FAQs
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, it is certainly safer than you think. But like anywhere else in the world, you could be exposed to some petty or opportunistic crime, and it is important that you stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. As long as you follow the basic guidelines, you should have no problems: -
- Keep valuables out of public sight
- Don’t walk down dark streets and alleys
- Always keep cash hidden and don’t accept help at ATMs
- Stick with the group. If you wander off alone, you are at more risk.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED?
Most of our "standard" trips have a duration of between 12 and 16 days, but this can be customized as required. Add-ons can also be arranged.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of each trip will vary according to the duration of the tour and the activities that are included, but all of our standard trips are in the $3300-$3900 bracket.
are there hidden costs? WHAT IS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED IN MY TRIP PACKAGE?
This does vary from tour to tour, but you can see a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions by clicking on this link.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
Some of the adventure activities that are included on our tours might be subject to a minimum age limit. If you intend to travel with children that are younger than 12 years old, please check with us first. As far as an upper age limit is concerned, as long as you are reasonably fit and healthy there won't be any problems.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Our trips are, by definition, branded as “adventure” tours, and therefore you need to be reasonably active and mobile. We offer varying activities throughout our trips, so if you feel uncomfortable about participating in a particular activity, you can sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. This is your vacation, so you can elect what you would prefer to do or not do.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
International flights are not included in our tour packages. There are many different routes that can be used to get to South Africa - you can either get a direct flight from the USA, or you can stop over in Europe or the Middle East. If you need any help or advice in this regard, please let us know.
South Africa is serviced by many of the world’s major airlines, and has three international airports (Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban). Most of the flights that originate in the USA or Europe terminate in Johannesburg. Many of the smaller cities and towns in the country are connected by local flights, and it is possible to move almost anywhere around the region by air.
South Africa is serviced by many of the world’s major airlines, and has three international airports (Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban). Most of the flights that originate in the USA or Europe terminate in Johannesburg. Many of the smaller cities and towns in the country are connected by local flights, and it is possible to move almost anywhere around the region by air.
DO I NEED A VISA?
A visa to enter South Africa or is NOT required for citizens of the USA. If you hold a passport for any other nationality, please check online or with us.
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your entry date, and that you have a minimum of two consecutive blank pages (they must be facing one another).
Travelling with minor children (VERY IMPORTANT)
South Africa requires that all children under the age of 18, travelling to or from South Africa, be in possession of their original unabridged birth certificate reflecting both parents’ full names and surname, unless the child is travelling with both biological parents. Children travelling with only one parent or other person or where one parent or both parents are deceased, must be in possession of an affidavit from the remaining parent or guardian, permitting the child to travel, or a copy of the deceased person’s death certificate where applicable. These regulations do change from time to time, so it is best to do some online research before departure.
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your entry date, and that you have a minimum of two consecutive blank pages (they must be facing one another).
Travelling with minor children (VERY IMPORTANT)
South Africa requires that all children under the age of 18, travelling to or from South Africa, be in possession of their original unabridged birth certificate reflecting both parents’ full names and surname, unless the child is travelling with both biological parents. Children travelling with only one parent or other person or where one parent or both parents are deceased, must be in possession of an affidavit from the remaining parent or guardian, permitting the child to travel, or a copy of the deceased person’s death certificate where applicable. These regulations do change from time to time, so it is best to do some online research before departure.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
There are NO vaccinations which are required for travelers from the USA, unless they have recently visited or have transited through any country where Yellow Fever is endemic. This includes most African countries (but not South Africa), as well as most Central and South American countries. If this is the case, you will require proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination upon arrival.
In addition to the above, the CDC does recommend the following vaccinations, but this is an extreme precaution and should only done under very specific circumstances: -
There is no vaccine for malaria. For more information about this disease, please read the specific FAQ.
In addition to the above, the CDC does recommend the following vaccinations, but this is an extreme precaution and should only done under very specific circumstances: -
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
There is no vaccine for malaria. For more information about this disease, please read the specific FAQ.
WHAT ABOUT MALARIA?
What is malaria?
Malaria is a parasitic disease which is transmitted exclusively by the female Anopheles mosquito. The cycle begins when a mosquito bites a person infected with malaria and ingests blood containing the malarial parasites. When that mosquito bites another person, the parasites are injected into the body along with the mosquito’s saliva.
