Please take the time to read up on Culture Shock as this will most likely happen to you at some stage during your stay in South Africa. Make sure you are prepared. Moving to a foreign country, usually results in a culture shock that can last for a few months until you become used to the new culture, the people, their way of living and talking. It is therefore advisable to find out as much as possible about your ‘new’ country, its people and its way of living before making the move. 1. The Honeymoon Phase During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of the life, the people's habits, the buildings and so on. 2. The "Everything is awful" phase After a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, minor differences between the old and new culture begin to add up to become tiresome and annoying. One may long for food the way it is prepared "back home," may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people's habits annoying, etc. This is the point where Kelly Account Executives could become a punching bag for your frustrations as you deal with culture shock. They understand the transitional pains, but do take action to understand and minimise the root cause of your discontent. 3. The "Everything is OK" phase Again, after a few days, weeks or months, one grows accustomed to the new culture's differences and develops routines. At this point, an individual no longer reacts to the new culture positively or negatively, because it no longer feels like a new culture. An individual becomes concerned with basic living again, as they were in their original culture. 4. Reversing the Culture Shock Returning to one's home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above. Read up about South Africa and its culture before you leave. This way the country and our people will seem more familiar when you arrive. You will be aware of any differences in South Africa, at least mentally, and you will be prepared to deal with them whenever possible. Avoid being offended yourself. By familiarizing yourself with local customs and language you will lessen the probability of offending locals or creating misunderstandings. Take 'time out'. Remember, to stay relaxed and to rest as much as possible. Moving to a new country is a difficult experience and being anxious will only make this worse. Make sure you have a good book or hobby to help you relax while you are adjusting to your new environment. Create a bit of home… think carefully about what items you can bring from home to help you create your own “bit of home” in South Africa. Make friends as soon as possible. Start making friends as soon as you can; getting to know your co-workers and neighbours is a good start. South Africa has many immigrant communities with clubs, community get-togethers, newspapers and more. You can find out more about the Social Club on this website. Very Important - Please Note: Your accommodation in South Africa is for your own account. Living on your own is very expensive. In order to save on costs and to ensure that the South Africa Rands you earn go a long way, you will need to share accommodation with other people. We recommend this option as this is by far the safest and cheapest. However if you are diligent and patient sometimes rental agencies do have affordable accommodation that make it possible to rent on your own. Accommodation in the First Month: Kelly has negotiated special rates with a Guesthouse in Cape Town although it may be slightly higher for the first month it includes a continental breakfast and laundry once a week. Kwantu Guesthouse Monthly rate per person sharing: R4200.00 Please Note: Accommodation Options – Post 1st month The best letting agents to contact are: Just Letting - 002721423-3344 City Bowl 002721433-2311 Atlantic Sea Board Seeff - 002721423-9146 City Bowl 438-1055 Atlantic Sea Board Pam Golding - 002721423-2150 City Bowl 002721439-1614 Atlantic Sea Board Anne Porter Properties - 002721434-3517 City Bowl Websites Below are some websites for you to browse; they will give you an idea of how much you pay to rent a property as well as what properties are available to you. Your place of work is in the Cape Town Central Business District, so try getting accommodation as close as possible to work (in order to save on transport costs). When you find permanent accommodation please remember that you will need to pay a deposit in your first month therefore this will be double rent. We recommend that you use some of your saved money that you brought with you to help with this. All contact details are on the websites – so good luck and have fun! Remember, this is all a part of the experience. List of websites: Included in your total cost to company is a contribution to a Health Fund Scheme – GETMED. The cost of this scheme is R505 per month for a single member and it taken as a deduction from your salary. The GETMED Policy covers you for day to day medical expenses at Medical Aid Rates (NHRPL) and will also cover you for any emergency hospitalisations at Private hospitals at Medical Aid Rates. Below is a link to the policy schedule and application form that needs to be sent to your Kelly Representative before you arrive in SA. Please read through the information as it gives you very important details on what exactly it will cover as well as a information pamphlet on how claims are made. If you need more information please speak to your Kelly Representative who can assist you further. Additional Insurance: If you would like to take out additional cover this can be done through a travel insurance at your own cost. European candidates: (NL and Brussels)
