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Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa

As a vibrant multicultural nation, South Africa has 12 official languages, which are spoken across the country. The most common first languages of South Africans are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English.

Travelling in South Africa, you can easily navigate the country and talk with the locals using English. 

The national currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). It is definitely possible to travel in South Africa on a budget.

1 CAD ≈ 13 ZAR

More than half of all countries need a visa to visit South Africa, however, tourists from Canada, the United States, and much of Europe can travel visa-free for up to 90 days.

Make sure to check the visa requirements for your country if you are planning a trip to South Africa. For the latest visa requirements, I check the Passport Index.

Safety in South Africa can vary between areas. While some neighbourhoods can be more risky, many tourist destinations, like central Cape Town, have enhanced security measures.

Staying aware of your surroundings (particularly after dark), avoiding higher-risk areas, and following local advice helps ensure a safer experience as a traveller.

While it is important to consider the safety and the potential risks of travelling to South Africa, I encourage you to look beyond the ‘scary’ stories that get told about the country. South Africa is incredibly beautiful, full of vibrancy and kind individuals, and is absolutely worth visiting.

As with everywhere, make sure to travel with insurance – I always use SafetyWing Travel Insurance and have found it extremely simple to use and affordable for my travels. 

South Africa’s peak season is during it’s Summer months from November to March.

Uber drivers and bartenders warned me that once Summer hits, South Africa (Cape Town in particular) gets extremely busy – especially during December and January when the schools are also on their Summer break.

Although the country is most alive during Summer, it is worth considering the shoulder season when things are calmer and before prices jump.

Biltong – Air-dried, cured meat like jerky.

Durban Curry – A spicy, flavorful dish that originated in Durban.

Kota – A street food sandwich that originated in Soweto.

Wines – From South Africa’s Coastal Region, including Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban South African areas, like the major cities as well as the towns along the Garden Route.

However, in rural areas like Kruger Park it is not recommended to drink the tap water. You can buy bottled water or use a water purifier if you’re staying in the bush. 

I always use Booking.com because I consider it to be the best place to book affordable accommodations worldwide. They have a huge selection of places to stay, from boutique hotels, luxury resorts, budget-friendly hostels, or complete apartments. 

If you prefer Expedia, you can always check out nice properties there. Gotta keep your gold status!