Once in the body, the parasites circulate in the bloodstream until they reach the liver, where they multiply and mature. They then re-enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells, where they multiply again and cause the infected cells to rupture. The parasites released from the ruptured red blood cells infect even more cells, setting off an escalating cycle.
Malarial areas In South Africa
For many years South Africa has had an active program to eliminate malaria, and it is anticipated that the country will be mostly malaria-free by the year 2020. From a peak in 2000, the number of cases reported each year have been steadily decreasing.
Although malaria does not occur in the majority of the country, the lowveld of Limpopo and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park and the adjacent private game reserves) as well as the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal (including the St Lucia / Sodwana Bay region) are considered to be medium-risk areas. Malaria does not occur anywhere in Lesotho.
The summer rainfall months between October and May represent the highest risk period, as this is when the mosquitoes are most active.
High risk persons
Although anyone can contract the disease, any person that falls into one or more of the following categories carries a higher risk: -
Prevention
The best way to prevent malaria is to not get bitten by a mosquito in the first place. The Anopheles mosquito does not make a buzzing sound (it is often referred to as “the silent killer”), and its bite sometimes does not leave a welt or mark on the skin, so it possible that you won’t even know that you have been bitten. These mosquitoes are only active at night, so take the following precautions between dusk and dawn: -
Malarial medications
It is important to note that malarial medications cannot prevent you from contracting the disease, but they do slow down the development of the symptoms. It is always best to consult with medical professionals as to which malarial medication is best for you, and this will be dependent on your age and medical condition.
There are 3 primary medications which could be recommended: -
Atovaquone / Proguanil
Brand names: Malarone, Malanil & others
Frequency: 1 tablet daily
Usage: Start 1-2 days prior to entering a malarial area, continue throughout your stay and for 7 days after leaving
Side effects: Minimal, but stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches can occur
Doxycycline
Brand names: Vibramycin, Doximal, Doxitab & others
Frequency: 1 tablet daily
Usage: Start 1-2 days prior to entering a malarial area, continue throughout your stay and for 4 weeks after leaving
Side effects: When taking this drug, avoid exposure to direct sunlight and use sunscreen with protection against long-range ultraviolet radiation (UVA) to minimize the risk of photosensitive reaction. It can also decrease the efficiency of oral contraceptives. Large amounts of water should be taken in conjunction with the drug to prevent oesophageal and stomach irritation. It should not be taken by pregnant women or children younger than 10 years.
Mefloquine Hydrochloride
Brand names: Lariam, Mephaquin, Mefliam & others
Frequency: 1 tablet once a week
Usage: Start 1-2 weeks prior to entering a malarial area, continue weekly throughout your stay and for 4 weeks after leaving
Side effects: Nausea, headaches and neurological side effects such as dizziness, tinnitus (ringing of the ears) and loss of balance. These can occur at any time during usage and can last for long periods of time or even become permanent after the drug is stopped. Psychiatric side effects include anxiety, depression, mistrustfulness, hallucinations and nightmares.
Malarial infection – what to look out for
The usual incubation period of the disease is between 7 and 21 days, but could be as long as 6 months. The disease often presents with flu-like symptoms, and is therefore very easy to misdiagnose. If you develop any of the following symptoms within the first 6 months of leaving South Africa, go and see your doctor, tell him or her that you have been to a malarial area, and ask to be specifically tested for the disease: -
Malaria is a parasitic disease which is transmitted exclusively by the female Anopheles mosquito. The cycle begins when a mosquito bites a person infected with malaria and ingests blood containing the malarial parasites. When that mosquito bites another person, the parasites are injected into the body along with the mosquito’s saliva.
Once in the body, the parasites circulate in the bloodstream until they reach the liver, where they multiply and mature. They then re-enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells, where they multiply again and cause the infected cells to rupture. The parasites released from the ruptured red blood cells infect even more cells, setting off an escalating cycle.
Malarial areas In South Africa
For many years South Africa has had an active program to eliminate malaria, and it is anticipated that the country will be mostly malaria-free by the year 2020. From a peak in 2000, the number of cases reported each year have been steadily decreasing.
