2007-01-09 12:38:10 · 9 answers · asked by ingsoc1 7 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ South Africa
Good Q to ask before visiting a country, Ingsoc. By now you've probably done a bit of research and heard about the crime situation in SA. So...be sensible, dont walk alone in quiet areas of a city, especially at night.
Be polite but feel free to be straight to the point when you need something or is unhappy about something. South Africans are straight talkers so no need to beat around the bush.
In Pretoria: NEVER critisize the Bulls rugby team
In Cape Town: NEVER criticize the Western Province rugby team.
Anywhere: NEVER critisize the Springbok rugby team (only South Africans are allowed to do that) but feel free to let go at the Aussies (ypu'll make a few friends).
If any, learn one universal local word (we have 11 official languages): lekker (pronounced: lacke), meaning good enjoyable tasty, pleasant etc.
In general we use British vocabulary, not North American - petrol, not gas; tomato sauce not ketchup; lift not elevator etc. The first floor in America is the ground floor in SA; the 2nd=1st etc. Nobody will be able to help you if you ask for distance in miles or weight in pounds (unless they're very old people).
Some greetings: Zulu (north and east) - saubona
Xhosa (east and south) - molo
Tswana (north and northwest) - dumela
Afrikaans (everywhere) - goeiedag (gutteral "g")
SA English - howzit
Best not to discuss politics.
Enjoy your stay, friend!
2007-01-10 01:20:44 · answer #1 · answered by Vango 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just about every one in S.A is friendly. We are an interraccial country with many diverse cultures and religions. You have probably heard about the "crime rate" in S.A . Dont be afraid , just practice some common sense tactics. Such as dont go into townships (unless you are on a tour with others,this is a highly educational experiance)Avoid wearing expensive and excessive jewellery (this attracts unwanted attention), dont give street children money. Give them food if you really want to do something for them. (unfortunantly usually its money they want and have been known to throw food back at you.)Try avoid political conversations , (if you are american) be aware that hotels and other service orientated organizations will try and charge you more . If you hire a car, make sure the insurance they offer covers radio's and broken windows(usually not coverred, but is most likely scenario to have happen to a car)
If there is a Gear lock on car -Use it.Always.
Most of all enjoy yourself. If you can travel all over. My favourite places are Natal-Durban and W.Cape -Cape town. These are extremely vibey places with a great nightlife and excellant beaches. If you go to Cape town -go mountain climbing. I highly recommend a co. called wall cape. www.Wallcape@Netactive.co.za for more details.
Please remember to treat everybody with respect, tip service staff at least 10%.
2007-01-10 06:22:35 · answer #2 · answered by TakeNoticeNow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i become born and raised in SA, yet lately moved to the united kingdom. many of the human beings i met right here do not comprehend what SA is like, and requested many a loopy question. i love SA and imagine it really is a ideal u . s ., and can want to like to go back sometime, yet I basically couldnt do it with the state the country is in. I felt so afraid each so often over there, and some extremely undesirable issues take position each of the time to my associates and kinfolk. i think a lot safer right here contained in the united kingdom, in spite of the undeniable fact that the life-style isn't an identical. So i'll work out why there are various of adverse photos of SA.
2016-12-28 13:48:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be yourself. South Africa is a country with many cultures and as long as you respect the people and their cultures they will respect you. Remember your manners
2007-01-09 15:10:07 · answer #4 · answered by stevieboy69 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Respect your elders, use respectful names, or prefexes.
Like "Tannie" or "Oom". But I guess if you're not Afrikaans, and are a foreigner it won't make much sense, it'll look like you're overly trying to fit in.
2007-01-10 04:45:18 · answer #5 · answered by David 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
come you will have a really good time. all people of all cultures respect eachother here. dont worry about that. just be abit aware of your surroundings and you will be fine;) JUST FIT IN WITH EVERYONE!
ENJOY
2007-01-10 00:12:45 · answer #6 · answered by $u$kin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be yourselve and behave other that that enjoy the country and its people
2007-01-09 22:15:32 · answer #7 · answered by SAgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
howzit(typical sa greeting meaning gday mate in ozzie talk,
vango got it right..............main thing becareful have fun dont do anything stupid like listen to a Brad Morris on this forum
2007-01-10 02:08:51 · answer #8 · answered by gunner2za 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Remeber to say please and thank you.
2007-01-09 17:42:43 · answer #9 · answered by Rabble Rouser 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