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Travel Tips
Banking
Most towns do have branches of the major national banks and
their ATM's (Automatic Teller Machines). Most commercial banks
are open from 09:00 - 15:30 on weekdays and 08:30 - 11:00
on Saturdays.
Climate
The climate is in general Mediterranean; with warm, dry summers
and mild, moist winters. On the coast during summer the temperature
ranges from 15∞C up to 27∞C. Inland it increases
with 3 - 5∞C. During winter it ranges between 7∞C
and 18∞C. Inland the mornings are 5∞C and the
midday around 22∞C.
The south-easterly wind (also called the Cape Doctor) helps
to clear the air of the Fairest Cape for your enjoyment, and
drapes Table Mountain with a snow-white tablecloth of clouds
that lay the "table" for a wonderful stay.
Communication Services
The international dialling code for South Africa is: (27)
followed by the area code (minus the 1st zero of the area
code) and then the subscriber's number. When in South Africa,
the international code is dropped and the area code is used
with the zero in front.
City/town codes
City/Town Code City/Town Code City/Town Code
Beaufort West (0)23 Bloemfontein (0)51 George (0)44
Caledon (0)28 Cape Town (0)21 Durban (0)31
Johannesburg (0)11 Kimberley (0)53 Langebaan (0)22
Oudtshoorn (0)44 Pietersburg (0)15 Port Elizabeth (0)41
Pretoria (0)12 Upington (0)54 Worcester (0)23
Public phones are usable with coins (blue boxes) or telephone
cards (green boxes). The following coins can be used: 10c,
20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5. Cards are available at shops , post
offices & accommodation establishments in denominations
of R15, R20, R50, R100 & R200. Cards can only be used
in South Africa. Cellular phones can be hired daily, weekly
or on a monthly basis from the airport or cellular shops.
Conversions (Distances and Temperatures)
South Africa uses kilometers (km): 1 mile = 1,621km
South Africa uses degrees Celsius (∞C): 50∞F =
10∞C , 68∞F = 20∞C, 86∞F = 30∞C
Cost of Living
Cape Town is rated as one of the best value for money tourist
destinations from a survey of international cities recently
conducted by C ape Metropolitan Tourism. To help you plan
your budget we have listed the average costs of some items
of holiday spending money. The prices listed may vary depending
on the service provided and the location.
Can of beer (340 ml) R8,00; Can of coke (340 ml) R4,50; 20
cigarettes R11,20;
Bottle of red wine (good quality) at restaurant R67,50;
Bottle of white wine (good quality) at restaurant R35,00
Credit Cards/Currency
International credit cards such as American Express, Diners
Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in
South Africa. In small country areas the use of cards might
be restricted. Standard credit cards cannot be used to pay
for petrol (gas)). Only special "garage cards" or
cash are accepted.
The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand
(R). R1 = 100 cents.
Coins in circulation: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5.
Banknotes in circulation: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, Rennies
Travel and American Express.
Tipping
It is standard practice in South Africa. In restaurants it
is 10% of the total bill (satisfactory service). The tip is
usually not included in the bill. Taxi drivers get 10% of
the total, and porters get R1 per bag.
Disabled
Facilities
Most attractions and hotels (Cape Town) are disabled friendly.
For details on the outlying areas, contact the relevant tourism
bureaux. SAA provides Passenger Aid Units (PAU) at all major
airports. Larger car rental companies can provide vehicles
with hand controls.
Electricity
The power supply is 220/230 volts AC. The standard plug in
South Africa is the 15 amp round pin (3 prong plug). The European
type two pin plug is required, with an additional adaptor
plug (can be bought at shops) for use in South Africa. Remember
to bring transformers along, where necessary. Most hotels
have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers.
Health
Requirements
No vaccinations are required for cholera or smallpox. If arriving
from a yellow fever zone, you must have a valid international
yellow fever inoculation certificate. Due to the threat of
malaria contamination, preventative medication is necessary
for the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu-Natal.
It is obtainable from all pharmacies in South Africa. Consult
the pharmacist for the best drug combination to use.
Please visit the www.travelclinic.co.za
for up-to-the-minute information on all your travel health
requirements.
Holidays
Public Holidays in South Africa:
1 January New Year's Day
21 March - Human Rights Day
21 April - Good Friday
24 April - Family Day
27 April - Freedom Day
1 May - Workers Day
16 June - Youth Day
9 August - National Women's Day
24 September - Heritage Day
16 December - Day of Reconciliation
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Day of Goodwill
NOTE: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following
Monday (next day) is a public holiday.
Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans,
Ndebele, North - Sotho, South - Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana,
Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. In the Western Cape English, Afrikaans
and Xhosa are used the most. Most establishments/attractions
do have staff speaking German, French or Italian
Tourist Safety
Please take the normal precautions you would in any other
city or town. Avoid the unnecessary display of valuables and
do not walk in deserted areas or go out alone at night. Be
aware of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded Tel: 10111
Customs
Personal effects (used) are admitted duty free. The allowance
for visitors to South Africa is as follows (free of duty per
adult)
1 litre of spirits , 2 litres of wine, 400 cigarettes, 50
cigars, 50ml perfume , 250ml eau de toilette; Gifts &
souvenirs to the value of R1250 ,
Permits are required for firearms and are available at the
entry points. It is valid for 180 days, after which it can
be renewed at any South African police station.
Petrol
Petrol (gas/fuel) is widely available in most towns. The stations
on the major routes are open 24 hours. You cannot purchase
petrol with a standard credit card - only with a special "garage
card" or cash.
Road Regulations
South Africa drives on the left side of the road.
Speed limits:
urban areas: 60 km per hour
rural areas: 100 km per hour
freeways: 120 km per hour - unless otherwise indicated.
Wearing seatbelts are compulsory.
A valid driver's license is accepted only if there is a photograph
included and the document is printed in English. An International
Driving Permit should be obtained, before coming to South
Africa, if the license does not comply with above-mentioned
regulations. The road signs do conform with international
standards.
Tax Refund
VAT (Value Added Tax) is set at 14% at this stage. Visitors
to South Africa are not exempted from paying tax on purchases,
but they may claim it back if the total value on items exceeds
R250. This can be claimed back at airports, various harbours
& customs offices. An original tax invoice, VAT refund
control sheet and foreign passport is required. The items
that were purchased must also be presented.
For more information, visit www.taxrefunds.co.za
Time
Standard Time in South Africa is:
2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time
7 hours advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time
Opening
Times
Banks
Generally from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays.
On Saturdays from 08:30/09:00 - 11:00.
Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
Bureaux
de Change at Airport
Open according to arrivals & departures of flights.
Chemists (Drugstore)
Open during normal office hours. Details for after hour emergencies
are indicated on a notice.
Doctors
Usually open from 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 on weekdays.
On Saturdays between 09:00 - 12:00.
Sundays closed - for emergencies a contact number is provided
at their offices.
Shops
On weekdays between 09:00 - 17:30. Some major shopping centres
remain open until 21:00, e.g. V&A Wharf (Waterfront) and
Canal Walk (Century City).
Saturdays between 09:00 - 14:00. Some major shopping centres
remain open until 21:00, e.g. V&A Wharf (Waterfront) and
Canal Walk (Century City).
On Sundays most shops are closed - except for the major shopping
centers which are open from 09:00 - 21:00.
Travel
Agents
On weekdays between 09:00 - 17:00. Saturdays from 09:00 -
12:00. ; Closed on Sundays. |
