Make Sure You Ahead Of The Game When You Go To The World Cup In South Africa

England has qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and you are rearing to go

. You want to be a part of the most watched sporting event in the world. If you are one of the many thinking of travelling to South Africa, some useful information will make this an event to remember for the best of reasons. You will find that going online is a convenient way of organizing your plans for the best result. Below are some things to keep in mind, including South Africa world cup travel tips for a UK resident travelling to South Africa. You may find it reassuring to know that in the 20 years since apartheid rule ended South Africa has staged a number of international sporting event. All have been major successes. Fifa will not allow this event to not succeed.

There are eight World Heritage Sites amongst other major reasons to visit South Africa. This country offers much to entrance a foreigner. This grand sporting event is not the only reason for a trip of a lifetime in South Africa.

Some passport, visa and health information

A visa is not required to enter South Africa, so long as you do not stay longer than 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days after you leave. Visit your local GP or health professional to find out what vaccinations or medications you might need. Check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad, and store useful numbers such as the one for the local police in your mobile phone. For Police dial 10111 from a landline or 112 from your mobile. The number for the British High Commission in Pretoria is 27 12 421 7500. Hospital treatment in large cities is good and expensive. Medical facilities in rural areas can be the most basic. Take the precaution of obtaining appropriate travel insurance for your needs.

Currency

The changing currency exchange rate for South African Rand can trip you up if you are not careful at this time. As 5 city venues are small towns, they may have limited banking and currency exchange resources. A prepaid travel money card might be a wise alternative to consider. Currency cards allow you to make cash withdrawals from any ATM and like a debit card it is accepted by most establishments. The cards are preloaded and most providers let you top-up online. But, you will still need to look for the best exchange rate offered. If you intend to use your debit or credit cards, do remember to inform their provider of your travel plans so they do not block your use as an antifraud precaution.

Transportation Info

You will have a public bus system, taxis, coaches, inter city rail services, air travel or the hire car available options, depending on your location and the demand for transportation by other visitors. Travel planning is advised because of the distance between the sporting venues. If you opt to drive, awareness of the rules is critical. Appropriate insurance must also be considered. Take a camera not just for recording your trip; but, also to record an accident if necessary. Car jacking and police corruption are things to look out for.

Speed is recorded by cameras and hire car firms will debit fine costs. Seatbelts are required and mobile phone usage is forbidden. Do not drive drunk. Keep your travel insurance and emergency information on hand.

Safety Info

With a high crime rate, crime is a factor not to be ignored. The risk is low according to the Foreign Office in major destinations. ATM fraud, is another crime to not be unmindful of. Street sense will come in good use.

Accommodation

Diverse possibilities are normally available; but, the World Cup is not a common occurrence. You should make your bookings prior to your arrival Available space is likely to be scarce. Beware of the weather differences. It will be winter in some venues and summer in others.

Venue cities

The ten match venues are in nine South African cities. Some are well known and others are less known to outsiders. Johannesburg less a crime zone and more of a dynamic city with museums and interesting city attractions, parks, suburbs and nature reserves worth a visit in their own right. Pretoria, is a quieter city with heritage buildings and inviting museums. It is the government capital of South Africa. Like other cities, it has natural beauty close by. Cape Town has a beautiful setting between the mountains and the water and is deservedly a favourite of tourists with its fabulous beaches, urban and nearby attractions. The Constantia Wine Route, the famous vineyard region is close in the Constantia Valley. Here are five wine producers amongst them producers of some repute. Durban is the city termed the Miami Beach of South Africa. It is a year round water sport favourite. The biggest marine-themed park in Africa is here. The city is also renowned for its East Indian population. Here is the settlement Mohandas Gandhi started. The Durban curry or and the bunny chow are known Indian specialties of Durban. Zulu cultural villages showcased in the area reveal this to be an important Zulu region. Port Elizabeth has a great sailing bay, nature trails and wildlife, historic sites, cultural and water sporting activities on offer. The sunshine coast and Hogsback, are a few hours drive away. Nelspruit, has the first created rain forest and near renowned game reserves and the Kruger National Park. The Sudwala caves, dinosaur park and cultural centre, Kaapsehoop the gold mining town and mountains with camping and hiking trails are in the vicinity. Polokwane has the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open Air Museum introducing the sophisticated northern Sotho tribe with the Polokwane Game Reserve a five minute drive away. The magnificent Magoebaskloof forest that is part Alpine and part Amazon is a little more distant. Rustenburg has a small town environment. But, 30 kilometres away is Sun City with casinos and resort attractions like balloon rides, The Valley of Waves and a jungle. The Hartebeesport Dam is a popular getaway 40 minutes away. Bloemfontein the Judicial capital is known for the roses in plentiful supply Bloemies is the name given by locals. The Orchid House claims t have the largest orchid collection in the world and another reason why the local name for the city is apt. Nature reserves, gardens, golf courses, a modern theatre that is an architecture marvel, are amongst other sites to visit in this city.

Wherever you are, you will not be surprised to learn a game reserve is nearby. Meanwhile, nearby countries beckon. Fifa is keen to push this as a truly African World Cup and neighbouring are keen to attract tourists. Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia are all potentially close, and in some cases within driving distance depending on your starting point. Even Zimbabwe is trying to offer itself as a tourist destination. It does have the selling point of containing the larger part of Victoria Falls. The beauty of South Africa means this trip can and should be more than a trip to see football players in their best international showcase.

by: Rees Adams

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