I. Food: 
1. Breakfast buffets are usually served at hotels where patrons help themselves to dishes of their choice. It is recommended that you only take appropriate amount for each helping.
2. Chinese and western cuisines are available for lunch and dinner (beverages not included); we have made it a point to strike a balance between different types of cuisines to cater to different travelers' preferences. 
3. Electric kettles and water are available at most hotels in South Africa; the fresh tap water available in each guestroom is potable (note that hot water is not safe for consumption). 
4. When dinning at restaurants, please do not consume spirits and soft drinks that you have brought along the way. If you must consume the beverage you have prepared, please ask your tour guide to negotiate with the restaurant owners. Please be reminded that the charges for meal arrangements on the itinerary do not include beverages and travelers are required to cover for beverages at their own expense. 
 
II. Clothing: 
1. It is important to remember that the difference in temperature during the day and evening in South Africa is quite drastic. Travelers are reminded to keep a light jacket handy at all times and bring along winter/spring apparel with at least one thermal jacket. Please note that the climate in South Africa is opposite to that in the Northern Hemisphere. 
2. Passengers are recommended to carry no more than two bags for their luggage (one large luggage case and one carry-on; it is strongly recommended that the large luggage case be secured with a sturdy lock). 
3. Ladies are recommended to travel in flat-heeled footwear; gentlemen may find it more comfortable to wear casual shoes.
4. Please bring along at least one set of formal apparel.
 
III. Accommodation: 
1. Hotels in South Africa place great emphasis in cleanliness and comfort. Travelers in groups checking into hotels will usually share guestrooms (two guests per room). Individual travelers who prefer not to share rooms are required to cover the additional charges. 
2. Generally speaking, hotels in South Africa do not offer toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, towels and etc. For the sake of "hygiene", travelers are strongly recommended to bring their own personal hygiene items. Please note that amenities at different hotels may vary and travelers are recommended to use the showers due to issues of hygiene. 
3. Complimentary teabags/coffee may be provided at guestrooms with kettles, but please be reminded that consumption of any items in the fridge will incur additional charges. 
4. Please be informed that during your stay at any hotel in South Africa, guests should shower in the bathtub with the shower curtains drawn and placed in the tub to prevent wetting the floor as the water may seep through.
 
IV. Transportation:
1. Please note that travel on buses may get quite long; travelers who tend to suffer from motion sickness are recommended to have their medications handy. 
2. The journey in the tour bus is actually part of the travel experience in South Africa due to the vast landscape and changing sceneries. Travelers are therefore recommended to switch seats in order to appreciate the passing sceneries and sights. 
3. During extended journeys on the bus, we will take a short break once every hour/two hours; please refrain from smoking on the bus. 
4. Please show your consideration for others; when the tour guide/escort introduces specific sights/scenery during the journey, please extend appropriate courtesy by listening attentively. If you must make conversation for any reason, be sure not to disrupt other fellow travelers. 
 
V. Others: 
1. Be sure to bring your binoculars and sunglasses.
2. Camera film are exorbitantly expensive abroad; be sure to prepare sufficient quantities before the trip.
3. If you have other personal plans or itinerary (i.e. dropping out of the group or not returning with the rest of the travelers), please kindly inform us prior to the trip so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
4. Due to security issues in urban areas of South Africa, we strongly advise against travelers separating from the group during the trip. For your safety, avoid going out alone during evenings.
5. Travelers are advised to bring as few valuable items as possible during the trip to avoid drawing unwanted attention. 
6. Be sure not to bring in contrabands such as items made from ivory or endangered species to avoid violation of local laws.
7. Voltage in South Africa is 220V; travelers may bring their own electric spoon/cup for personal use. 

I. Making phone calls:
1. Calling home from South Africa: dial 09 + international country calling code + international city calling code (without "0") + the number you wish to call 
2. Calling South Africa from Taiwan: dial 002 + 27 + international city calling code (without "0") + hotel number 
 
II.Tipping:
Tipping is customary abroad; it is not only the most practical way of showing your appreciation for those who serve you but also an international courtesy. However, the size of the tip is entirely up to the travelers to decide. Below are the recommended tips for different occasions: 
 

 
 
III. Exchange rates and tax return:
1. The currency of South Africa is the Rand (abbreviated as "R"). 1 rand is equivalent to 100 cents.
2. Rand coins come in different denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1/2/5 rand coins were introduced later. 
3. Banknotes come in different denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand. 
※ US$ 1≒8 rand (for rough currency conversion only) 
※ Travelers making purchases over 250 rand in value will be entitled to file for tax return (the value added tax (VAT) in South Africa is 14%; travelers may receive up to approximately 12% with transaction fees and exchange rates accounted for). Be sure to ask for tax invoices with valid serial numbers (please be reminded that no invoices will be issued for purchases made at flea markets).
 
IV. Time differences:
1. Six hours behind Taiwan (time in Taiwan - six hours = time in South Africa)
2. Two hours ahead of GMT (GMT +2 hours = time in South Africa) 
3. The flight to South Africa will take approximately 13 hours (departing from Hong Kong).
 
V. Climate of major South African cities:
Since South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere, the climates are opposite to that in Taiwan. Winter in South Africa spans from May through September while summer falls between October and March. Rainfall is limited at best in South Africa with an annual precipitation of no more than 500mm throughout 2/3 of the country, typically from heavy showers during summers. The inland highlands in South Africa have mild climate throughout the year, her southeastern costal area in the Indian Ocean is of a sub-tropical climate while the region around Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate. Generally speaking, the weather in South Africa is dry and sunny most of the time with cloudless skies and pleasant temperatures. In fact, South Africa has arguably the best weather around the world in terms of her temperature and average duration of daytime, although the alpine areas do see snow during winter. The table below shows the average temperatures of Johannesburg and Cape Town throughout the year (a rough reference only)

 
Typical temperatures in South Africa throughout the year
(in ℃) 
 

 
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