In Cape Town there is public transport available and it is reliable to use. Your place of work will be in the Cape Town Central Business district and in this area you have trains available that you can make use of. Kelly endeavours to find you the cheapest most reliable transport solutions however, you may find better / cheaper transport options as you become more settled. You will need reliable transport to get you to and from work daily! See below for details: In your first month In your first month Kelly has negotiated special rates with a transport company to assist you getting to your place of work and back. Superbus Services CC The driver will stop at the shops for you on the way home that you may purchase any groceries you may need. You can also ask them to take you around to look at permanent accommodation however this will be at negotiated rates which you will need to discuss with them upfront. Going by Train Should you want to make use of public transport in Cape Town going by train is probably the safest option. METRORAIL Claremont, Wynberg, Wittebome, Plumstead, Sturhof and Diepriver Stations to Cape Town Budget Hiring/Leasing Options Best Beetle. Car Rental Rates R2500 Full cover this includes 2 drivers that you can assign as part of the insurance cover Taxi’s Minibuses (known as taxi’s in SA) Driving yourself around Having your own wheels will maximise your independence. As driving by car is the best way to get around in Cape Town and the only way to get around in Johannesburg, we recommend that you share the cost of a car with other people that you meet at your place of work. By doing so you will cut down on your costs and your salary is likely to stretch further. Please ensure you have an international drivers licence before you arrive. Like any city, allow more time to get through traffic at peak times. If you are going to be driving to places that are unknown to you, plan your trip prior to departure. You can do so on: Map studio www.mapstudio.co.za South Africa is a right hand drive country; if you intend hiring a car and driving yourself, make sure you stick to the left side of the road. Whether you are a foreigner or a local, always have a valid driver’s licence and your passport or ID on hand. Please do not drink and drive. Have a designated driver. Please be responsible. Hiring a car Having your own wheels will maximise your independence. As driving by car is the only way to get around, we recommend that you share the cost of a car with other people that you meet at your place of work. By doing so you will cut down on your costs and your salary is likely to stretch further. Please ensure you have an international drivers licence before you arrive. Traditional car hire is not an affordable alternative for daily use however should you decide to travel and take long trips, this is most certainly a viable option. Please see below for reliable car rental companies Hire a car @: Avis 086 102 1111 These companies are internationally recognised. You are welcome to contact them to obtain and/or compare rates. Driving in South Africa: Please keep in mind:
Going by bus List of Bus Services (for long trips): Intercape Translux Flying in SA Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) O.R. Tambo Airport Johannesburg Grand Central Airport Lanseria Airport Airlines Kulula.com SA Airways Express British Airways/Comair Maps and Directions If you buy your map at home, you will find many names of places have changed since the 1994 elections. Just recently, the Witwatersrand Botanical Gardens became The Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens…just too soon to be on your map. Visit Map Studio at No 7 Wessel Road, Rivonia or contact them on: Introduction With a favourable exchange rate for many international currencies, SA may be surprisingly cheap for you should you bring along some of your own currency. South Africa's currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Setting up a bank account in SA You will need to open a South African bank account as soon as you arrive in South Africa as it is not possible for Kelly to pay your salary into your international account. The process is as follows: Kelly will make an appointment with a South African Bank for you as soon as you arrive. Ideally, a bank representative will come to your place of work and bring all the relevant documentation. You will need to bring the following to work on your first day:
It will then take approximately a week for your account to be set up and for you to receive your debit card. You will then have access your South African bank account at any ATM in South Africa. Banking Tips It is important to be aware when you are withdrawing your money from an ATM. Being robbed at an ATM or from an ATM is a regular occurrence and you need to keep your eyes and ears open. Here are a few tips… What to do:
Below is an approximate breakdown of what costs you need to cover for your first month in South Africa: Accommodation: +/_ R4000.00 (to pay the guesthouse on your first day of arrival) We recommend that you bring with you a minimum of Euros 1500 to assist you in settling down in the first month and also to ensure that you have enough money for a deposit on your permanent accommodation Budget This may vary according to the accommodation you choose and your form of transport. Your Kelly Account Executive will email you all the details. Payroll calculator (estimates)
Currency Converter
Luggage Please note:
Meet and Greet NB!!! Please hand your flight boarding passes to the KELLY representative (we need the boarding passes for both flights!) Foreign Exchange Grocery Shopping When you have finished your shopping, you will then be taken to your guest house or permanent residence. Networks in South Africa Your Mobile Phone International Phone Calls Email Kelly Internet Café (only available in Johannesburg) Quick facts about South Africa Our people are passionate and the friendliest in the world, receiving guests with a unique hospitality. South Africa has the largest economy in Africa. Our infrastructure, technology and facilities are world-class! We rated the world’s 20th best economy and are the largest platinum producer and the leading gold producer. Our banking sector rates in the world’s top 10. Our water is among the cleanest in the world and our healthcare facilities state-of-the-art. We have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, including complete religious freedom. Our educational facilities are some of the finest in the world. We hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup, 2003 Cricket World Cup, and the 1996 Football African Cup of Nations and will be hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup. South Africa is world-famous for our cultural diversity and vibrancy! Our outstanding weather means we love the outdoors including football, rugby, cricket as well as pubs and clubs. Our cinemas and theatres offer top class entertainment and international productions. Our cuisines are a melting pot of African and international and we have some of the finest wines in the world.
