Frequently Asked Questions
Flights
Q: How much do flights to South Africa cost?
A: From Portland, flights typically cost around $1,200. There are frequent routes through Europe and Dubai, as well as more direct flights through New York (United) and Atlanta (Delta). Of course, the more direct the flight, the more you can expect to pay. We’d recommend purchasing tickets around 6 months in advance (in October). Hopper is a great website/app to track flight prices and book at the optimal time to get the best deal
Other Costs
Q: How much can I expect to spend on this trip?
A: From the US, flights will be the largest expense. Once in South Africa, exchange rates are very favorable for travelers with US dollars, making day-to-day expenses very reasonable. Exchange rates are typically around 15 Rand to 1 USD. For reference, the most expensive steak at a high-end restaurant will often be less than 300 Rand ($20 USD).
Travel Documents
Q: What travel documents are required to visit South Africa from the US?
A: US citizens will only need a valid passport. Visas are available on arrival. Given delays in government processing due to COVID, it would be prudent to purchase or renew your passport well in advance of the trip. Typical processing times are about 10-12 weeks
Accommodations
Q: Where should I stay?
A: Jeff and Morgan are staying at The Residency Sandhurst in Sandton (see Travel tab for more info). We recommend that those traveling to South Africa stay in a suburb of Johannesburg such as Sandton, Midrand, or Pretoria. Feel free to send us any accommodations you are considering and we can provide any feedback on safety in that area, things to do near there, etc.!
Transportation
Q: Should I rent a car?
A: You can rent a car, but if you are traveling from the US, keep in mind that you will be driving on the other side of the road, and that most rental cars are manual transmission. Automatic is available, but you'll want to make sure you make your preference known. If you don't want to rent a car, Uber is available, and we will be supplying transportation to and from the wedding venue.