Although malaria does not occur in the majority of the country, the lowveld of Limpopo and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park and the adjacent private game reserves) as well as the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal (including the St Lucia / Sodwana Bay region) are considered to be medium-risk areas. Malaria does not occur anywhere in Lesotho.
The summer rainfall months between October and May represent the highest risk period, as this is when the mosquitoes are most active.
High risk persons
Although anyone can contract the disease, any person that falls into one or more of the following categories carries a higher risk: -
- Children under 5 years of age
- Adults over 65 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Persons on long-term steroids
- Persons receiving chemotherapy
- Persons with AIDS, porphyria or epilepsy
- Persons that have had their spleens removed
- Chronically ill patients
Prevention
The best way to prevent malaria is to not get bitten by a mosquito in the first place. The Anopheles mosquito does not make a buzzing sound (it is often referred to as “the silent killer”), and its bite sometimes does not leave a welt or mark on the skin, so it possible that you won’t even know that you have been bitten. These mosquitoes are only active at night, so take the following precautions between dusk and dawn: -
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, full-length trousers, socks and shoes if you are outdoors during this period
- Apply mosquito repellent to all exposed areas of skin, including your hands, ankles, neck and head
- Close all of the windows and doors in your sleeping area at night, unless they are screened
- Spray an aerosol insecticide before you go to bed, then burn mosquito coils or mats whilst you are sleeping
- Sleep under a mosquito net
Malarial medications
It is important to note that malarial medications cannot prevent you from contracting the disease, but they do slow down the development of the symptoms. It is always best to consult with medical professionals as to which malarial medication is best for you, and this will be dependent on your age and medical condition.
There are 3 primary medications which could be recommended: -
Atovaquone / Proguanil
Brand names: Malarone, Malanil & others
Frequency: 1 tablet daily
Usage: Start 1-2 days prior to entering a malarial area, continue throughout your stay and for 7 days after leaving
Side effects: Minimal, but stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches can occur
Doxycycline
Brand names: Vibramycin, Doximal, Doxitab & others
Frequency: 1 tablet daily
Usage: Start 1-2 days prior to entering a malarial area, continue throughout your stay and for 4 weeks after leaving
Side effects: When taking this drug, avoid exposure to direct sunlight and use sunscreen with protection against long-range ultraviolet radiation (UVA) to minimize the risk of photosensitive reaction. It can also decrease the efficiency of oral contraceptives. Large amounts of water should be taken in conjunction with the drug to prevent oesophageal and stomach irritation. It should not be taken by pregnant women or children younger than 10 years.
Mefloquine Hydrochloride
Brand names: Lariam, Mephaquin, Mefliam & others
Frequency: 1 tablet once a week
Usage: Start 1-2 weeks prior to entering a malarial area, continue weekly throughout your stay and for 4 weeks after leaving
Side effects: Nausea, headaches and neurological side effects such as dizziness, tinnitus (ringing of the ears) and loss of balance. These can occur at any time during usage and can last for long periods of time or even become permanent after the drug is stopped. Psychiatric side effects include anxiety, depression, mistrustfulness, hallucinations and nightmares.
Malarial infection – what to look out for
The usual incubation period of the disease is between 7 and 21 days, but could be as long as 6 months. The disease often presents with flu-like symptoms, and is therefore very easy to misdiagnose. If you develop any of the following symptoms within the first 6 months of leaving South Africa, go and see your doctor, tell him or her that you have been to a malarial area, and ask to be specifically tested for the disease: -
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
SHOULD I PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes, you should arrange insurance with a reputable insurer, with full protection for the duration of the tour. The insurance should cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation costs, loss of luggage, loss of cash and expenses associated with the cancellation or curtailment of the tour.
WHAT IF I GET SICK OR INJURED?
South Africa has an excellent health care infrastructure, in line with or better than most other first world countries. You will never be more than two hours away from expert medical care. All of our guides have completed basic first aid courses (and in some cases, are fully-qualified paramedics), and a comprehensive medical kit is carried on all tours. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you do have travel insurance that will cover medical expenses, and that you carry with you any prescription medications that might be required.
WHICH LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa has 11 official languages. Zulu is the most widely-used first language, followed by Xhosa and then Afrikaans. But the most common method of commercial and general communication is English, and all white South Africans and most black people can converse in this language. Many South Africans also speak multiple languages, including some European languages like German, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Italian or Greek.