South Africa has some of the best weather in the world. Our subtropical climate means hot summers (28°C-30°C) and crisp winters (15°C). We’re in the Southern Hemisphere, so Christmas is usually spent outdoors.
Soweto: South of Johannesburg is Soweto, a city developed as a township for black people under the apartheid system. Most of the struggle against apartheid was fought in and from Soweto. Visit the Regina Mundi Church, Sharpeville Memorial Site and past president Nelson Mandela’s home … Gold: Still one of the pillars of our economy, a visit to the recreated 19th century gold mining town of Johannesburg (Gold Reef City) is not to be missed.
Table Mountain Beaches Look forward to great summery weather. Durban, situated in Kwa-Zulu Natal, is a beach paradise that is incredibly hot and humid especially in the summer months. Cape Town is warm and temperate. So, leave the scarves and coats at home and bring hats and tons of sunscreen! Due to the height above sea-level, the climate in Johannesburg and on the Highveld is nice throughout the year. Jo’burgs superb climate is one of main attractions. In summer, the days are not too hot and the nights are pretty cool. In winter, the nights can be freezing, even below zero, but during the day the sun shines and temperatures rise up to 25 degrees. HIV/Aids Sadly, over 4 million people in SA are living with HIV/Aids and as a responsible employer, Kelly want to make sure that you are aware of this rising pandemic. Kelly is committed to the fight against HIV/Aids and provides a non-discriminatory workplace where people can disclose their status without stigma or rejection. Protect yourself and be aware Should you be exposed to HIV, Kelly has ensured that you have the best chance possible through their P3 HIV/Aids Personal Protection Cover. These are the benefits of our Free P3 HIV/Aids Personal Protection Cover:
Malaria Malaria is a potentially fatal illness of tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is caused by a parasite which is transmitted to human beings bitten by infected mosquitoes. Within South Africa’s borders the disease is encountered mainly in northern and eastern Mpumalanga, northern Kwa Zulu Natal, and the border areas of the Northern and North West provinces. Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November through to April. From May through to October the risks of acquiring malaria are reduced. If you decide to travel to these areas when you are here, you can visit a local Travel Clinic or General Practitioner for details on prescribed medication to take if visiting an affected area. Netcare Travel Clinics SAA Netcare Travel Clinics are one of the clinics that can assist you with all your travel health requirements. They have a team of medical staff and offer advice to anyone planning to travel. A comprehensive range of vaccines are also available. Details of the closest Netcare Travel Clinic Physical Address: 9 Fredman Drive cnr Gwen Lane, Alcohol & Narcotics South Africa has very strict laws about public alcohol consumption. The legal limit of alcohol intake not only applies to driving, but also to walking in the streets. We are also very strict about narcotics, all of which is banned for use. This includes marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, etc. There are 11 officially recognised languages, most of them indigenous to South Africa. Just less than half of SA’s people speak either isiZulu or isiXhosa. You don't speak the language? If your English is good, you needn’t worry. Everywhere you go, you can expect to find people who speak or understand English. English is the language of the cities, of commerce and banking, of government, of road signs and official documents. Road signs and official forms are in English. The President makes his speeches in English. At any hotel, the receptionists, waiters and porters will speak English. Another major language is Afrikaans, a derivative of Dutch, which northern Europeans will find surprisingly easy to follow. Because of the diversity of South Africa, we have many immigrant communities including Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
IT IS ALL UP TO YOU!!!
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