South Africa - International Franchise Association

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Chapter 8: Business Travel
• Business Customs
• Travel Advisory
• Visa Requirements
• Telecommunications
• Transportation
• Language
• Health
• Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
• Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings
• Web Resources
Business Customs Return to top
Business customs in South Africa are generally similar to those in the United States and
Western Europe. South African business people tend to dress conservatively,
particularly in the financial sector. However, “smart-casual” clothing has become
increasingly popular with executives in the ICT, tourism, and other services related
industries. Terminology used in business invitations are:
• Black Tie (dark suit and tie or tuxedo or formal evening dress)
• Business (jacket and tie or a business dress)
• Smart Casual (casual clothing with or without tie, but no jeans and no sneakers)
• Casual (can include jeans but no sport shorts)
Business cards are usually simple, including only the basics such as company logo,
name, business title, address, telephone/mobile number, fax number, e-mail, and webaddress.
South Africans are usually punctual, so it is best to make every effort to be on
time for appointments. Appointments are always made in advance of a business visit.
Travel Advisory Return to top
Travelers are encouraged to be vigilant and avoid large gatherings, particularly protests
and demonstrations. The possibility of violence should not be discounted, particularly in
times of heightened world tension, although South Africa is a comparatively “low risk’
country in terms of terrorist attacks. While the majority of visitors complete their travels in
South Africa without incident, criminal activity, often violent, does occur regularly, i.e.
armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, “smash and grab” attacks on motor vehicles and
other incidents.
For the latest Consular Information Sheet and travel advisory on South Africa, please
click on the following link: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1008.html
For general information on international travel, please visit the main website at:
http://travel.state.gov