What should I bring and pay attention to when going to South Africa for business?

South Africa has a good climate, with clear skies in Wan Li all year round, but sometimes the sun is too strong, so guests are advised to use sunscreen. Every year from 10 to March of the following year, the average temperature is 15 degrees at night and 35 degrees at noon. In winter, the temperature difference is large from April to September, about 0 degrees at night and 20 degrees at noon. Tourists are invited to choose suitable clothes for their trip. There is a great temperature difference between morning and evening in South Africa. Please pay attention to adding clothes. When you watch animals by car in the safari park, please keep warm and wear a hat, because the wind is strong.

Accommodation:

1. South African hotels usually don't have toothbrushes, toothpaste, slippers and other things that disposable goods can carry.

2. The voltage in South Africa is 220/230V and 50 Hz AC, so you need to bring your own adapter.

Customs regulations:

Passengers are allowed to carry 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of cut tobacco, 2 liters of red wine, 1 liter of spirits and personal gifts not exceeding 1250 rand. If the value of the goods you carry exceeds 1000 rand, the customs will pay customs duties at the rate of 20%.

If you bring more than $20,000 in cash into the country, you must declare it to the customs.

Foreign tourists who buy souvenirs in South Africa with the amount exceeding 250 rand can apply for refund of value-added tax (V.A.T) at the airport tax refund office within 90 days from the date of shopping.

Attached information: Notes for China citizens to go to South Africa.

First, special reminder

The security situation in South Africa is not good, and cases such as burglary, highway robbery and warehouse theft occur from time to time. The Embassy reminds China citizens living in South Africa to be vigilant, strengthen safety measures and do a good job of self-protection, especially to prevent tail robbery, adjust business hours reasonably, avoid high-incidence periods of crime, pay close attention to insurance, calmly deal with emergencies and prevent personal and property losses.

Two. Visa, entry and customs

(1) Visa Description

China citizens need a visa to visit South Africa regardless of their passports. Holders of diplomatic passports, official passports and ordinary business passports do not need to pay a deposit for visas: South African citizens and China citizens with permanent residency in South Africa invite their immediate family members to visit relatives in South Africa to apply for visas without paying a deposit; China authorized travel agencies to organize tour groups to apply for visas in Nanzhong without paying a deposit; Other personnel must pay a deposit of RMB 15000 to the south African embassy in China when applying for a visa, and those who return to China on schedule (with the original deposit receipt) will be refunded.

(2) Entry and transit instructions

You must have a valid passport and visa to enter South Africa, and you don't need a transit visa to cross South Africa as long as you don't leave the airport (Interim Provisions). According to the requirements, passengers must show their return or joint flight tickets and international health certificates to airport customs and immigration officials when entering the country. People who enter South Africa through yellow fever epidemic areas must be vaccinated before entering the country without international health certificates.

(3) Customs regulations

Passengers are allowed to carry 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of cut tobacco, 2 liters of red wine, 1 liter of spirits and personal gifts not exceeding 1250 rand. If the value of the goods you carry exceeds 1000 rand, the customs will pay customs duties at the rate of 20%.

If you bring more than $20,000 in cash into the country, you must declare it to the customs.

Foreign tourists who buy souvenirs in South Africa with the amount exceeding 250 rand can apply for refund of value-added tax (V.A.T) at the airport tax refund office within 90 days from the date of shopping.

Iii. Security situation and public security situation

Security situation

South Africa is one of the countries with high crime rate in the world. The main forms of crime are property robbery, vehicle robbery, theft, violence against women, rape and so on. Especially in recent years, there have been frequent cases of warehouse theft against Chinese businessmen, which have caused great losses to my business people in South Africa.

Suggestive preventive measures

1, family safety protection

Choose apartments and residential quarters with good safety records; There are high walls, power grids, switches and security guards; Install monitoring system and alarm device; Keep a dog and choose a good neighbor to live in; Learn to distinguish between true and false policemen, know the alarm numbers of the police station and security company where you live, and keep in touch with the consular department of the embassy or consulate. When entering and leaving the house, pay attention to whether there are suspicious robbers ambushing or following.

