Useful Information

Useful Tourist Information 

Time
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. GMT +2 hours.

Currency
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Denominations include the following coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5; and notes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200.
Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted in most places in South Africa
ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) offer a complete 24 hour service. International credit cards can be used in machines displaying International credit card logos (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus). Cash can be drawn at these machines but please note: there is a daily limit.

Water
Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. Bottled water is readily available.

Distances
Distances throughout South Africa are given in kilometres. One mile is equivalent to 1.62 kilometres.

Driving
Driving is done on the left hand side of the road, with an excellent network of roads.

Public Transport
Public transport in South Africa is almost non-existent. All the major centres and airports in SA have metered taxis.

Electric Current
The Electrical Current in South Africa is 220/240 volts. International adapters are available at most hotels and selected shops.

Temperatures
Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (Centigrade).

Religion
Most South Africans are Christians with the largest denominations being Anglican (Church of England) , Roman Catholic and Dutch Reformed. There are also large Jewish and Muslim communities.

Hotel Information
Check-in times – On average check in is at 14h00 and check-out time around 11h00 – although it is advisable to confirm this with reception.

Storage Facilities – Hotels often have storage facilities for bags if needed prior to departure.
Concierge desk – Most hotels have a concierge desk that can recommend and arrange restaurants and transport.
Porters – Available at almost every hotel and are most helpful. It is customary to tip porters*
Safe deposit – Most hotels offer either in the rooms or at reception- enquire on arrival.
Laundry – Most hotels offer a laundry service. We recommend that you enquire on arrival at reception
Mini-bars – Often rooms have these available. Pease note: This is an extra and will be billed to your own account.

Tipping
Tipping is discretionary and appreciated in South Africa.
Porters: ± R8.00 per person unless five star hotels where approximately R20.00 is expected
Taxis: 10 %.
Waiters and Waitresses: 10% to 15% depending on the level of service.

Driver/Tourist guides 20% per day.

Safety
All countries have crime, and it is up to the individual to follow safe and secure procedures in order to reduce the risk of any unfortunate incidences. Normal safety precautions should be exercised in South Africa as with anywhere else in the world.

Here are some tips for you to follow to keep you safe at all times:
• Always choose well-lit busy streets and avoid isolated areas
• Check with your hotel which areas are safe to walk in and when
• When walking in the street be on guard against pick pockets
• Never walk alone – walk in groups of four if possible
• Lock your passports and any other valuables in the hotel safe
• Do not carry large amounts of money around
• Do not draw attention to yourself by flaunting large amounts of cash or jewellery
• Always keep your baggage or handbag close at hand

Do NOT accept assistance from strangers at ATM’s.

• Police emergency Number: Dial 10111

Banking and Shopping Hours
Most banks are open from 09h00 – 15h30, Mondays to Fridays; and 08h30-11h00 on Saturdays.
Currency Exchange kiosk are available at most major centres like airports and shopping centres and are open for longer hours
Shops open from 09.00 to 17.00 Mondays to Fridays and from 08.30 - 14.00 on Saturdays, although in the main centres, opening hours are likely to be longer. Shopping Malls have extended trading hours. All shops at Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront trade from 09:00 to 21:00, 7days per week.

VAT
Value Added Tax is currently at 14%, and is levied on most items and services. You can claim VAT back on goods that you have purchased here and taking it out of the country. VAT is only refunded if the cumulative total amount of your purchases amount to ZAR250 or more. VAT refunds are made at the airport of your international departure. You need to provide the original VAT invoice, the goods, your passport, and airline ticket at the VAT refund counter.

Clothing – what to bring
South Africa is a very casual country and in general this applies to most places you visit.
In summer, lightweight clothing is the norm and in winter, a warm jacket or coat may be needed, particularly in the evenings. Dress codes for eating out is generally casual except when specified as formal.

Health
Visitors to the Kruger National Park and game reserves in Kwa Zulu-Natal should take a course of anti-malaria tablets before entering these areas. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication.
In a malaria region, avoid wearing perfume or after-shave. Wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. While South Africa boasts excellent private medical facilities. Medical Insurance is recommended to cover the cost of any treatment should it be necessary.

Medical Facilities
The standard of medical care in private hospitals and clinics throughout South Africa are excellent, comparing favourably with first world countries. Most hotels have a list of doctors, whose numbers may also be found in the "medical" section of telephone directories.

Postal Services
Stamps are available from post offices, reception desks at most hotels and central news agencies.

Telephone Information
South Africa’s international dialling code is 27. To make international calls from South Africa you need to dial 00 followed by the country code. International dialling codes are listed in the front section of all telephone directories.