GoSouth Africa Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa Notice

South Africa does not apply for a visa on arrival. There are currently two ways for Chinese citizens to apply for a South African visa: offline and online.

1. Offline visa application: For travel, study, work, and other purposes to South Africa, applicants should submit their applications to the visa application centers in their respective jurisdictions based on the passport issuance location. At present, it is divided into Beijing Territory and Shanghai Territory. Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province, Jiangsu Province, Anhui Province, Shandong Province, Fujian Province, and Guangdong Province are under the jurisdiction of the Shanghai Territory. Applicants holding passports issued by the above-mentioned provinces and cities should apply for visas at the Shanghai/Guangzhou/Hangzhou/Jinan Visa Application Center; Except for the Shanghai area, all other provinces and cities belong to the Beijing area. Applicants holding corresponding passports should submit their applications to the Beijing/Chengdu/Shenyang/Wuhan/Xi'an/Chongqing or Kunming visa application centers.

If there are special circumstances that require cross district visa application, documents indicating that the applicant is unable to apply in their respective district, such as a temporary residence permit, proof of employment, etc., must be submitted.

For information on visa application materials, visa fees, addresses and office hours of various visa application centers, please click on the following link to visit the official website of the South African visa application center for inquiries: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/chn/zh/zaf

2. Online processing of electronic visas: South Africa has implemented electronic visas for China, covering multiple visa types such as tourism, visit, and business.

Applicants can apply for an electronic visa through the South African Department of Home Affairs platform（ https://ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit/home ）Submit application materials. The main process is to register an account, fill in user information such as email, name, passport, etc; Fill out and submit the electronic visa application form; Upload various proof materials; Online payment of visa fees, etc. Regardless of whether a visa is obtained or not, the visa fee is non refundable.

After successful electronic visa application, the applicant needs to download and print the visa through email or application platform, and present the electronic visa, passport, proof materials, etc. at the port of entry to South Africa.

According to relevant agreements between China and South Africa, holders of Chinese diplomatic and official passports (excluding ordinary official passports) are allowed to stay in South Africa visa free for up to 30 days.

2、 Transit through South Africa

According to the notice of the Ministry of the Interior of South Africa and the Visa Application Center of South Africa, since December 18, 2015, except for the deportees, all passengers passing through Johannesburg Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, Durban Shark King International Airport and Johannesburg La Serya International Airport before crossing to six neighboring countries in South Africa (Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Mozambique) do not need to apply for transit visas, but need to collect biometric information. Please refer to the relevant regulations: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries .

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Customs regulations

（1） Entry Notice

1. Prohibited entry items (carrying them into the country is considered illegal)

Any form of narcotics and addictive drugs;

Fully automatic, military, and unnumbered weapons;

Poison and other toxic substances;

Explosives, fireworks, etc;

Every 1000 cigarettes weighing over 2 kilograms;

Goods that illegally use trademarks (such as counterfeit goods, etc.);

Illegal pirated goods;

Items manufactured by the prison.

2. Restricted entry items (must be declared and approved before entry)

Firearms and weapons;

Gold coins;

Excess currency: cash, paper currency, etc;

Unprocessed minerals: such as gold and diamonds;

Animals, plants, and their products (such as animal skins, dairy products, honey, etc.);

Medications: Passengers are allowed to carry self use medications and drugs for up to three months, but must hold a certificate issued by a qualified doctor or a certified prescription. Other medications must be declared;

Herbal products (requiring approval from the South African Department of Health)

3. Personal consumer goods (can enter the country without paying customs duties and value-added tax within the limit, but minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to carry alcoholic beverages and tobacco products)

No more than 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars per person;

No more than 250 grams of tobacco per person;

No more than 50ml essence or 250ml perfume per person;

No more than 2 liters of wine per person;

Other alcoholic beverages totaling no more than 1 liter per person.

4. Other regulations

Visitors are allowed to bring personal belongings and sports and leisure items into the country for personal use, but customs may require visitors to pay a certain amount of deposit for valuable items. When carrying the same items out of the country, the security deposit can be refunded upon inspection by customs officials. If a deposit is collected upon entry, the visitor must inform the customs officer during the departure inspection in order to return the deposit.

（2） Outbound Notice

1. Regulations on Carrying Animal Products and Seafood

South Africa has strict legal provisions for the protection of ecology and biodiversity, and is also a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It strictly prohibits the entry and exit of rhino horns and ivory products, and also prohibits and restricts the trade of specific wildlife, seafood, and their products.

