< Back Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city? Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat? What is the word for "doctor" in the local language? What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider? Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go? What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police. What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable? How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language? Is the water safe to drink? Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city? No inoculations are required when entering South Africa unless arriving from a country where yellow fever is prevalent. It is advisable, however, to confirm with your local South African embassy prior to departure. ↑ Top Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat? It is essential to have medical insurance or to join a medical aid society on arrival in Pretoria, as there is practically no medical protection offered by government, especially to visitors. ↑ Top What is the word for "doctor" in the local language? "Doctor" or "GP" ↑ Top What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider? The city telephone directory lists all doctors under "Medical Practitioners." ↑ Top Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go? Private medical care and facilities in Pretoria are of a very high standard. In fact, South Africa has a booming "medical tourism." ↑ Top What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police. Ambulance 10177 Fire Brigade 10177 Police 10111 ↑ Top What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable? Major hospitals have 24-hour emergency services, as do some of the smaller clinics. Identify your closest emergency service as a matter of priority. ↑ Top How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language? Pharmacies are known as both chemist and pharmacy; it is "Apteek" in Afrikaans, although the English word will normally be displayed as well. Chain pharmacies in Pretoria are Clicks, Dischem and Link. ↑ Top Is the water safe to drink? Water from taps is perfectly safe to drink, but under no circumstances should you drink water in an informal or shanty settlement as this comes from streams and rivers. ↑ Top IMPORTANT NOTE: Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.