IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Visa

- No student will be allowed to attend any of our schools or seminars without a Student Permit/Visa issued by the South African Embassy. 
- If you have any children accompanying you who are in school age, make sure with your school staff that they enter with the appropriate student visa from the institution where they will study.
- Travelers to South Africa must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel, and at least 2 blank visa pages.
- South Africa will require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry for passengers arriving from Zambia, Tanzania and some other countries.

Electricity

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. With a few exceptions (in deep rural areas) electricity is available almost everywhere.

Getting Here

- When flying to South Africa, your final destination airport has to be Cape Town International Airport.
- South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over 1 year of age traveling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas.

Health Issues

South Africa is well-known for its medical skill since Professor Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful heart transplant in 1967. There are many world-class private hospitals and medical centers around the country, especially in the urban centers. Worcester is on a malaria-free region.
- If you take any prescription drugs make sure these are available in South Africa or bring enough medication for the duration of your stay (this include birth control pills).

Accommodation

Single students are lodged in dorms consisting of 2-4 students per cubicle. Families are lodged into single rooms or as otherwise indicated.

Banking, shopping, office hours

Banking hours in South Africa
08h30/09h00 - 15h30/16h00 Mon-Fri
08h00/09h00 - 11h00/11h30/12h00 Sat

Shopping hours in South Africa
09H00- 17h00/18h00 Mon-Fri
09h00 - 17h00/18h00 Sat
10h00 - 15h00/16h00 Sun

Office hours in South Africa
08h30/09h00 - 17h00 Mon - Fri

Communication

South Africa's mobile phone operators utilize the GSM system. If your phone is GSM compatible, set up international roaming with your service provider before you leave home. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-paid airtime at retail outlets during your stay.

Internet

The base offers internet access throughout its campus.

What to wear

Here is some advice on what to wear in South Africa:
- For the summers, bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 C ( range in some areas.
- The winters are generally mild, comparing favorably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures dive, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Worcester gets its rain during the winter season so its advisable to bring rain gear along.
- Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.
- Some churches we work with are more traditional in their dressing code, so bring a set of casual-smart clothes for celebrations and/or church attendance. Ladies may bring long-skirts or purchase them locally.

Laundry

At YWAM you will have access to token laundry machines and tumble drier, and you may also take advantage of the Laundry company at a walking distance from the base.

Swimming Pool

There is a pool on the base and is open throughout the year.

Money

Cash may be withdrawn from any of several ATMs around town. Make sure your Debit and/or Credit Card is authorized to perform international transactions.

Smoking & Drinking

Smoking and/or drinking is not permitted on the base. Students who are struggling with smoking/drinking will be retrained from going on outreach as it is offensive to many cultures in Africa.