According to the South African Marine Living Resources Act, it is not allowed to hold or trade abalone, seahorses and their products (including dried abalone and dried seahorses) without a license. Unless the merchant issues an invoice with a license and a license number when purchasing the above products, illegal carrying of the above products into or out of the country will face punishment. South African law also has licensing and quantity regulations for deep-sea products such as sea cucumbers. When purchasing or carrying such seafood, one should inquire about the source, request invoices and licenses.

When tourists purchase animal fur and other souvenirs in South Africa, they should request a permit and a legitimate invoice from the merchant in order to present them upon departure.

2. Declaration of Items

According to the South African Customs and Tariff Act, all passengers must declare the following items upon departure:

(1) Assisting others with carrying items;

(2) Items prepared for renovation, processing, and repair overseas;

(3) Items prohibited, restricted, or controlled by law;

(4) Items temporarily imported according to regulations, such as professional photography and video equipment.

3. Outbound tax refund

Most goods purchased in South Africa are subject to a 15% value-added tax. Foreign tourists who purchase goods in South Africa for an amount exceeding 250 rand can apply for a tax refund from the value-added tax refund officer within 90 days from the date of purchase by presenting a tax refund special invoice issued by the store upon departure. If there is no value-added tax refund officer at the departure port, you can contact the value-added tax refund officer through the following methods:

Post Office Box: PO Box 16949, Pretoria North South Africa 0116

Phone:+ 27 10 025 6371

E-mail: info@vatrefundagency.co.za

website: https://vatrefundagency.co.za/

The specific procedures for handling tax refunds at South African international airports: Before checking in, present your passport, purchased goods, and official invoice to the staff at the tax refund inspection counter. The staff will mark the invoice accordingly. After passing through security and customs, there are dedicated counters on both sides of the customs to handle tax refunds. You need to present the corresponding invoice, passport, and boarding pass, and a certain handling fee will be deducted. In addition, if the price of a single item exceeds 5000 rand, the store needs to indicate the name of the shopper on the invoice.

To learn about South African tax and customs regulations, please visit www.sars.gov.za. For specific tax refund procedures, please log in https://vatrefundagency.co.za/ .

4. Passenger transit

Passengers who transit from South Africa to the member countries of the Southern African Customs Union (including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini) must comply with the customs regulations of South Africa.

Customs officials may inspect transit passengers and their luggage. If prohibited items are found, customs will take corresponding measures, including detaining passengers and items, and transferring passengers to South African police for handling.

5. The powers of customs officials

Customs officials have the right to inspect passengers' luggage and belongings, and passengers must fully cooperate with the inspection. If any illegal items are found, relevant taxes and fees must be paid according to regulations and requirements. Customs officials can intercept, detain, and inspect passengers' carry on or checked baggage. If the baggage has a lock and the passenger fails to provide the key as required, customs officials have the right to unlock and inspect it. No one has the right to claim compensation for losses caused by non malicious actions during the enforcement period by customs officials. For unaccompanied checked baggage, if customs officials have reasonable grounds for suspicion, they may directly inspect it.

6. Illegal punishment

Passengers are obligated to comply with the South African Customs and Tariff Act and cooperate with inspections. Failure to cooperate with inspections, or making false or omitted reports during the inspection process, or falsifying invoices, may result in the following penalties:

(1) Confiscate items and impose a fine of up to three times the value of the items;

(2) Criminal prosecution.

Please visit the South African Customs website before entering South Africa（ https://www.sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/travellers/arrival-in-sa/ ）Search for the latest requirements regarding prohibited items and customs clearance procedures.

2、 Entry quarantine

Passengers over one year old who have traveled to countries at risk of yellow fever six months before their departure date must provide a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (commonly known as the "yellow book") when entering or passing through South Africa. The yellow fever vaccine needs to be administered at least 10 days before traveling to South Africa to be effective, and South African airports do not provide vaccination services. For details, please refer to the website of the South African Department of Health: http://www.health.gov.za .

Residency and Naturalization

1、 Permanent Residence Permit

Holding a work visa for five consecutive years and obtaining a permanent employee position can apply for a permanent residence permit. The applicant must submit an application to the South African Ministry of Home Affairs, which will review and issue a permanent residence permit on a case by case basis.

2、 Nationality Policy

South Africa recognizes dual citizenship, but encourages the use of one's own passport. Foreigners holding permanent residence permits in South Africa for more than 10 years can apply for South African citizenship. Foreign spouses of South African citizens holding South African permanent residency permits may apply to acquire South African citizenship. Newborns born in the South, if one or both parents are South African citizens, have South African citizenship at birth.

