Originally Posted by
mlin32
1. Do debit cards have to be one of those "smart chip" cards like in Europe? I don't really want to be stuck with a non-accepted card there.
No. I have never had any issue with my non-chip ATM card. There are ATMs absolutely everywhere in SA, too.
Originally Posted by
mlin32
3. Electricity: I read that most of SA uses a 3-prong, 220V socket; are there any places that run the European 2-prong?
Not really. You need that bizarro SA adapter, which is (as far as I know) unique, not to mention ridiculously bulky. It is NOT the same plug shape as the UK 3-prong.