So you're thinking about visiting South Africa but not sure what to pack? We've got you covered. In this guide, we'll cover the top travel essentials for your South Africa trip including what travel documents you need, currency, what to wear and which electronics you should take - you'll be prepared for all that South Africa has to offer in no time!
For your trip to South Africa, you will need the following documentation:
South Africa's currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Before you enter the country, you should exchange your currency for Rand which you can spend in South Africa. You can exchange your currency for Rand before you fly or at a bureau de change in South Africa.
Credit cards are widely accepted in South Africa but you need to look out for foreign transaction fees from your bank. Check with your bank before you go to see if they charge this fee.
Cash points/ATMs are also widely available in South Africa. Make sure you use one that is connected to a major network (such as Visa or Mastercard). You will likely be charged a fee for using the ATM but this is normally less than the fee you would be charged for exchanging currency at a bureau de change.
Don't forget to let your bank know you're travelling to South Africa, otherwise, they may block your card for suspicious activity!
In South Africa, the dress code is generally casual. We recommend packing breathable, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. This can include T-shirts, shorts, lightweight trousers and comfortable dresses.
No matter what time of the year you're visiting, you might experience the occasional rain shower. Pack a rain jacket to keep yourself dry on your South African adventure. On the other hand, the South African sun is strong all year round. We suggest packing a wide-brimmed hat as well as sunglasses with UV protection.
Lots of walking means you need comfortable walking shoes. If you're going hiking, pack hiking boots. For the beach, you can wear sandals which are especially handy in hot weather but make sure they have good support. For safari experiences, wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from insects, thorns and uneven ground.
With South Africa's sunny climate and endless list of outdoor activities, you'll need to pack the right toiletries:
When packing these toiletries, make sure they're travel-sized to help you save space in your baggage. South Africa has a growing eco-conscious movement - you can travel sustainably by packing eco-friendly toiletries such as solid shampoo bars and biodegradable wipes.
Taking your smartphone is a must but what other electronic devices should you take to enhance your South Africa travel experience?
The first step to your trip to South Africa is booking the flights! You can book one-way, return or multi-city flights to South Africa right here at Alternative Airlines. With over 600 airlines to choose from and over 40 ways to pay (including Buy Now Pay Later plans like PayJustNow), you're bound to find flights to South Africa that suit your travel needs. Book your flights to South Africa today and start packing the essentials!
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You may or may not need a visa to enter South Africa - it all depends on your nationality. Check out our guide on visa requirements for South Africa where we cover all the different types of visas available and how to apply for them.
The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). You can exchange currency before you leave or use cash points/ATMs in South Africa. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and taxis.
Yes! Besides everything we've mentioned above, you can make your travel experience in South Africa even better with:
Look out for repellents containing DEET - these are the most effective repellents against most mosquitos. DEET can sometimes irritate the skin so make sure you buy repellent with low concentrations of it (20-30%) and apply it cautiously.
Another effective option is Picaridin which is gentler on the skin compared to DEET. Natural repellents include citronella oil and lemon eucalyptus oil which are less effective but may be preferable.
Yes - you need to have vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid before travelling to South Africa. If you're coming from a country that is at risk of yellow fever, you will also need a vaccination for this too. Find out more in our guide on vaccinations for South Africa.