For specific regulations related to South African visas, residency, nationality, and immigration policies, please refer to the website of the South African Department of Home Affairs.

South African Ministry of Home Affairs website: www.dha.gov.za

South African Ministry of Home Affairs telephone: 0027-800601190

There is currently one orange (high-risk) area in South Africa, while all other areas are yellow (medium risk). Specifically, as follows:

1、 Orange region: Johannesburg. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens to travel cautiously to the Johannesburg area of South Africa in the near future. Local personnel and institutions have closely monitored the development of the situation, maintained high vigilance, strengthened security precautions and emergency preparations, and ensured personal and property safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.                                                         

2、 Yellow region: Other regions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds personnel in other regions to strengthen prevention and pay attention to safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.                                     

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

1、 Overall security situation

South Africa has relatively easy circulation of firearms and ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of crime rate. The public security risk is relatively high, and the main forms of crimes include robbery, kidnapping, theft, and sexual crimes. Riots also occur from time to time in some areas.

2、 Preventive measures

（1） Try to travel together and not act alone.

（2） Valuable items should be properly kept and not exposed.

（3） Avoid entering and exiting commercial areas with poor public security, informal settlements, crowded areas, and streets and places with low pedestrian flow.

（4） Try not to go out before sunrise or after sunset.

（5） Use credit cards or traveler's checks to avoid exchanging or presenting large amounts of cash in public places such as airports.

（6） Try not to take a taxi as much as possible, and choose to charter a car from a travel agency to minimize outdoor walking.

（7） When going shopping, personal money and other valuable items should be carried with you and not left in the car. Even if I am in the car, I should keep my valuables in a concealed place. When shopping, do not show off your purchased items to each other, and do not take out a large amount of money at once to prevent being tracked and violated.

（8） Pay attention to the safety of hotel rooms. When checking into a hotel, it is essential to keep personal belongings safe. Passports, cash, and valuables should not be left in hotel rooms at will. When shopping, dining, or playing outside, it is important to carry and keep them safe.

（9） Pay attention to the safety of the residence. Choose apartments or residential areas with good safety records, installed or equipped with high walls, power grids, electric gates, and security guards. Install monitoring systems and alarm devices. Raise guard dogs and choose good neighbors to live with. Learn to identify real and fake police officers, and understand the emergency phone numbers of the police station and security company in your place of residence. When entering or leaving the community, pay attention to whether there are any suspicious individuals following.

（10） Pay attention to the safety of the business premises. Establish a sound security system, choose a well-known security company, and install a closed-circuit surveillance system. Do not store large amounts of cash in the company, insure company property, and turn on office lighting systems appropriately after work.

（11） When driving, keep the windows closed, especially avoiding opening them while waiting for traffic lights at intersections. Do not place bags and valuables in prominent positions inside the car. If you take the wrong route, don't get off the car and ask. You can drive to a nearby gas station or fast food restaurant and ask the staff inside the station (restaurant). Pay attention to any suspicious individuals around you before getting off the car in the parking lot. If you come out of the airport and find someone following you on the road, do not stop. You can drive to the nearest police station or call 10111 to report the incident.

（12） Try to avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash from banks and use checks or bank transfer services more often. If it is necessary to withdraw a large amount of cash from the bank, it is recommended to hire a security company to escort or negotiate with the bank to dispatch security personnel for escort. When using an ATM, prevent the bank card password from being hacked by others, keep the withdrawal voucher safe after withdrawal, and beware of being tracked by others.

（13） If unfortunately encountering robbery or other infringements, personal safety should be the top priority, avoiding direct conflicts with criminals, cooperating with the other party to hand over property first, and reporting to the police as soon as possible after ensuring one's own safety.

（14） In case of local protests, demonstrations, or gatherings, please stay away as soon as possible and do not take photos, watch or participate.

natural disaster

South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere between 22 and 35 degrees south latitude, with seasons opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer is usually from December to February of the following year, while winter is from June to August. There are rainy and dry seasons, and the climate varies depending on the region. The Cape Peninsula has a Mediterranean climate, the KwaZulu and Natal coasts have a subtropical climate, and the northeastern inland has a grassland climate. Overall, there is ample sunshine and it is relatively dry. The average temperature in winter ranges from 0 to 15 degrees, while the average temperature in summer ranges from 20 to 35 degrees.

Natural disasters mainly include droughts and floods. Forest fires often occur in developed forestry areas such as the Western Cape province. The Atlantic coastal areas are occasionally hit by hurricanes. Outdoor travel should pay attention to preventing disasters such as lightning and hail.

