The Republic of South Africa is well known for its natural beauty, with deserts, mountains and plains. In addition to these, its cultural and religious diversity stand out in the eyes of the world, given so many beauties.
The language spoken in the administration of the country is English, added to ten different official languages, which varies according to the region.
It seems that everything there is of great variety. Beaches, safari, diving, large number of birds, ecological tourism, among others.
We cannot talk about this country without remembering the more than thirty years it suffered from apartheid. The Apartheid Museum is located in Johannesburg, where you can get to know up close, through videos, photos and objects, this sad story of racial prejudice.
The currency that circulates in the country is the South African Rand, represented by an “R”, bearing notes of R200.00, R100.00, R50.00, R20.00 and R10.00. Smaller values circulate in coins, being found in the values of R5.00, R2.00, R1.00, 50c, 20c, 5c, 2c and 1c.
From Monday to Friday, the banks are open from 9am to 3:30pm, on Saturdays they normally open from 8:30am to 11am. There is also a 24-hour banking service offered at Johannesburg Airport.
In general, the country's transport is no different from the rest of the world: it's planes, trains, buses, taxis and private cars. To drive in South Africa, simply carry a driver's license with the driver's signature and an up-to-date photo of the driver.
Traffic laws are practically the same as in Brazil, where the use of seat belts is mandatory, driving after drinking alcohol is prohibited and traffic signs appear in kilometers. Toll collection is common on some roads.
Communication via telephony takes place in the same way as in the rest of the world, with private and public companies. In addition to these, it is possible to find public payphones, which work through cards purchased at the post office, airport and authorized stores. South Africa's mobile telephony is GSM and visitors do not find it difficult to use the services. The main operators are VODACOM, MTN and CELL C.
Appreciating the beauties of this country will be a remarkable experience that will remain in anyone's memory, as curiosity will be sharpened by the many riches that exist in it.
By Jussara de Barros
Graduated in Pedagogy
Brazil School Team