WHAT CURRENCY IS USED IN SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa has a modern and sophisticated banking system. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most retail banks, which can typically be found in shopping centers all over the country, or at bureaux de change, which are usually found at the airports.
If you need cash in the local currency, the best method is simply to withdraw cash using a cash card, debit card or credit card from an ATM (a small fee will be charged by your local bank for cash withdrawals), which are widely available almost everywhere in the country, even at remote locations. All major cards can be used at most retail and hospitality establishments; Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, but please note that American Express and Diners Club cards are sometimes rejected. It is always a good idea to alert your bank to the fact that you will be traveling abroad, as foreign transactions could be flagged as potentially fraudulent.
The South African unit of currency is the Rand (ZAR). Notes come in five denominations, and each note is a different size and color, so it is easy to tell them apart. The notes have a picture of Nelson Mandela on one side, and a picture of one of the Big Five animals on the other.
R10 - Green, Rhinoceros
R20 - Brown, Elephant
R50 - Pink, Lion
R100 - Blue, Buffalo
R200 - Orange, Leopard
The exchange rate fluctuates depending on various factors, but usually falls within the R12 to R15 = 1 US$ range. Please check with your tour leader whilst on a trip to get the current rate.
If you need cash in the local currency, the best method is simply to withdraw cash using a cash card, debit card or credit card from an ATM (a small fee will be charged by your local bank for cash withdrawals), which are widely available almost everywhere in the country, even at remote locations. All major cards can be used at most retail and hospitality establishments; Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, but please note that American Express and Diners Club cards are sometimes rejected. It is always a good idea to alert your bank to the fact that you will be traveling abroad, as foreign transactions could be flagged as potentially fraudulent.
The South African unit of currency is the Rand (ZAR). Notes come in five denominations, and each note is a different size and color, so it is easy to tell them apart. The notes have a picture of Nelson Mandela on one side, and a picture of one of the Big Five animals on the other.
R10 - Green, Rhinoceros
R20 - Brown, Elephant
R50 - Pink, Lion
R100 - Blue, Buffalo
R200 - Orange, Leopard
The exchange rate fluctuates depending on various factors, but usually falls within the R12 to R15 = 1 US$ range. Please check with your tour leader whilst on a trip to get the current rate.
DOES SOUTH AFRICA HAVE SALES TAX?
South Africa imposes a form of sales tax, called Value Added Tax (VAT), on most purchases (only a few basic foodstuffs and fuel are exempt). Unlike the USA, a blanket rate of 15% is applied across the country. Another difference is that the VAT is always included in the price of any item, so what you see is what you pay.
How to claim a VAT refund
Foreign passport holders are entitled to claim a refund for the VAT paid on any physical moveable goods (services, transportation, accommodation, etc. do not apply). Please read the points below: -
How to claim a VAT refund
Foreign passport holders are entitled to claim a refund for the VAT paid on any physical moveable goods (services, transportation, accommodation, etc. do not apply). Please read the points below: -
- When making a purchase from a formal vendor, identify yourself as a tourist and ensure that you are given a tax invoice (it would be unusual not to be given this document). A tax invoice must contain all of the following information: -
- The words “TAX INVOICE” must appear on the document
- A unique serialized invoice number
- The quantity and full description of the goods purchased
- The amount of VAT charged, or a statement that VAT is included in the total cost of the goods
- Carbon copies, photostat copies or facsimiles or not acceptable. You must have the original document.
- Make sure that you keep these tax invoices in a safe place.
- The VAT refund process is a bit of a hassle, so skip it if the amount that you are going to claim is not significant.
- When you are packing to go home, ensure that all physical items on which you wish to claim a refund are easily accessible in your baggage.
- When you arrive at the airport to depart on your flight, ask someone for directions or look around to find a VAT refund office BEFORE YOU CHECK IN.
- Present your passport, the claimable items and the corresponding tax invoices to the officials for inspection. You will also need to fill out a form. The total value of the goods on which a refund is being claimed must exceed R250.
- You will be issued a refund in South African Rands.
- Check in, and pass through security.
- Go to one of the airport banks or bureaux de change and cash the refund check in your own currency.