FDA

The food hygiene standards of hotels and restaurants in South Africa are relatively high and subject to government supervision and inspection. The food sold in large chain supermarkets is of safe and reliable quality, and fresh fruits, vegetable salads, and drinking water can be consumed with confidence. Do not purchase and consume street food. Schistosomes may be present in rivers and lakes, and direct consumption or swimming in unfamiliar waters should be avoided.

Urgent Help

South African emergency hotline: 10111

South African emergency hotline: 999 or 082911

Global Consular Protection and Services Emergency Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-65612308

Emergency hotline of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa: 0027-12-3428826

Emergency hotline of the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg: 0027-715111494

Emergency hotline of the Chinese Consulate General in Cape Town: 0027-216747688

Emergency hotline of the Chinese Consulate General in Durban: 0027-761742938

South African Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 0027-11-6229515/0027-11-6228286

Pretoria Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 078 878 8888

Cape Town Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 060 332 1188, 065 551 2345, 083 312 8111

Kaipuxi Coast Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 079 874 8888

Huayuan Avenue Chinese Police Community Center Phone: 076 471 2674, 065 861 4148

Eastern Cape Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center (East London) Phone: 083 688 8788

Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape Province Phone: 081 028 2513, 078 797 7077

Northern Cape Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 074 433 3344

KwaZulu Natal Province Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 0765311010

The police civilian cooperation center in Xinbao City, KwaZulu Natal Province has a hotline for assistance: Chinese 0711538888 English 0731277777

Northwest Province Chinese Police Civilian Cooperation Center Phone: 0027-763206888/0027-833302333

Mpumalanga Province Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 0027-792971803/0027-632166532

Limpopo Province Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 0027-712322222/0027-793538666

Free State Chinese Police Civilian Cooperation Center Phone: 0027-719921799/0027-658680333

Mafiken City Chinese Police Community Cooperation Center Phone: 0027-782637000/78170930/788699999

air traffic

1、 International and domestic flights

South Africa has direct navigation with multiple countries around the world. Air China operates flights between Beijing (with a stop in Shenzhen) and Johannesburg. Other airlines such as Cathay Pacific, South African Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines also have flights connecting to mainland China via other cities such as Hong Kong, Dubai, and Singapore.

2、 Main airport situation

South Africa has over 100 civil airports of various types, including Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport, Shakawan International Airport (Durban), Rasselia International Airport (Johannesburg), Bloemfontein International Airport, Port Elizabeth International Airport, East London Airport, George Airport (Western Cape), Kimberley Airport (Northern Cape), etc.

O.R. Tambo International Airport, formerly known as Johannesburg International Airport, was renamed in 2006 in honor of Oliver Reginald Tambo, former president of the South African National Congress. The airport is located in the city of Aguleni near Johannesburg and is the largest and busiest international airport in Africa, with an annual passenger capacity of 28 million. The airport was built in 1952, with an altitude of 1680 meters and two runways. The west runway is 4418 meters long and is one of the longest runways in the world. The east runway is 3389 meters long. Both runways are paved with asphalt, capable of taking off and landing large aircraft such as Boeing 747-400 and Airbus 380.

3、 Main modes of transportation to and from the airport

Taxis are available at major airports to provide passengers with round-trip services between the city and the airport. Passengers can also rent cars themselves at the airport's car rental companies. There is a Gautrain high-speed railway within Tambo International Airport that connects Johannesburg city center and Pretoria city center.

4、 Precautions

Always remain vigilant at the airport and take care of your luggage, especially valuable items such as laptops and mobile phones. Be wary of strangers using unintentional collisions, spilled drinks, and other means to divert attention and steal. Put the wallet in the close pocket and hang the backpack of valuable items on your chest. Do not place valuable items or small appliances such as mobile phones in checked baggage, and keep a detailed record of the items inside the checked baggage. Do not expose valuable items such as cameras and jewelry to avoid attracting attention. Clothing and behavior should not be ostentatious. Try to avoid exchanging foreign currency at the airport to prevent being tracked by criminals. Be cautious of suspicious vehicle tracking after leaving the airport.

land transport

1、 Main land transportation modes within the country

（1） Highway conditions

South Africa has the longest road network in Africa, covering the entire country and connecting with neighboring countries, making travel very convenient. Highways are divided into three levels: national, provincial, and municipal, with assigned numbers. Small roads in urban areas are labeled with specific names.

