Pretoria - Packed with information, ranging from the stadiums to accommodation, locations, health facilities and Fan Fests, the 2010 FIFA Fan Guide is a one-stop information resource to ensure soccer fans' experience of the World Cup is safe, secure and unforgettable.
It's got something about everything that fans, especially tourists, will need to know, including the meaning of words like "jol" (South African lingo for "party") - in one place.
It aims to help tourists get around the country with ease and provides advice on what to do when you are not watching football.
Tourists can keep the guide with them, even when travelling or going to the stadiums to watch
matches, and refer to it for contact details or information.
Here's what you can expect to find in the guide at a quick glance:
Weather:
Those who are already packing their bags should know that South Africa has a moderate climate, with warm summers. The football spectacle will be held in full winter. Along the coast, the winters can be cold and wet but, in the interior, it's dry.
It can get very cold at night, especially in the interior, so visitors should remember to wrap up warmly if they are planning to attend any night matches.
Language:
Tourists need to be familiar with English. Although South Africa has 11 official languages, they can expect to find people who speak and understand it everywhere they go. It is the language of the cities, of commerce and banking, of government, of road signs and official documents.
Banking:
South Africa boasts a world-class, sophisticated financial sector and is abreast of all the latest technological trends. From the moment fans step off the plane they will see banks, bureau de change and automatic teller machines (ATMs).
Foreign banks are well represented, and visitors can bank by ATM or Internet. Visa is the preferred card of the World Cup and the only card they can use in match venues. All Visa debit, credit and prepaid products are accepted throughout the country.
During the World Cup only Visa-branded credit, debit, and pre-paid cards along with cash, in all stadiums will be accepted to pay for food and beverages, retail goods, and services while attending the event.
For the convenience of all fans, there will be Visa kiosks in all FIFA stadiums to purchase Visa prepaid cards.
Visa cardholders are reminded to contact their issuing banks before leaving for South Africa to alert them of their travel plans and purchases in another country and they should also ask about daily withdrawal limits and ATM fees.
Food:
The food in the country is as diverse as the people who prepare it. Of course there is the traditional braai (barbeque) which is common to all South Africans, but tourists can sample everything from indigenous African cuisine all the way to Michelin Star European cuisine or if they prefer McDonalds.
In major centres, like Johannesburg and Cape Town, tourists will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out.
Entertainment and shopping:
Those who will not be at the stadiums, can enjoy the ambience at the FIFA Fan Fest by watching all live matches free on world-class giant screens in a safe and secure environment.
On match days, live music and entertainment will keep fans on their feet between matches. 2010 FIFA World Cup merchandise can also be bought at the official Shop at each FIFA Fan Fest venue. Visitors will be spoiled for choice with various types of entertainment and shopping.
Transport:
Getting around South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup can be a very simple exercise if tourists plan in advance and take advantage of the various modes of transport that are available.
There will be frequent flight connections between host cities, with typically two or more departures per hour between the major cities Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Health:
International visitors can rest assured that they will be in good hands if any medical problems arise while in the country. The country has an organised emergency response system. This includes fully equipped first-aid stations at match and training venues, fan parks and around the different cities.
The complete Fan Guide is one of its kind and has more information than a typical travel search engine. At the same time it enables visitors to book hotels, flights, cars and packages online.
To get more information and contact details tourists can get a copy of the Fan Guide from http://www.buanews.gov.za/fanguidelres.pdf
