Infos - Travelling in South Africa

Some usefull hints for travelling in South Africa:

Money

Even in South Africa the european ec-card works for most autotellers, easiest and cheapest way to get cash.
All standard creditcards are accepted, paying with credit cards gives you a good exchange rate and low transfercosts. But for some goods you do need cash.
Life is quite cheap in South Africa compared to european standards (food, petrol, booze etc.). You can even claim the 14% VAT (tax) back on all items bougt in SA as you leave the country (always ask for a tax invoice if you buy things!).
Especially items made in South Africa are well priced, this also includes wetsuits, surfboards (but not windsurfboards) and clothes.

I consider a car as absolutely necessary to explore the variety of South Africa. Public transportation is not always an appropriate option.
Like in England cars are driven on the lefthandside.
Many carrentals require an international drivers licence.

Eventhough it´s getting pretty hot during the day (up to 30°C), nights can be quite chilly.
Criminality is statisticly very high, this is mainly due to some areas tourists should avoid. To obbey some simple rules minimizes the danger of crime.
There is no danger of Malaria if you stay near the coastline of South Africa. Even some of the nationalparks are Malaria-free. (e.g. Tsi Tsi Kamma, Endo).
Especially LTU and Turkish Airline transport Windsurfgear for reasonable prices.
There are many alternatives to surfing in and around Cape Town. The beautiful nature, the variety of cultures and the South African lifestyle can even replace a good day of surfing.