Howto get around SA

Ok there is a slight problem in terms of public transport, we don’t have the infrastructure that you might be accustomed to in terms of London or New York. But yes we are making an effort to get there. In joburg we have started developing high speed rail links called the Gau-train. Initially and hopefully by the world cup in 2010 you will be able to use this to get from the airport to Pretoria, Sandton and Joburg city. There rest of the public transport is pretty non-existent or dangerous, so what can I say? You better hire a car. A entry level car will probably set you back between R100-R200 a day excluding petrol (10-20 US$). A number of companies provide rentals like Imperial, Tempest, Budget etc. If you worried you won’t know how to get around, bring your GPS along, I think they might even rent them out at the airport.

 

If you set on the public transport, then you will need to put up with the mini-bus taxi. This is generally the Toyota Hi-ACE. You will see people pulling fingers along the side of the road. No it’s not a zap sign, it means something for the taxi driver indicating where you want to go. Ask them for help, ensure the mini bus you are about to climb into has a steering wheel and the tyres are on : ), I am serious, hire a car!

 

To get between cities use your hired car or fly. The national roads are in quite good shape, so this is an option. Else you can fly. The following airlines fly locally: Kulula, SAA, Mango, 1-Time or British Airways. You can book online for all these airlines, pay with your Visa or MasterCard and pick up your ticket at the airport.

South African money and payment options

So how do you spend your hard earned cash in South Africa? Well South African currency is the Rand. The Rand has been a relatively stable currency over the past few years even though it has taken a bit of a dip recently owing to the credit crunch! Apparently Americans that invested their US dollars in the local share market decided to withdraw their cash to safer territories like the US. My gosh what a joke, you yanks caused this in the first place and at the moment we seem in better shape than you, but you would rather take your money out and invest in the Dow! Anyhow things seem to have settled down with the Rand at about R10 to the US dollar. Whether it will go up or down is anyone’s guess. South Africa has a number of major banks that will exchange your forex. In addition most merchants, shops and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard, so bring your credit card and you won’t have much trouble. ATMs are also widespread allowing you to draw cash with you Visa / MasterCard.