South Africa Tipping Protocol, South Africa Gratuities, & South Africa Culture

Clothing

• DO wear what you normally would wear when in urban parts, but dress nicely. In South African urban cultures, people usually wear typical Western attire.
• DON'T wear sneakers or shorts unless it's a casual affair, such as a barbecue, taking a walk, or going to the beach.
• DO wear a suit for formal business meetings, and for less formal meetings men should wear a sports coat without a tie, and women should wear smart, yet casual clothes.

Food/Drinks

• DON'T cut bread rolls. Instead, break them into small bite-sized pieces on a side plate.
• DON'T leave food on your plate when you're done eating.
• DO cross your knife and fork on your plate to indicate that you are still eating.
• DO place your knife and fork closely together next to your plate to indicate that you are done eating.
• DO put your napkin on your lap upon being seated.
• DO be adaptable with your table manners. Because South Africa is such a diverse country, table manners can vary depending on your dining partners.

Gifts

• DO open your gift immediately.
• DO use either both hands or your right hand to give or receive a present. Don't use your left.
• DON'T spend more than USD 50.
• DO give gifts such as cigars, whiskey, wine, a souvenir from your hometown, or flowers. There are no taboos in terms of giving flowers, although carnations are sometimes associated with funerals.
• DO send a thank you note. Either a handwritten note or an email will do.

Visting Someone's Home

• DO bring wine or flowers when visiting someone's home.
• DON'T remove your shoes unless entering a Muslim home.
• DO expect a meal at a white South African's home to be a poolside barbecue.

Business

• DO give a gift to your business associates.
• DO use titles and last names when talking to associates.
• DON'T rush negotiations.
• DO schedule meetings two weeks in advance.
• DON'T use slang or bad language in a business meeting.
• DON'T be late! In fact, try to arrive to an appointment five minutes early. South Africans are punctual and being late is considered rude.

On Safari

• DON'T imitate animal sounds, throw objects, or corner a wild animal. You never know how an animal will react, and it could be dangerous.
• DO listen to the guide. Respect their judgment; they're the expert!
• DON'T smoke while on a safari.
• DON'T litter. It's disrespectful and can be dangerous to animals. If you bring something in, take it out with you.
• DON'T take anything you find while on a safari.
• DON'T feed animals.
• DO tip the rangers USD 5-10 per guest each day. In a private vehicle, pay US 10-20 per guest each day. Gifts are also nice in addition to a tip.
• DO tip other safari staff members (such as valets, butlers, waiters, cleaners) up to USD 5 per guest each day.

Other

• DON'T sunbathe nude unless you are at a designated nude beach.
• DO wear a bikini if you're a woman, or a pair of swim trunks if you are a man. Men can wear Speedos if they want, but they might get laughed at!
• DO be aware of South Africa's racial terminology. Black is the preferred term for those of African ancestry and white is for those of Caucasian ancestry who speak English or Afrikaans.
• DON'T call Afrikaners "Dutchmen" and don't call Afrikaans "Kitchen Dutch." Afrikaners don't consider themselves Dutch.
• DON'T touch someone's arm or stand too close to someone.
• DO keep your hands and arms at your sides when standing or keep them loosely folded on your lap when sitting.
• DON'T put your hands in your pockets, on your hips, or cross your arms in front of you.
• DON'T yawn without covering your mouth, bite your nails, spit, chew with your mouth open, audibly sniffle, or pick your nose.
• DO shake hands upon meeting someone.
• DO expect women to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.
• DO be aware of the phrase "just now", which can mean somewhat soon or possibily in quite a while.