- You could also elect to have the VAT refund directly transferred to your credit card. The transfer will be effected within 2 working days after submitting the claim (in cases where the VAT refund is less than R3000) or in the case of amounts exceeding R3000, the transfer will be done once the claim has been audited by the South African Revenue Service, which may take anything from 4 to 6 weeks. The standard fee charged by the bank for the credit card transfer is R28.00, irrespective of the value of the refund.
IS THE WATER SAFE?
South Africa is relatively poorly endowed with water resources and is considered a “water-stressed” country. But tap water – except for supplies to some rural and local municipalities – is of international standard and in compliance with World Health Organisation requirements. It is therefore completely safe to drink, shower, brush your teeth, use for ice, etc. If there is any question as to the water quality at any particular accommodation establishment, your tour guides will let you know, and bottled water will be supplied.
WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT?
Most of the food that you will eat will be very similar to what you are used to at home. It is completely unnecessary to bring any foodstuffs with you! But we do make an effort to include some of the local cuisine and delicacies during all of our trips. For more information, see our Food section.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
We use various types of accommodation, ranging from comfortable game lodges, hotels, holiday resorts and B&Bs to very upmarket beach houses. You will not have to camp!
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?
Generally speaking, South Africa has warm, sunny days with cool to cold nights. The weather in South Africa is determined by its position in the Southern Hemisphere’s subtropical zone, and its location between two oceans (the Indian and the Atlantic), but temperatures are influenced by variations in elevation, terrain and the ocean currents more than latitude.
The western side of the country is primarily influenced by the cold Benguela current which flows from south to north, resulting in dry and arid semi-desert conditions. In stark contrast, the coastal plain along the eastern side benefits from the warm Agulhas current flowing southwards from the equator, with lush tropical conditions and hot humid weather in summer.
Most of the interior of the country is dominated by a high plateau (referred to as “the Highveld”) – Johannesburg and Pretoria are situated at about 1750 meters (5750 feet) above sea level – which results in mild summers and cold winters. Snow is not uncommon in winter, but it is usually confined to the ridge of mountains which runs from south to north all along the southern and eastern coasts.
Most of South Africa is subject to summer rainfall, except for the Western Cape region around Cape Town, which experiences winter rainfall.
The western side of the country is primarily influenced by the cold Benguela current which flows from south to north, resulting in dry and arid semi-desert conditions. In stark contrast, the coastal plain along the eastern side benefits from the warm Agulhas current flowing southwards from the equator, with lush tropical conditions and hot humid weather in summer.
Most of the interior of the country is dominated by a high plateau (referred to as “the Highveld”) – Johannesburg and Pretoria are situated at about 1750 meters (5750 feet) above sea level – which results in mild summers and cold winters. Snow is not uncommon in winter, but it is usually confined to the ridge of mountains which runs from south to north all along the southern and eastern coasts.
Most of South Africa is subject to summer rainfall, except for the Western Cape region around Cape Town, which experiences winter rainfall.
WHAT WILL THE WATER TEMPERATURE BE IF I GO SHARK CAGE DIVING?
The sea temperature along the southern coast peaks at a high of 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F) in January to a low of 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F) in July. Wetsuits are supplied to all persons entering the cages.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE SYSTEM USED IN SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa uses an electrical system of 220 volts (the USA uses 110 volts). Most modern electronic goods do not require a voltage adapter, except for appliances such as hairdryers etc. Electrical wall outlets have a completely different configuration, but adapters are freely available anywhere in the country, or these will be supplied to you.
WHAT TYPE OF SUITCASE SHOULD I USE?
It is best to use a soft duffel bag or pack, rather than a suitcase with a hard shell. This makes your luggage much easier to fit in the vehicles, where space can be limited. Try to fit all of your luggage in one bag, as most internal airlines will restrict your baggage to one checked item and one handheld item. If possible, limit the weight of this bag to less than 44 pounds.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Don’t forget that the seasons are reversed in the northern and southern hemispheres – when it is summer in the USA, it is winter in South Africa. Your choice of clothing should be influenced by the season in which your tour takes place, but huge variations in temperature can be experienced at any time of the year as you move from the coastal plain into the high mountains, so mix-and-match layered clothing is always the best bet.
