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Car Hire / Car Rental South Africa

Car Hire / Car Rental South Africa

Cars can be rented all over South Africa with car rental companies easily available at airports and some hotels.

Most of the large international car rental companies are well-represented throughout the country. Motorbikes can also be hired from a number of specialized companies, especially in Cape Town.

Cars can be rented online for airport pick from Sixt or Holiday Autos in drive packages.

Hiring a car, unless you join a tour, is the only way to reach the National Parks and some coastal areas.

General Information/Regulations

South Africa drives on the left.
Ingeneral roads conditions are excellent and South Africa is ideal for driving.
Traffic signs are in English, with speeds posted in kilometers.
The general speed limit on national highways, urban freeways, and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph). On rural roads it is 100km/h (60mph). In more built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph).
Wearing a seat belt is compulsory.
Many of the national roads between cities are toll roads. You need either a credit card or cash to pay. Toll fares for cars vary from R2.50 to R46.00
Gas (petrol) stations are full service and many on main highways are 24/7. A small tip to the attendants is appreciated.
An International Driver's Permit carried along with your national driving license is required, though foreign driving licenses are valid in South Africa for 6 months provided they are printed in English and carry a photograph of the bearer. Carry all documentation when driving.
While some car rental firms accept 18-year-olds, many companies do not rent to anyone under 25 years of age.
Maximum allowable alcohol blood content is 0.05%, or roughly one glass of wine or beer.
Using a hand held cell phone while driving is against the law. South Africa has a very high rate of accidents caused by reckless and drunken driving.

Safety

Drive with your doors locked and windows up, particularly when stopped at traffic lights (in poorer areas, you should try to avoid coming to a full stop but go slowly through the intersection after checking for oncoming traffic).
Never leave valuables in your car, exposed or otherwise.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Park in a busy, well-lit area.
Avoid driving at night whenever possible.
Do not stop at ad hoc roadblocks. Thieves often use this technique.
If you are robbed or confronted, offer no resistance.

Emergency Numbers

Police 10111
Fire 10111
Ambulance 10117
Arrive Alive Call Centre 0861 400 800
Netcare 911 082 911

Automobile Association of South Africa

AA Member Call Centre
083 THE AA
083 843 22

General Enquiries:

Tel: (011) 799 1001
Fax: (011) 799 1111

Book Air Tickets to South Africa

From the USA with Expedia

From Europe with Air France

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