2. Company safety

Improve the security system, select well-known security companies and install closed-circuit monitoring systems. The company should not deposit a lot of cash, and turn on the lighting system in the office at night to insure the company's property.

3. Car safety

When driving, be careful not to open windows near highway intersections and traffic lights, and don't put bags and valuables in a prominent position or leave them in the car. If you go the wrong way, don't get off and ask for directions. You can drive to a nearby gas station or fast food restaurant and ask the staff at the station or shop for directions. Pay attention to whether there are suspicious people around before entering the parking lot and getting off. When you leave the airport, if you find someone following you on the road, don't stop. You can drive to the nearest police station or call the alarm station 10 1 1.

4. Bank security

Sometimes, because you want to withdraw large amounts of cash from the bank, the bank manager will ask you to inform you one day in advance, and the secret of your withdrawal of large amounts of cash may have been known all over the world. It is safer to use more checks or bank transfer services.

ATM security

First, after inserting the ATM card, be careful to be seen by others when pressing the password.

Second, if the bill doesn't come out after completing the data input procedure, it may be that the paper outlet is sealed by transparent tape. Check carefully, the bill may not be spit out.

Third, be sure to take the receipt and don't let anyone know your account data.

If the ATM card is in the ATM machine, it is absolutely unacceptable for a stranger to come forward to help. Call the ATM center for help immediately.

Be careful to be followed after you get the money.

Security of bulk wage payment

1. Change the time or date of salary payment.

When dealing with big banks, don't inform them in advance that you want to withdraw a lot of cash. Large-scale bank branches often have more cash to withdraw.

At present, many banks also provide small depositors services. It is suggested to open a bank account for employees and pay their salaries through bank transfer service.

Fourth, buy insurance in cash.

How can security companies help you?

1. If you withdraw a large amount of cash from the bank, you can hire a security company to assist in escort.

Two, can negotiate with the bank to send security personnel to support.

Four, common diseases and medical conditions

(a) AIDS and prevention

1, AIDS knowledge

South Africa is one of the countries with the highest HIV infection rate in the world, with about 5 million HIV carriers. For China people who came to the south of China, AIDS is a problem that cannot be ignored.

2. How to prevent HIV infection?

Although AIDS is an extremely dangerous infectious disease, it can be prevented for individuals. The main preventive measures are:

(1) No premarital sex;

(2) Do not take drugs in any way;

(3) Don't accept blood transfusion and blood products easily (if necessary, ask the hospital to provide blood and blood products that have been tested for HIV);

(4) Do not use needles, needles, gauze, cotton wool and other appliances with others;

(5) Do not go to medical institutions or other places where disinfection is not strict, such as injections, tooth extraction, ear piercing, tattoos, eyebrow tattoos, acupuncture or surgery;

(6) Avoid contact with the blood of the injured during daily rescue;

(7) Don't * * use instruments that may puncture the skin with others, such as toothbrushes, razors and electric razors.

(2) Malaria and prevention

The lowlands in Mpu Malanga province, limpopo river and Maputalan coast in Nata province of Kwazulu are the areas where malaria occurs, but in winter, malaria basically disappears. Although malaria endemic areas are limited, ordinary tourists seldom go, but if you want to choose to go to these malaria endemic areas, you should take full precautions.

The South African government (in cooperation with Swaziland and Mozambique) has carried out a series of projects, all of which are aimed at eliminating malaria, and now the malaria endemic area has been shrinking. Generally speaking, malaria is not as terrible as we thought. As long as you don't touch it, you won't be so easily infected unless you are bitten by a mosquito with malaria virus. Now, the continuous improvement of pesticides and some common health knowledge have reduced the risk of mosquito bites to almost zero.

The simplest, safest and most limited way to prevent malaria is to prepare several anti-mosquito appliances, such as mosquito nets, and some effective pesticides. If you are determined to do some epidemic prevention work, you can take some antimalarial drugs orally according to the instructions. You should start taking it one to two weeks before going to the epidemic area, and you must continue taking it four weeks after leaving the epidemic area. You'd better consult some medical experts before you start taking these drugs. It must be noted that these drugs are prohibited by pregnant women.

