Tipping Information:

Restaurant Etiquette: At restaurants, it's customary to leave a standard 10 percent tip. For larger groups exceeding 8 people, an automatic service charge may be added to the bill.

Porter Services: When using porter services at hotels or airports, consider tipping R5 to R10 per piece of luggage as a customary gesture.

Parking Attendants: In certain shopping areas, uniformed attendants may charge a fee or offer to watch your car for a tip. While tipping is not obligatory, a gesture of R1 to R5 is generally acceptable.

Informal Car Guards: Tipping informal "car guards" for services rendered is optional. While they cannot request money, a tip of R1 to R5 is considered permissible if you choose to express your appreciation.

CBD Parking Marshals: In the Central Business District, parking marshals wearing luminous bibs may approach you. Paying in advance for the anticipated time is an option, and ignoring them might be tempting, but fines are a local consequence.

South African Culture:

Family Structure: The core of South African society is the family, encompassing both nuclear and extended family or tribe structures. Urbanization has led to transformations, yet familial ties remain significant.

Rural vs. Urban Values: Differences in values between rural and urban dwellers are evident. While rural communities maintain strong ties to tradition, urbanites may prioritize materialism and city-centric pride.

Meeting Etiquette:

Greetings: Greeting styles vary based on ethnic heritage. Handshakes are common, but some women may nod instead. Men may kiss on the cheek. Greetings are leisurely, allowing time for pleasantries and social discussion.

Gift Giving: Gifts for birthdays and Christmas are customary. Celebratory gifts for key birthdays may involve contributions from several friends. When visiting a South African's home, bring flowers, quality chocolates, or South African wine.

Dining Etiquette: Arrive on time if invited to dinner, and offer to contribute a dish if appropriate. Dress code varies, with casual wear generally acceptable. In Johannesburg, "casual" may be more formal. Offer to help with meal preparation or cleanup.

Relationships & Communication:

Business Transactions: South Africans are transactional and prioritize business relationships. Networking is crucial, and formal introductions may be beneficial for newcomers. Face-to-face meetings are preferred over impersonal communication.

Business Meeting & Negotiation Etiquette: Appointments are necessary, especially with senior-level managers. Scheduling may be challenging during peak vacation times. Develop mutual trust before negotiations, avoid interruptions, and aim for consensus. Include delivery dates in contracts, and start negotiations with a realistic figure.

Dress Etiquette: While business attire is becoming more informal, it's advisable to dress conservatively for the first meeting. Men should opt for dark-colored, conservative business suits, while women should choose elegant business suits or dresses.