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TRAVEL INFORMATION

The need-to-know of living in sunny South Africa

Time

Throughout the year, Standard Time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Winter Time. There is no daylight savings time in South Africa.

Climate and weather

South Africa’s climate is mostly sunny, and the average number of sunshine hours each day is among the highest in the world: 8.5 compared to 3.8 in London, 6.4 in Rome, and 6.9 in New York. In the area where our campus is located, winters are mild and clear, and most of the rainfall is in summer.

Average maximum temperatures in degrees Celsius for some of the major cities and tourist centres are:

Travel Information
. Summer Winter
Joburg 26° 17°
Cape Town 28° 17°
Bloemfontein 29° 16°
Durban 28° 21°

See the following website for a 7-day extended forecast (search for Gauteng, Johannesburg): www.southafricanweather.co.za

Currency

The South African currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R. (R1.00 = 100 cents.) There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into the country, but it must be declared at customs when you arrive.

Banking Advice

You are advised to open a bank account as soon as possible after arriving at IIE MSA – you will be assisted with this during your orientation. Bank operating hours vary but are usually from 9:00 – 15:30 on weekdays and from 9:00 – 13:00 on Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

The bank of choice for most IIE MSA students is First National Bank (FNB) as there is a branch at the Featherbrooke shopping complex and an FNB automatic teller machine (ATM) on campus – located in Building D. Representatives of this bank are also available on campus during orientation week to assist you to open an account.

How to open a bank account

In order to open a bank account, the bank requires details such as your name and address. You will also be required by law to complete a form and asked for some additional personal details and documents such as:

  • Your passport/a driver’s license/ID
  • Your IIE MSA Student ID card (issued to you during orientation week)
  • Your Enrolment Verification Letter
  • Proof of accommodation in South Africa

Bank charges

Many banks exempt full-time students from bank charges. You should ask the bank if it is prepared to waive these charges.

Cost of Living

In addition to annual tuition fees and residence fees, students are responsible for all their own day-to-day living expenses. Please see the internet for the most up-to-date currency exchange rates.

In South Africa most students are able to live on about R2000 – R3000 per month, excluding accommodation fees. The following are some approximate price guides for budgeting for one person:

FOOD COST
Milk (2l) R30.00
Bread (1 loaf) R18.00
Apples (1kg-seasonal) R25.00
Potatoes (1kg-seasonal) R20.00
Mince (1kg) R80.00
Eggs (6) R25.00
Cereal (500gr) R40.00
Fruit Juice (1l) R36.00
Shampoo R50.00
Toothpaste R15.00
Monthly groceries R1000.00 – R2500.00

Make sure you also familiarise yourself with our safety and security guidelines and find out more about on-campus accommodation.

 

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