(three) medical and health conditions and medical insurance description

Compared with other African countries, the medical and health situation in South Africa is better. Private hospitals in big cities are well equipped. All provinces and cities have provincial public hospitals. The treatment fee in public hospitals is not high, but there are many patients and the waiting time is long. Private hospitals have good conditions and services, but the fees are higher. Ambulances are paid services. There are about 360 provincial public hospitals and 344 private hospitals in South Africa.

Medical insurance is the responsibility of insurance companies, and individuals voluntarily take out insurance. Designate public or private hospitals to enjoy different medical services according to different premium amounts. During the warranty period, medical and hospitalization expenses will be directly settled by hospitals and insurance companies.

The piped tap water in South Africa is of good quality and can be directly drunk. However, rivers and lakes may be parasitized by Schistosoma japonicum, so direct drinking or swimming in unfamiliar waters should be avoided. In addition, people who go to Limpopo province or Kruger Park in the north in summer are advised to take antimalarial drugs in advance and pay attention to preventing mosquito bites. If you have fever, cold sweat, headache, abdominal pain and other symptoms, you must seek medical attention in time.

South Africa is one of the countries with the largest number of people infected with AIDS in the world, but its infection route is only through blood and body fluids, as long as individuals live a completely clean life.

Verb (abbreviation for verb) local customs and regulations

(A) South African etiquette

1, social etiquette

Social etiquette in South Africa can be summarized as "black and white" and "mainly in English". The so-called "black and white" means: restricted by race, religion and customs, blacks and whites in South Africa follow different social etiquette; Anglicization means that in a long historical period, white people have mastered the political power in South Africa, and white people's social etiquette, especially British social etiquette, prevailed in South African society.

At present, in social occasions, South Africans generally adopt the greeting ceremony of shaking hands, and they mainly address their associates as "sir", "miss" or "madam". Among black tribes, especially in vast rural areas, South African blacks often show different styles from the mainstream of society. For example, they are used to giving ostrich hair or peacock hair to distinguished guests. At this time, it is perfect for guests to put these precious feathers in their hats or hair.

2. dress etiquette

In cities, South Africans dress basically westernized. On formal occasions, everyone pays attention to dignified and rigorous dress. Therefore, it is best to wear a suit or skirt with conservative style and dark color when conducting official or business contacts, otherwise it will be regarded as impolite by the other party. In addition, African blacks usually have the habit of wearing their own national costumes. Black people from different tribes often have their own different characteristics in dress.

3. Catering etiquette

White people in South Africa usually eat western food, often beef, chicken, eggs and bread, and love coffee and black tea. The famous drink in South Africa is Rubao tea. When visiting black families in South Africa, the host usually sends freshly squeezed milk or goat's milk, and sometimes homemade beer. Guests must drink more, preferably all at once. Non-blacks like to eat beef and mutton, and the staple food is corn, potatoes and beans. I don't like raw food, but I like cooked food

4. Custom taboos

Christian South Africans are afraid of the number 13; South African blacks worship their ancestors very much, and they are particularly afraid that outsiders will not respect their ancestors' words and deeds.

5. Don't talk loudly, spit or litter in public places, and keep your clothes clean and decent.

Intransitive verb price and supply

Prices in South Africa have risen every year, but the increase is not big, and the market is rich in materials and goods. In South Africa, China goods can be seen everywhere, and there are China grocery and local products stores in big cities such as Joburg and Bito. China clothing stores run by China people are almost all over South African towns.

(1) currency

South Africa's monetary unit is rand, and its international symbol is ZAR (notes are divided into 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 rand, coins are divided into 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 min). 1 rand = 100. The approximate exchange rate of rand in 2006 is 1 USD = 6-7 rand. Traveler's checks and other major foreign currencies can be exchanged in hotels, airports and commercial banks. Fluctuations in the foreign exchange market will be reflected in the daily exchange rate changes. As long as the depositor brings his passport, the bank will charge a handling fee of about 4%. Banking hours are: Monday to Friday: 08: 30-15: 30; Saturday: 08: 30- 1 1: 00. Most students who come to South Africa carry VISA or MASTER cards. Because the security situation in South Africa is not very good, it is safer to bring a card than cash. At present, 1 rand is about 1.3 RMB.

