Going to see football in South Africa this year? You aren’t alone! South African tourism has become steadily more popular, so many feel that the country is now ready for tourists to come and spend their South African Rand.

However, many travelers are unprepared, with this being the first visit for many… So we have put together some world cup travel tips with South Africa travel advice. If you have already booked your world cup package and accommodation, we don’t want you feeling left out in the cold. Book your flight, buy South African Rand, check into your hotel and remember our seven essential world cup South Africa travel tips:

1. Check out other tourist destinations - don’t miss out on seeing the rest of South Africa tourist sights just because the world cup is on: maybe check out the costal port town of Durban, or check out the Tourist Office for a list of places to try, so you don’t feel that you have wasted your trip if the England football team doesn’t do quite as well as we hope!
2. Take warm clothing - South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so it will be winter there when the world cup is going on. In Johannesburg, it can sometimes get below freezing at night in June/July, so make sure that you take appropriate clothing with you.
3. Leave plenty of time for moving around the country and getting to your match - the road and rail systems in South Africa are already under pressure, with a train from Johannesburg to Cape Town taking around 26 hours. Plan your trips around South Africa and make sure you leave plenty of extra time to minimize the risk of missing football matches.
4. Be vigilant - The culture of South Africa is very different to the UK, and despite the large police presence, you could still be taken for a rough ride by fraudsters or criminals, with South Africa having an annual murder rate of 37 per 100,000 people, compared to the UK’s 2.03. Don’t drink to excess to ensure that you stay fully in control. If you are unsure about anything, including promises of black market match tickets, stay on the safe side and don’t take a risk.
5. Vaccinations – The NHS recommend that you get vaccinations for the following before travelling:
   • typhoid
   • hepatitis
   • meningitis C
   • tetanus, diphtheria, and polio (which are combined in one vaccine)
   See the NHS website for all the up to date information.
6. Stay in large groups – keeping in a large group should ward off petty criminals and keep you safer on the streets. However, do watch out for pickpockets, as they can occasionally target larger groups of tourists. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a help page to assist you in making sure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
7. Use a travel money card to avoid high exchange rates and keep your money secure – The FairFX Anywhere Card - www.fairfx.com - is an ideal way of getting great South Africa Rand exchange rates (6 to 10% better than airport travel money booths). At the moment FairFX are offering their Anywhere Card free-of-charge subject to a minimum load of just £10 which gets added to your balance.

Keep our travel advice for South Africa in mind as we’re sure that you’ll enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Just remember, make sure that you don’t end up having the cost of your trip spiral: buy South African Rand before you go, make a budget, and stick to it. You will have already paid enough for your tickets to the football in the South Africa World Cup 2010, and there is no need to break the bank. Tourism in South Africa is comparatively cheap, but make sure that you don’t spend over your budget.

Aside from all this, do make sure you still enjoy your trip!

Wednesday 24 March 2010, 12:01pm

Tags: foreign currency, south africa, south african rand, south africa travel, travel tips, world cup travel

• Luton and Birmingham UK’s most expensive airports for foreign currency purchases

• Holidaymakers could save up to 14% by purchasing their cash online

Travellers planning on hitting the slopes this October should beware when purchasing foreign currency, FairFX.com reveals. Holidaymakers who buy their foreign currency from the airport risk paying as much as 14 per cent more for their money if they leave it to the last minute.

Luton and Birmingham airports have been revealed to be the most expensive foreign exchange bureaux, charging unwitting travellers up to 14% more for their holiday money than if they had purchased it online.

FairFX.com’s analysis reveals the UK’s most expensive foreign exchange bureaux:

1. Luton Airport- ICE
2. Birmingham Airport- Travelex
3. Stansted Airport- MoneyCorp

Many travel money providers claim they offer travellers 0 per cent commission but this hides the true margins they add – meaning travellers aren’t in the know and could end up sliding down a slippery slope of confusing charges and misleading advertising.

However, prepaid currency cards offer a different solution. They work just like a debit card but can be topped up via the internet or by text. The FairFX currency card offers rates for Euros and US dollars at less than one per cent margin above wholesale rates – i.e. giving all users ‘business’ level foreign exchange rates.

Stephen Heath, Chief Executive of FairFX.com, said: “To avoid the worst rates on the market, which are generally found in airports and train stations, travellers need to get organised. As Sterling continues sink against the Euro, exchange rates will continue to fluctuate, and as the pound is expected to be weak for some time to come it is more vital than ever that people take steps to get as much as they can. By preparing in advance and buying your currency online instead of using costly debit or credit cards for foreign spending, travellers will be able to get the most bang for their buck this half term.”

Wednesday 14 October 2009, 05:31pm

Tags: currency charges, foreign currency, ski holiday