As the South African Nation prepares for World Cup 2010, an estimated of 500,000 soccer fans from around the world are looking for World Cup Accommodation in the nine different cities that are hosting World Cup Matches. A majority of which are visiting South Africa for the first time. And like many visitors to foreign countries, there are many safety precautions one should take before and during their visit. It’s well known that the crime rate is relatively high in South Africa. But this shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting a beautiful country that is both rich in culture and wildlife. Common sense and a little preparation will ensure a safe and fun filled trip. So for the weary traveler, I present to you 5 tips for visiting South Africa for the World Cup. This list is in no particular order.

1. Do your research

Before you arrive to your city destination, you should do some research of the surrounding area for your place of accommodation. Research nearby restaurants, parks, stores, bus routes etc. and their locations so you are able to plan out your daily activities and how to get to them. Also, you should speak to the people you will be staying with about where the safer areas of the neighborhood are. This way, you aren’t spending your days aimlessly venturing out in an unfamiliar city, putting yourself at risk of getting lost or ending up in a bad neighborhood. (more…)

As World Cup 2010 is quickly approaching, here are a few tips for first time visitors to South Africa.

Clothing

Many people are under the assumption that it will be scorching hot anywhere you are on the African continent. The fact is that during the World Cup from June to July, South Africa will actually be in their winter season. During that time, depending on which part of South Africa you are in, temperatures can average a low of 0 degrees Celsius. It is highly recommended that visitors pack their long sleeves and jackets for those cold nights when visiting South Africa during the World Cup. Light clothing such as thin shirts or t-shirts would be appropriate for daytime.

Protection
Two must haves when traveling to the World Cup in South Africa are Sunscreen and Insect Repellent. Although the average temperatures in the winter months can reach below zero degrees at night, during the day, temperatures can reach the 25 degrees mark with constant sunshine. So, it’s definitely a wise idea to pack sunscreen on your trip. In terms of insect repellent, there is a risk of getting malaria from insect bites, especially if you’re staying in the northwest regions of South Africa such as Mpumalanga or Limpopo. Prior to your visit, check with your Doctor if you need to take Malaria pills before visiting certain areas. (more…)

For those ready to go on a well-deserved holiday to Bali should know if they need an Indonesia visa. For most nationalities this can be arranged upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. The single-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 30 days though.

The following countries can arrange a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival at the visa booth; Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan Territory, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the USA.

Before you receive this single-entry Indonesia visa your passport should be valid for at least another 6 months and you have correctly filled out the embarkation/disembarkation card upon arrival. It cost US $25 for a 30-day single entry visa and US$10 for a 7-day visa.

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