South Africa has complete road transportation infrastructure, good road conditions, and many one-way roads. The towns are far apart, with fast road speeds and frequent traffic accidents. Plan your itinerary before driving, follow traffic rules, avoid driving at night, and avoid drunk driving, fatigue driving, and speeding. In some remote areas where guardrails are not installed on both sides of the road, animals may cross the road, so it is especially important to pay attention to driving safety.

（2） Railway situation

The railway network and road network in South Africa complement each other, forming a complete land transportation system. The railway is connected to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and other countries.

The railway passenger transportation in South Africa is underdeveloped. Passenger trains are divided into different levels, in addition to regular express trains, there are also regional express trains. The "Pride of Africa" private luxury tourist train from Pretoria to Cape Town enjoys an international reputation, but the ticket price is quite expensive.

2、 Car rental and usage of Chinese driver's license

There are car rental points in major airports and urban areas in South Africa. To drive in South Africa, a valid South African driver's license is required. If you need to use a Chinese driver's license, you need to first apply for an additional certificate in China. According to the National Road Traffic Management Act of South Africa, when using a foreign driver's license in South Africa, it is necessary to provide an official language translation issued by a qualified institution. It is recommended to apply for additional certificates for both the original and translated driver's license at the same time. For specific procedures and requirements for processing additional certificates, please log in to the China Consular Services website（ http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/ ）Or search for relevant websites of local foreign affairs offices.

3、 Main traffic rules

The traffic rules in South Africa are to drive on the left and overtake on the right. The maximum speed is 120km/h on national roads, 100km/h on second-class highway, and 60km/h on urban streets, except those with special signs. Both drivers and passengers must fasten their seat belts.

4、 Precautions

（1） Safety tips for renting a car for self driving: South Africa is right-hand drive and left-hand drive, with many bends and steep slopes, and fast speeds, which can lead to frequent traffic accidents. Please pay attention to driving safety. Before getting on the car, lock your valuable items in the trunk. After getting on the car, immediately lock the doors and close the windows. When driving, keep the doors and windows tightly closed. The handbag is placed under a seat that is not easily visible. Do not open the window to deal with people who advertise or sell small goods at intersections, be alert to tactics such as approaching or falsely claiming that the vehicle has a malfunction. Before boarding and when parking, observe the surrounding environment for any suspicious individuals. Driving at night, at two to three intersections before reaching the destination, observe the vehicles behind through the rearview mirror. If you suspect being tracked, take a few more detours and confirm that there is no one following before driving to the destination. If it is confirmed to be tracked, you should quickly drive to the nearby police station or gas station and call the police at the same time. Do not leave valuable items in the car.

（2） The security situation in South Africa is severe. Try to drive together during the day and avoid traveling alone; When driving to a wildlife park for sightseeing, one should strictly follow the park regulations, especially not getting off the car or teasing or feeding animals without authorization.

water communication

South Africa is one of the countries with a well-developed maritime transportation industry in the world, possessing the largest, most well-equipped, and efficient maritime network in Africa. Eight of the 17 major commercial ports in southern Africa are located in South Africa, with Richard Bay, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Port Moselle, Cape Town, and Saldanha Bay on the northeast to southwest coast of South Africa. Richard Bay Port is the largest deep-water port and coal export port in South Africa. Durban Port is the busiest and largest container throughput port in southern Africa, serving as the primary port of call for goods from the Far East, Europe, the Americas, East and West Africa to and from South Africa. East London Port is the main automobile export port in South Africa.

Tourists can take specialized cruise ships from major ports in South Africa for sightseeing.

Boat tour information can be accessed on the website: http://www.msccruises.co.za/ .

Urban transportation

1、 The public transportation system in South Africa is incomplete, mainly consisting of two types of buses: buses and minibuses. Minibuses are quite common and mainly used by locals for commuting. They stop at the signal of their hand, but they often violate traffic rules and cause serious accidents, so it is not recommended to take them.

2、 South Africa does not have a subway system. There is an older intercity railway (metro) between Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the passengers on the train are mixed, so it is not recommended to take it. There is a high-speed railway connecting Johannesburg, Bituo, and Tambo International Airports, which is relatively comfortable and offers moderate ticket prices.

3、 If using a taxi, it is recommended to ask the hotel or local tourism information center to recommend a reliable taxi company, as taxis are generally not available on the street. Uber and other ride hailing services are currently not subject to specialized regulation in South Africa, which poses certain safety risks.

4、 If you need to rent a car for travel, it is recommended to choose a reputable car rental company with a large scale and pay attention to driving safety.

major city

1、 Administrative capital - Pretoria

The location of the central government agencies in South Africa. After the 2000 local government elections, it merged with 12 surrounding local governments and was renamed Tshwane, but the name and city boundaries of the original Pretoria are still in use. Its administrative body is called the Municipal Council.

