Packing for South Africa? 6 Things You Need to Know

Whether you’re an avid traveler seeking something new or a newcomer choosing your first destination, SA will captivate you with its natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. 

This country takes pride in its cultural unity. Yet, you will rarely find a place with so much versatility. Before coming there, however, you should know a few important things.

1. Have Cash on You

Many big cafes and restaurants in South Africa accept debit and credit cards, but you should always have some cash on you. Smaller stores, roadside merchants, and some taxi drivers have not adopted digital payments and will not do so in the near future. 

Moreover, cash is necessary for tipping — an essential cultural practice. Since base salaries are incredibly low, especially for service workers such as servers and gas attendants, tips are paramount to them. It’s common to leave a bigger tip, around 20%, for good service. Depending on additional assistance, you may leave more, and it will always be appreciated by whoever served you that time.

2. Watch Out For Power Outages

SA’s primary energy supplier, Eskom, introduced load-shedding back in 2007. Since then, the country has been living with blackouts. It’s a common experience, and although many locals are used to it, no one likes it. Nowadays, the energy supply is more stable, but the power crisis is still ongoing. So, everyone travelling to SA should be aware of the situation. 

Electricity outages are unplanned in most cases and might last from several hours to a couple of days. During that time, you won’t be able to charge your devices, turn on the lights, and so on. It is advised to bring a good power bank when traveling, just in case. You can use the EskomSePush app to check when the area you are staying in may be affected by the outages. 

When there’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, you can still use mobile data and set a hotspot for your devices. To minimize roaming charges, however, opt for an eSIM app. It’ll connect to the local cell towers and provide you with a generally stable connection.

3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Power outages might be a culture shock, but it’s not the worst thing you can encounter in South Africa. Violent crimes, strikes, and similar incidents can startle the tourists. Robbery, assault, mugging, and carjacking mostly occur in the downtown areas after dark. Kidnappers often target U.S. citizens to kidnap them for ransom or force them to withdraw money. As for protests and strikes, they start very suddenly and occur often. Unfortunately, they turn violent all the time and can interrupt many public services.

So, you should always be aware of your surroundings when you’re out in the city. Do not travel alone, and do not leave the hotel after dark. Don’t join big crowds. Hide your costly accessories and jewelry when walking around and avoid withdrawing a lot of cash publicly.

4. Rent a Car

While South Africa is gorgeous, public transportation there is not the best. There are long-distance bus and train routes, but they often miss smaller destinations and can be pretty expensive. Furthermore, most of them are unreliable — not recommended for tourists who don’t know the country. Renting a car is the best option, for sure. Fortunately, all the bigger car rental companies are just as good in SA, and there are many road trip routes to choose from. 

Book ahead and be aware of common unspoken driving rules to make the best out of your experience. For example, since many roads are single-lane, drivers often use the emergency lane with a yellow line as a backup. Also, stay cautious when on the road: keep your windows up when possible, leave a gap in the front when stopping at the traffic lights, and lock the doors to avoid incidents.

5. Stay Connected Through Public Wi-Fi

When there are no power outages, you can easily find free Wi-Fi in bigger cities. Restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels will accommodate you so you can stay connected with your loved ones. Use Wi-Fi finder apps to locate the nearby networks, whether at the airport or at the mall. 

Remember that South Africa is not exempt from bad actors online, and you should always secure your connection when connecting to a network. A VPN comparison can help you find the best tool for your needs, as a VPN encrypts your traffic, making it impossible for unauthorized users to access it.

6. Pack Appropriate Clothing

To some, South Africa looks like a hot region. But it’s not always like that. Its waters can be cold, mountains snowy, and beaches stormy. So, tourists packing a T-shirt and shorts can definitely freeze their fingers off if they’re not careful. 

SA’s summers are extremely hot. From December to February, you will face heatwaves and occasional rain showers. Depending on the region, the weather might be humid or completely dry, so always check the weather beforehand. Pack light, breathable fabrics. Also, pack a big sun hat to protect your head and face.

In March and April, however, the weather becomes more bearable. It’s not too hot or cold, and you can finally wear something with more coverage. Autumn to early winter in May and June stands around 15℃, and many South Africans complain about the cold. At this point, Cape Town is experiencing wet and windy conditions. In September and October (the SA’s spring), the country is still a little cold, but November and December are coming closer with beach parties and early Christmas festivities. 

Ready for Your South Africa Trip

South Africa is an incredibly versatile country with friendly people and viral positive energy. Although you should be aware of common crimes, as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and stick to simple safety rules, you will be okay. Additionally, don’t forget to carry some cash with you — especially important for the tipping culture. 

Know when the power will be off, pack clothing appropriate to the season, and rent a car to explore SA efficiently. 

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