Travel South Africa during 2010 World Cup

South Africa is hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup. One of the most watched sports in the world. Many people are planning to come to South Africa to watch this spectacle. Many, however, are unsure about South Africa. There are a lot of bad stories that people hear and people are not sure where to stay, where not to go, what not to do and many more questions.I live in South Africa, in Johannesburg. I plan to give you all the basic information about South Africa that you need to know if you want to come here. I will make sure that you know the cool places to hang out in. Where to go shopping. How to get around. Where to stay, and so much more!

So please, come on in and enjoy!

South Africa is a democratic country with a Constitution that provides for equal protection from the law and equal rights for all who are in South Africa. That includes you, a non-citizen visitor.

The currency used in South Africa is the Rand, symbolised by a ZAR or R. It is accepted throughout South Africa as legal tender and you will not be able to use foreign currency to pay for items or services in South Africa. You will need to use a foreign currency exchange; these are located at all of our major airports as well as major shopping centres. Our currency is not all that strong so you will likely get a lot of South African Rands for your currency. The thing is, during the world cup, there is a lot of talk about things being priced at much higher prices. However, our government is implementing measure to prevent this from happening.

____________________________________________________________

Our Sun is very strong and harsh and it is thus strongly advised that you apply sunscreen whenever you are planning to be in the sun. This is particularly so at all of our coastlines.

____________________________________________________________

Mobile phones:

Our mobile phone service coverage is excellent. You should not have any problems with trying to get signal coverage.

We have a couple of service providers:

· Vodacom

· MTN

· Cell C

· Virgin Mobile

You can buy what we call a Starter-Pack. These are located at all major outlets including supermarkets. It will cost you about one South African rand to purchase. Inside the package you will find a sim card which you put into you mobile. This is a prepaid service and airtime can also be purchased from all major outlets and supermarkets.

South Africa has a Blackberry server set up here. You will be able to access the Blackberry network in South Africa and use services like your Blackberry Messenger.

• Don't have a Blackberry? Then click here if you are interested in puchasing one.

If you do purchase a South African sim card, you will need to take with your passport and know the address where you will be staying as South Africa has just passed new Legislation which requires all mobile phones to be registered so as to assist the police in combating crime.

There are various areas in Johannesburg that are very upper class and will offer you 5 Star hotels.

Sandton

Sandton is pretty much the financial hub of South Africa. Major business' have their offices in this city.

Hotels in Sandton:

• Hilton Sandton - Tel: +27 11 322 1888
• The Palazzo Montecasino - Tel: +27 11 510 3000
• SunSquare Montecasino - Tel: Tel: +27 11 5577007
• Sandton Sun - Tel: +27 11 780 5000
• InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers - Tel: +27 11 780 5555
• Garden Court Sandton City - Tel: +27 11 269 7000
• Garden Court Morningside - Tel: +27 11 884 1804
• Southern Sun Hyde Park - Tel: +27 11 341 8080
• Hyatt Regency Johannesburg - Tel: +27 11 280 1234
• Crowne Plaza Hotel Rosebank - Tel: +27 11 448 3600
• Melrose Arch Hotel - Tel: +27 11 214 6666
• The Grace Hotel Rosebank - +27 11 280 7200
• Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, Morningside - Tel: +27 11 804 2540/1/2/3

These are all top class hotels in great areas!

There is plenty to do in Johannesburg. Some things will require a bit of a drive while others are close by!

• Elephant Sanctuary
• Gold Reef City Tour
• The Soweto Tour - A must see!
• Lesedi Cultural village - a great African experience
• Lion Park - play with lion cubs!
• Sun City - Two hours outside of Johannesburg, it is one of Sol Kurzners projects, featuring a casino and a man made sea!
• Montecasino - This is a great place to go for a supper and evening entertainment!

Watch this space... it is growing everyday with more and more great, useful, important and fun information!