In addition to gathering important administrative units such as the Office of the President of the Republic of South Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice, embassies of various countries, renowned universities such as Pretoria and South Africa, the National Theatre, and the National Museum of History and Culture are all located here, making it a true national center for politics, culture, education, and research. The Bituo National Zoo ranks among the top ten zoos in the world, with over 3500 species of animals.

The average temperature in summer is about 22 degrees Celsius, and in winter it is around 10 degrees Celsius. The temperature on winter nights sometimes drops below 0 degrees Celsius, but it rarely snows. At an altitude of 1378 meters, the air is fresh and the climate is pleasant. The urban area is well planned, surrounded by mountains on all sides, and there are sufficient parks and green spaces planned in the suburbs. The most famous park is the Federal Building's trapezoidal garden located in the city center.

October is the blooming season for the city flower Jacaranda, which is planted on both sides of the city's roads and has a purple blue color. The entire city is immersed in a cluster of colorful flowers, making it a true "garden city".

2、 Legislative Capital - Cape Town

Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa, the second largest city in the country, and an important port, but what it presents to people is more its charming scenery and elegant Victorian colors.

Cape Town is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful and charming coastal cities in the world. It is the oldest city in South Africa and the birthplace of the Republic of South Africa. Founded in 1652, it was originally the supply station of the Dutch East India Company and the earliest stronghold established by Western European colonizers in South Africa.

There are many ancient colonial buildings in Cape Town. Good Hope Castle is the oldest building in Cape Town, along with 17th century European immigrant houses, furniture, Dutch windmill paintings, and ancient farmhouse style. There is a beautiful government street park in the city center, and across from the park is the famous Parliament building, which is the location of the South African National Assembly.

Cape Town has a unique Table Mountain, which can be climbed up by cable car to enjoy the distant view. Near Cape Town Beach, there are various styles of entertainment and relaxation facilities. This is one of the main tourist destinations in South Africa, with the world-renowned Robben Island, intoxicating wines, and enchanting Cape of Good Hope scenery.

3、 Judicial Capital - Bloemfontein

The location of the Supreme Court of Appeal in South Africa is also the capital of the Free State Province. It was originally a fortress and was officially built in 1846. It is now the center of trade, transportation, and communication in South Africa.

Bloemfontein is located in the central plateau and is the geographical center of the country, surrounded by small hills. It is hot in summer and cold in winter with frost. The city is characterized by undulating hills, beautiful scenery, and numerous gardens, earning it the nickname "Rose City". The nearby Franklin Wildlife Refuge is one of South Africa's tourist destinations.

4、 Economic Center - Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the third largest city in Africa. It has a cool climate and is suitable for tourism all year round. Located on an inland plateau, with an altitude of about 1750 meters, there is a large temperature difference between day and night, but the climate is mild. The average temperature in summer is around 20 degrees Celsius, while in winter it is around 11 degrees Celsius. The city center is lined with high-rise buildings, while government agencies, banks, stations, stock exchanges, and other modern buildings are all innovative. Residential areas are mostly located in the suburbs. Johannesburg is surrounded by satellite cities of various ethnicities, including Vereening, Benoni, Germiston, etc., all of which are connected to Johannesburg by highways and railways.

In 1886, gold mines were discovered in the mountainous areas of northern South Africa, attracting countless gold miners and earning the city the nickname "Golden City".

5、 Holiday City - Durban

Durban Port is the largest port in South Africa, located within a harbor facing the Indian Ocean. Marine climate, heavy humidity in summer and very mild in winter. The tourism industry accounts for a significant proportion of Durban's overall economy. The most famous feature of the city is the beach area and dozens of parks, such as the Gold Coast in KwaZulu Natal province, which attracts many people for diving and sightseeing.

Durban has an international civil aviation airport. Because it is the largest port in South Africa, maritime transportation is quite developed, and there are ship operations with Cape Town and Elizabeth Port in China, as well as navigation with major ports abroad.

6、 Friendly City - Nelson Mandela Bay

A newly established metropolis after the 2000 local government elections. Located in the Eastern Cape province, Arge Bay, including the city of Port Elizabeth and nearby cities and regions, is one of the cleanest cities in South Africa and the former capital of the Eastern Cape province. Beautiful scenery, developed tourism industry, and renowned as a "friendly city".