Keep colors neutral (avoid bright colors as well as white and black if you can), but there is no need to look like a safari cliché either. Make sure that you have comfortable trainers for walking, a light waterproof jacket, a hat or cap, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and sunglasses.
Whether you’re visiting South Africa for the gorgeous natural scenery or to see big game on a wildlife safari, you’ll definitely want a camera to capture those memories. Don’t forgot to add spare batteries, your chargers and adapters, and extra memory cards to your packing list. If you have binoculars or a telephoto camera lens, bring them along — you may never find a better opportunity to use them!
Ensure that your total checked luggage weight is less than 20 kilograms (44 pounds), as this is usually the limit on internal flights.
Keep colors neutral (avoid bright colors as well as white and black if you can), but there is no need to look like a safari cliché either. Make sure that you have comfortable trainers for walking, a light waterproof jacket, a hat or cap, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and sunglasses.
Whether you’re visiting South Africa for the gorgeous natural scenery or to see big game on a wildlife safari, you’ll definitely want a camera to capture those memories. Don’t forgot to add spare batteries, your chargers and adapters, and extra memory cards to your packing list. If you have binoculars or a telephoto camera lens, bring them along — you may never find a better opportunity to use them!
Ensure that your total checked luggage weight is less than 20 kilograms (44 pounds), as this is usually the limit on internal flights.
PUNCTUALITY? AM I ON A TIME SCHEDULE?
We will have plenty of "down time" and chances for you to relax and rest. However, we are usually bound by the clock for many of our activities, so please help us to make the trip as enjoyable as possible by being ready on time for all departures. On the "safari" part of the trip, we offer an early morning game drive (usually starting at around 06:00) and an evening drive; if you prefer to sleep in or rest at the lodge, that is perfectly acceptable. Just let us know the night before.
CAN I SMOKE?
For the comfort of all of our guests, we would prefer that you do not smoke on our trips. But if you must, please do so in such a way that it will not impact on the others in your group. South Africa has very strict laws about smoking in public places.
TIPPING AND GRATUITIES?
Close Encounters covers all gratuities on the tour. However, if you feel that you have had exceptional service from any of the operators or guides, please feel free to reward them.
WHAT IS THE TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE USA?
The whole of South Africa falls within the GMT+2 Time Zone, which means that it is in the same time zone as most of Europe. Unlike the USA, Daylight Savings Time (DST) is not applied, so the time difference between South Africa and the USA will vary from 6 or 7 hours ahead (East Coast) to 9 or 10 hours ahead (West Coast), depending on the time of year.
HOW DO I STAY IN TOUCH WITH HOME?
South Africa has an extremely well-developed communications infrastructure, with extensive fixed-line phone networks and five mobile phone service providers with widespread coverage.
If you do not wish to bring your mobile phone with you, you can rent a phone from the airport upon arrival. If you do bring your handset, you can use your USA number, airtime and data in the country or, provided that your mobile phone uses a SIM card, you can buy a South African SIM card and register it in a matter of minutes at a shop or kiosk at the airport.
It is completely unnecessary to hire or bring with you a satellite telephone!
Verizon, Sprint and AT&T all have international phone plans which allow some data use, 100 minutes of phone calls to home, and unlimited texting. These plans are available for around $40-$70, but please check with your local provider.
By far the easiest and cheapest way to call someone in the USA is to use one of the VOIP applications, like WhatsApp or FaceTime. This will only use up a little bit of data, not airtime, and the cost will be minimal. Most accommodation establishments offer free Wi-Fi.
If you do not wish to bring your mobile phone with you, you can rent a phone from the airport upon arrival. If you do bring your handset, you can use your USA number, airtime and data in the country or, provided that your mobile phone uses a SIM card, you can buy a South African SIM card and register it in a matter of minutes at a shop or kiosk at the airport.
It is completely unnecessary to hire or bring with you a satellite telephone!
Verizon, Sprint and AT&T all have international phone plans which allow some data use, 100 minutes of phone calls to home, and unlimited texting. These plans are available for around $40-$70, but please check with your local provider.
By far the easiest and cheapest way to call someone in the USA is to use one of the VOIP applications, like WhatsApp or FaceTime. This will only use up a little bit of data, not airtime, and the cost will be minimal. Most accommodation establishments offer free Wi-Fi.