend travelling to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back into South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.

In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets. They must also have valid international health certificates.

The following Links supplied by The South African Department of Home Affairs:
» Countries exempt from South African visas
» Countries subject to South African visa fees

• Insurance
Participating countries must provide their own appropriate insurance to cover the travel and participation for each member in their respective delegations (players and officials) as they are not the responsibility of SASSU or the Organising Committee.

• Medical
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travelers from affected countries (list will be provided to participating countries). Sun City is malaria free. Foreign medical doctors must apply for temporary license to treat members of their own delegations in South Africa. Clearance required for importation of medicines and equipment.

• Weather & Climate
View climate information by region - click here
You can obtain up to date information on the latest weather conditions in the following areas by dialling the numbers indicated below. Under extraordinary conditions these reports are updated four times a day. (Calls to these numbers are free)

Pretoria Central Forecasting Office 082 233 - 9800
Aviation Weather Centre Johannesburg Int. Airport 082 233 - 9600
Bloemfontein Weather Office 082 233 - 9100
Cape Town Weather Office 082 233 - 9900
Durban Weather Office 082 233 - 9500
Port Elizabeth Weather Office 082 233 - 9700
Climate Information and Data 082 233 - 8484
Forecasts Longer than 7 Days 082 233 - 9000
Weatherline 082 - 162

Average centigrade temperatures:
– Jan to May = High 36, Low 26;
– June to Sept = High 28, Low 12;
– Oct to Dec = High 36, Low 26.

• Standard Time
South African standard Time is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 2), one hour in advance of central European winter time and seven hours in advance of United States eastern standard time throughout the year. There are no time zone differences within the country.

• Security & Safety
Information for Foreigners: Crime targeting tourists is a world-wide phenomena, so we would advise you to take a few basic precautions. All valuables, passports, cameras, should be locked in the safe of your hotel. Valuables should be carried discreetly when walking in cities. Gold and other expensive items offered for sale by street vendors are likely to be fakes or stolen property. Do not participate in pavement games as they are operated by well organised gangs and money can be stolen while you are distracted.

Public transport is available in South Africa so there is no need to hitch-hike. Local residents will advise you on safe transport. If driving, do not pick up hitch-hickers and ensure that your car doors are locked at all times. The South African Police are easily recognised in their blue uniforms and white & blue patrol vehilces.

• Phoning overseas direct from South Africa
If you wish to make a call overseas, you must first dial 00, which is South Africa's international access code. You then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call. e.g. if you make a call to Sydney, Australia, telephone number 456 1234 you must dial 00 61 2 456 1234.

• Post Offices
Open Mon - Fri 08h00 - 16h30 & Sat 08h00 - 12h00. Mail may be addressed to you Post Restante. The main post offices have special counters for this purpose. Postage stamps are widely available (e.g. at some cafés and branches of the Central News Agency - CNA).

• Tipping
Tipping is customary in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Porters R5 per item, taxis 10%, waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15%.

• Banking Hours
Monday to Friday:
09h00 to 15h30
Saturday: 09h00 to 11h00
Autobanks (ATM's, automated teller machines) are found in most towns and operate on a 24 hour basis

• Languages
There are 11 official languages - including English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda and Zulu.
More information on South African languages - click here

*Information courtesy SA-Venues.com