British colonizers began settling here in 1820, resulting in several historic buildings in the city, including Duncan Street, the oldest street in the city, a sturdy building built in 1827, and a lighthouse now converted into a military museum in 1861. Other historical sites include St. Augustine's Cathedral, Fort Frederic, and the Cauldron. The narrow gauge railway between Port Elizabeth and Loerie is 283 kilometers long, making it one of the few remaining narrow gauge railway lines in the world.

Commodity prices

1、 Main products

South Africa is rich in resources, producing crops such as corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, sugarcane, sunflowers, tobacco, cotton, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, grapes, citrus, pineapple, subtropical fruits, and macaques. Its meat mainly includes chicken, cattle, sheep, ostrich meat, etc.

2、 Price situation

The prices of essential goods in South Africa are generally lower than those in China, but they have increased every year. The market has abundant resources and sufficient supply. Chinese goods can be seen everywhere in South Africa. There are Chinese grocery and local product stores in major cities such as Johannesburg and Bituo. Clothing and grocery stores run by Chinese people are almost all over South Africa.

Local large supermarkets include Woolworths, Pick'n Pay, Checkers, Game, Shoprite, Spar, etc.

3、 Currency and exchange rate

The currency of South Africa is the rand, and the international symbol is ZAR (banknotes are divided into 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 rand, coins are divided into 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 cent). 1 rand equals 100 points.

The rand exchange rate fluctuates greatly. In January 2025, the exchange rate of the US dollar to the rand was approximately 1:18.7.

Traveler's checks and other major foreign currencies can be exchanged at large hotels, airports, and commercial banks. The redeemer can bring their passport for processing, and the bank will charge a handling fee of approximately 4%.

4、 Payment method

Domestic UnionPay cards can be used in some stores and banks in South Africa, while other major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, and their affiliated cards can be used throughout South Africa.

5、 Banking and Financial Services

The four major banks in South Africa are Absa Bank, First National Bank (FNB), Nedbank, and Standard Bank.

Bank working hours: 9:00am to 3:30pm from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 11:00am on Saturday, and closed on Sundays. There are many ATM branches, making withdrawal more convenient. To ensure safety, it is recommended to withdraw money from ATM machines in large shopping malls or banks.

6、 Common contact information

ABSA Bank: 0860008600.

FNB Bank: 1-800-555-5545.

Nedbank：0800555111。

Standard Bank：0860123000。

Insurance Medical

1、 Medical conditions

Compared with other African countries, South Africa has a better healthcare situation and a developed level of medical care. Private hospitals in big cities are well-equipped. Each province and city has provincial-level public hospitals. The treatment cost in public hospitals is not high, but there are many patients and long waiting times. Private hospitals have good conditions, excellent services, and relatively high fees. Emergency vehicles are paid services. The emergency hotline is 999 or 082911.

2、 Medical insurance

Medical insurance is the responsibility of the insurance company, and individuals voluntarily purchase it. Depending on the premium amount, public or private hospitals are designated to provide different medical services. During the insurance period, expenses such as medical treatment and hospitalization will be directly settled between the hospital and the insurance company. Private hospitals in South Africa charge higher fees for medical treatment. It is recommended to purchase relevant insurance before traveling to South Africa.

3、 Common diseases and treatments

Some rivers and lakes in South Africa have schistosomiasis and cannot be consumed for drinking. Do not swim in wild rivers and lakes.

In some areas of Mpumalaga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu Natal provinces, attention must also be paid to preventing malaria. Insecticide should be sprayed, and long clothes and pants should be worn to prevent mosquito bites.

South Africa is one of the countries with the largest number of people infected with AIDS in the world. Before coming to South Africa, you should understand the relevant prevention and control measures.

4、 Main hospitals and pharmacies

Large private healthcare institutions in South Africa include ER24, NETCARE 911, Medi Clinic, and others.

In some large supermarkets and daily necessities chain stores, such as PnP, Woolworths, Checkers, Spar, Clicks, etc., there are drug counters where common fever reducing, pain relieving, and band aid over-the-counter drugs can be purchased. Prescription drugs must be purchased with a doctor's prescription. People with chronic diseases should bring sufficient medication or an English prescription issued by a doctor.

5、 Common contact information

Emergency hotline for public hospitals: 999

NETCARE 911 emergency hotline 082911

ER24 EMS emergency hotline: 084124

Customs taboos

1、 Holidays and festivals

South Africa has 12 public holidays throughout the year. Holidays not only retain religious colors, but also highlight the commemoration of historical events against racial segregation and a united and peaceful political atmosphere. Freedom Day is a commemoration of the first non racial general election in New South Africa and is South Africa's National Day; Youth Day commemorates the Soweto Uprising; The Reconciliation Day educates countrymen people to learn from the historical lessons of the "Blood River War".

