Traveler Information

South African Tour 2009

TRAVELER INFORMATION

Important information for International Travel

Preparing for your trip to South Africa
No vaccinations are required for entry into South Africa. However, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) does recommend the following vaccinations and/or medications for travel to the areas we will visit. It is suggested that you consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personal recommendations.

Travel Clinics in Boulder County:
http://www.bouldercounty.org/health/hpe/iz/travel.htm

Centers for Disease Contral and Prevention/Travelers Health
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

Recommended vaccinations for travel to SOUTH AFRICA

Vaccination or Disease	Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Routine	Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, etc.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)	Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Hepatitis B	Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map) and who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment, such as for an accident, and for all adults requesting protection from HBV infection.
Typhoid	Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Southern Africa, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
Rabies	Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, hiking, or work. Also, children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals and may not report bites.
Polio	Recommended for adult travelers who have received a primary series with either inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) or oral polio vaccine (OPV). They should receive another dose of IPV before departure.

Malaria risk area in South Africa: Risk exists in the low-altitude areas of the Mpumalanga Province, Northern Province (Limpopo), and northeastern Kwa- Zulu-Natal as far south as the Tugela River. Risk in Kruger National Park. Talk with your doctor about the need for Malaria pills.

Health Information for Travelers to South Africa
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationSouthAfrica.aspx
Tips for staying healthy
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationSouthAfrica.aspx#stayhealthy

Safety and Travel Advisories

Keep track of documents:
• Passport (keep with you at all times in a money belt)
• Currency exchange receipts
• Airline tickets
• Travel insurance
• Xerox copies of passport, tickets, other documents (3 copies: one for self, one for fellow traveler, leave a copy at home with family/friends)

Safety recommendations:
• Be alert (to pickpockets, pack/purse snatchers) in crowded areas such as bazaars and ticket lines
• Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
• Carry valuables and money in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
• Avoid parks or other dark areas at night
• Take only official taxis or transportation (at night. never ride alone)
• Secure doors and windows at night

For up-to-date information about travel to any foreign country visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Tips for traveling abroad:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html

Emergency Contact Information and Medical Issues

Prior to departure, all travelers will be asked to provide the tour coordinator with emergency contact
information, a copy of immunization records, and a list of any medical issues, allergies (drug, food, and
other) or medications that may be of concern while traveling. This information will be kept confidential.
All prescription drugs should be in original pharmacy containers with doctor’s name on label.

Money Stuff
The RAND is the currency of South Africa. It takes its name from the Witwatersrand (White-waters-ridge in English), the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. The rand has the symbol "R" and is subdivided into 100 cents, symbol "c".
Information from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_rand

Visit "The World's Favorite Currency Site" http://www.xe.com/ucc/ for the current exchange rate.