(2) Shopping

South Africans basically go to supermarkets for shopping, and local large supermarkets include Pick'n Pay, Game, Shoprite and Spar. You can buy everything from food to clothes. Food prices are generally more expensive than those in China. Generally speaking, cucumber is about 5 rand/root. Eggplant is about 8 rand/kg, tomato is about 7 rand/kg, cabbage is also a home-cooked dish here, 7 rand/kg, carrot is 4 rand/kg, onion is 4 rand/kg, potato is 6 rand/kg, egg 15 rand/18, chicken 14 rand/kg. The local fruits in South Africa are cheaper than those in China.

Clothing brands in South Africa are basically "imported", such as Nike, Adidas and Reebok. It is very popular here. Local brands include Mr. Price and Edgar.

Seven. Transportation and travel

Traffic safety and travel precautions in South Africa

South Africa has developed transportation and highways extending in all directions. However, due to the high speed, South Africa's vicious traffic accidents have become one of the three major killers in South Africa. In cities, the main means of transportation is private cars, and public transportation is backward. There are few bus lines, most of which are minibuses. There are planes and trains between major cities, but the number of trains is less, which has certain security problems.

The traffic rule in South Africa is to drive on the left and overtake on the right? (unlike China). Driving on the national highway (expressway), the maximum speed 120km/h, the maximum speed 100km/h on the secondary highway, and the maximum speed/h on the city streets, except for the sections with special signs. If the vehicle is speeding, it is likely to be photographed by speed cameras or police speed cameras, and it will be fined or detained.

Driving a vehicle in South Africa requires a valid South African driver's license, Commonwealth driver's license or international driver's license. Holders of driver's licenses from other countries must be notarized according to regulations. Drivers and passengers must fasten their seat belts during driving to avoid some unexpected traffic accidents that will bring harm or unhappiness to the whole journey.

Besides, what are the basic precautions when traveling? There are the following points: 1. In view of the relatively high crime rate in South Africa, overseas tourists should travel together as much as possible, not acting alone, but should be led by friends who are familiar with the local situation; 2. Due to the high speed on the expressway, fatigue driving or drunk driving is strictly prohibited; 3. When you go to the safari park, you should strictly abide by the park? It is stipulated that special attention should be paid not to get off the bus and feed the animals without authorization; 4, South Africa has strong sunshine, so pay attention to sun protection when going out; 5. Don't swim and fish in the waters where swimming and fishing are forbidden to prevent accidents.

South Africa has a pleasant climate with four distinct seasons. Due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening, there is no heat in summer and no cold in winter. 65438+February-February is summer, and June-August is winter. There is plenty of sunshine all year round, abundant precipitation in rainy season (10 to March), dry season in winter and dry climate, which is more suitable for human habitation.

Tourist cities and attractions mainly include Pretoria and Cape Town (Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, etc. ), Garden Avenue (Niesner, Mosobai, George, Onshaw and other towns), Kruger National Park, Longshan National AD, Sun City, and tourist entertainment places and leisure centers near Joburg.

Hotels and restaurants in South Africa have good facilities, but the prices are relatively expensive. The standard room fee for star-rated hotels is about $80/day, and there are also cheap B+B family hostels in various places, and the price is $20/day per capita. There are Chinese restaurants in big cities in South Africa, mostly in Johannesburg and Pretoria, with Cantonese cuisine as the mainstay.

Cape Town Hotel, Table Bay Hotel, Holiday Inn and Nelson Hill Hotel in Cape Town; Sheraton Hotel, Tyfield Hotel and Acadia Hotel in Pretoria; Hilton Hotel and Holiday Inn Thornton in Johannesburg.

There is no direct flight between China and South Africa, so the plane still has to transfer in Hongkong. At present, Hong Kong Cathay Pacific Airlines and South African Airlines have daily flights between Hong Kong and Johannesburg.

The tourist season in South Africa is Christmas (from mid-February of 65438+ to1early October of 65438+) and Easter (mid-April).