About Southern Africa
Language
The main language spoken in Southern Africa is English.
Money
The local currency in South Africa is the Rand.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Southern Africa.
You will probably want to exchange some money in South Africa. It is generally easy to use an ATM. If you want to exchange $100 bills, make sure they are the new style and in good condition.
In Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, you should be able to use USD and credit cards everywhere and will not need to get local currency.
The local currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK). U.S. dollars are accepted for entry visas. Livingstone, Lusaka and Mfuwe airports all have banks and ATM machines that issue Kwacha.
VAT:
- A sales tax (VAT) of 14% is included in the price of all goods sold in South Africa. The VAT can be refunded at the airport upon departure for goods over R250 ($35). To do this you need 1) an official tax receipt with your name on it, 2) the goods, 3) a non-South-African passport, and 4) a VAT refund sheet found at the airport.
Telephone Calls
To dial internationally from Southern Africa, dial: 000 + area code + telephone number. Hotel receptionists will help you make calls.
Country Codes:
- South Africa: +27
- Botswana: +267
- Zambia: +260
- Zimbabwe: +263
- Namibia: +264
Electricity
South Africa uses 220 volt current with a unique 3-round-prong plug. This should work in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia as well.
Many hotels have universal multi-plug outlets as well.
Travel Alerts & Warnings
U.S. Department of State
- Information for South Africa
- Information for Botswana
- Information for Zambia
- Information for Zimbabwe
- Travel Advisories