Holidays in 2025 include: New Year's Day (January 1), Human Rights Day (March 21), Good Friday (April 18), Family Day (April 21), Freedom Day (April 27), Labor Day (May 1), Youth Day (June 16), Women's Day (August 9), Inheritance Day (September 24), Reconciliation Day (December 16), Christmas Day (December 25), and Friendship Day (December 26).

2、 Common Etiquette

In social situations, the common greeting etiquette adopted by South Africans is the handshake, and they mainly address their social partners as "sir", "miss", or "madam". Black tribes, especially in rural areas, often exhibit styles that differ from the mainstream of society. For example, they are accustomed to giving ostrich feathers or peacock feathers to VIPs, and the appropriate way for guests at this moment is to stick these precious feathers on their hats or hair.

In South Africa, tips are usually paid to luggage handlers, taxi drivers, tour guides, translators, bus drivers, restaurant servers, parking lot security guards, gas station workers, and others. There is no fixed standard for tipping, and it varies from person to person depending on the situation. Restaurants usually require an additional 10% -15% tip in addition to the meal fee. The tip for moving luggage at airports, stations, hotels, etc. is approximately 10 rand per piece of luggage. The tip for parking lot security starts at 2 rand.

According to South African law, smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. Some restaurants have smoking areas.

Please do not make loud noises, spit or throw debris in public places, and pay attention to maintaining neat and appropriate clothing.

3、 Main customs and habits such as clothing and food

In cities, the attire of South Africans is largely westernized. On formal occasions, dress appropriately. It is best to wear conservative and dark colored suits or dresses when engaging in official or business interactions, otherwise it will be considered impolite. In addition, black people in South Africa usually have the habit of wearing their own ethnic clothing. Black people from different tribes often have their own unique clothing styles.

The average summer temperature in South Africa is between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius, with frequent thunderstorms. It is suitable to wear cool and comfortable lightweight clothing, bring an umbrella or raincoat, and preferably add a lightweight jacket. Winter is mild, with an average temperature of 0 to 15 degrees Celsius, suitable for wearing thin sweaters and jackets. Cape Town is rainy in winter, so it's important to bring rain gear. South Africa has strong sunshine and a dry climate, so it is important to pay attention to sun protection.

Middle income and above families in South Africa mainly eat Western cuisine on a daily basis, including beef, chicken, eggs, and bread. They love to drink coffee and black tea, and South African doctoral tea has a rich and healthy taste, which is very popular; The staple foods in rural areas are corn, potatoes, and beans. Eating often involves using knives and forks, and some rural residents may also use their hands to grab food. When visiting a South African household, you can bring a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers, or other gifts as a gesture of gratitude.

4、 Main taboos

South Africans who believe in Christianity avoid the number 13.

Black people in South Africa greatly admire their ancestors and are particularly wary of outsiders showing disrespect towards them in their words and actions.

Communications Power

1、 Internet

Most hotels offer free wireless internet access.

2、 Telephone and international/domestic calls are charged

Domestic mobile phones that have enabled international roaming can be used after arriving in South Africa, but the data usage fee is relatively high. The mobile communication operators in South Africa mainly include Vodacom, Cell-C, Telkom, MTN, etc., which use GSM, WCDMA, and FDD-LTE network standards with different tariff standards.

There are many coin operated and card operated public telephones in South Africa, which are rarely used by people. To ensure safety, if it is necessary to use a public telephone, it is recommended to choose a public telephone in a large shopping mall.

South African domestic landline: 0086+area code (excluding the first 0 of the area code)+phone number, such as calling Beijing landline: 0086+10+12345678.

South Africa dialing domestic mobile phone: 0086+mobile phone number.

Domestic South African landline: 0027+area code (excluding the first 0 of the area code)+phone number.

For domestic calls to South African phones: 0027+phone number (without adding the first 0 of the phone number).

3、 Plug standard

The voltage in South Africa is 220/230 volts, and the use of South African standard three round hole sockets is rare. It is recommended to purchase conversion plugs domestically or at major airports and shopping malls in South Africa.

contact information

South African Visa Application Center:+221338606006 https://visa.vfsglobal.com/chn/zh/zaf/

South African Ministry of Home Affairs: 0800601190 www.dha.gov.za

South African government online (can check the websites and contact information of various government departments in South Africa): www.gov.za

South African Tourism Board Chinese website: www.southafricantourism.cn

Flight information at various airports in South Africa: www.airports.co.za