CAPE TOWN STANDARD TIME
Two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time |
CONVERSIONS: DISTANCE
AND TEMPERATURE
Distances throughout South Africa are given in kilometres.
1 mile = 1.62 kilometres
Temperature is given in degrees Celsius. |
CURRENCY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The South African currency is the Rand.
Exchange rates in May 2005:
US $1 = ZAR 6.25
EUR 1 = ZAR 7.90
Foreign currency can be exchanged at most commercial banks and
Bureaux de Change are widely available.Banking Hours:
Monday – Friday: 09h00 – 15h30
Saturdays: 08h30 – 11h00
ATMs are widely available and are mostly open 24 hours a day
for cash withdrawals and statements. |
ELECTRICITY
220/230 volts, 50Hz, single phase |
EMERGENCIES
Dial 10111 for the Flying Squad (special police services)
and 10177 for an ambulance. |
ETIQUETTE
The dress code across South Africa is mainly casual, except
in some restaurants and clubs that require more formal attire.
Smoking is banned in public buildings and on planes, buses
and trains. |
FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED
South African Airways provides passenger aid units at all
major airports. Many hotels offer facilities for the disabled,
as do most rest camps in the Kruger National Park.
Wheelchairs and other aides are available for hire in most
cities. The larger rental car
agencies can provide vehicles with hand controls. |
HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION
The only inoculation requirement for visitors is a yellow
fever vaccination certificate for those entering South Africa
within six days of leaving a yellow fever zone. Babies of
one year old or less are exempt. Malaria is endemic in some
parts of Mpumalanga, Northern Province, and KwaZulu-Natal
and it is essential to take precautions if you intend to visit
these areas.
The bilharzia parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes
and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the
country, and visitors should avoid contact with the water
in these regions. There is no immunisation against bilharzia. |
LANGUAGE
South Africa has 11 official languages and English is spoken
throughout the country. French, German and Italian are also
spoken at many larger hotels and popular tourist destinations
around Cape Town. |
MEDICAL SERVICES
South Africa has no national health scheme. It is advisable
to purchase travel insurance that will cover medical expenses
during the period of your stay. |
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
A list of South African consulates and embassies may be found
on the South African Department of Foreign Affairs website or
visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website:
www.home-affairs.gov.za.
{w} Foreign
Affairs
{w} South African Department
of Home Affairs
Visa application forms can be downloaded from the South African
Home Affairs website:
{w} South
African Department of Home Affairs |
PETROL (GASOLINE) FILLING STATIONS
Filling stations are conveniently situated throughout the
country. Unleaded petrol is available. Most filling stations
are open 24 hours a day. South African filling stations will
not accept credit cards so be sure to have enough cash available
for filling up. |
RULES OF THE ROAD
An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas
with even the smallest villages. South Africa drives on the
LEFT.
The speed limit in urban areas is usually 60km per hour; on
rural roads 100km per hour and on freeways 120km per hour
unless otherwise indicated.
Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory; driving under the influence
of alcohol is a serious offence; and traffic laws are strictly
enforced.
Valid driver's licenses from visitors’ home countries
are acceptable provided that they are in English and include
the driver’s photograph. If your driver’s license
does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain
an International Driving Permit before your departure to South
Africa. |
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to Capetonians,
but, as always, travellers should take a few basic precautions
to ensure a safe and pleasant visit:
• Never leave luggage unattended
• Store valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit
box
• Keep your hotel room locked
• Use reliable taxi services
• Avoid displaying expensive jewellery and cameras
• Do not carry large sums of money on your person
• At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas
• When travelling by car, plan your route in advance
• Keep car doors locked and windows closed
• When parked or driving, place valuables out of sight
in the boot (trunk)
• Never give strangers a lift |
SHOPPING
Local manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship, and
at the current exchange rate, visitors can afford to indulge.
Shopping hours are generally 08h00 to 17h00 on weekdays, and
08h00 to 17h00 on Saturdays in the bigger cities. Many shops
in bigger cities are open on Sundays. |
SUN PROTECTION
The South African sun is strong, with a high ultraviolet rating.
Sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher is
recommended. |
TELEPHONES
Cape Town telephone dialling codes:International: +27-21-
National: 021-
National Directory Enquiries: 1023
International Directory Enquiries: 0903
To call internationally out of South Africa, dial 09 and then
the country code.Cell phones are widely available for hire,
as are ‘starter packs’ if your personal handset
is compatible with the South African system. |
TIPPING
It is customary to tip waiters, wine stewards, taxi drivers,
porters and caddies. Depending on the service, the amount
should be around 10%-15% of the bill, R5 per suitcase or R20
per golf bag. |
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted
price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors may claim
back VAT paid on items to be taken out of the country when
the total value exceeds ZAR 250.00. Information leaflets on
the procedure to follow are available from VAT Refund Administration
offices at the Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban International
Airports, and at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. |
WATER
In the major cities and towns and at most game reserves, tap
water is purified and 100% safe to drink. |
| |
Travel
Tips 