Travelling
tips for Cape Town
Time
South Africa is two hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean
Time, one hour ahead of central European Winter Time and seven hours ahead
of American Eastern Standard Winter Time throughout the year.
Currency
Rand (R) = 100 cents. Denominations: coins - 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5; notes - R10, R20, R50, R100, R200.
Traveler’s Cheques and Credit Cards
Traveler’s cheques can be changed at all major banks, hotels and
available foreign exchange offices in major shopping centres. International
credit cards are accepted.
Banks
Most banks are open from 09h00-15h30 Monday to Friday
and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays. Banks at all international airports are
open two hours either side of international arrival and departures. ATM’s
are numerous and available all over the country.
Electricity
220/230 volts AC and the plugs are three-point, large
round pin plugs. Should two-pin plugs be used, adapters can be purchased. The three-pin plug is sometimes described as Type M, BS 546 (South African 15 A/250 V).
Language
South Africa has eleven different official languages
but English is widely spoken and the generally accepted means of communication.
The eleven official languages are:
- Afrikaans
- English
- Ndebele
- Northern Sotho
- Southern Sotho
- Swati
- Tsonga
- Tswana
- Venda
- Xhosa
- Zulu
Immunisation
When visiting malaria areas (Mpumalanga and Kwazulu
Natal), be sure to obtain the prophylactic medicine from your doctor or
pharmacist and take it before, during and after the trip.
Medical Services:
South Africa has excellent medical facilities, with doctors in all towns
and cities. Insurance covering travel, accidents, illness and hospitalization
is advised for the duration of your stay. Travel insurance is included
in your package at no extra charge.
Transport
International and domestic airlines operate between
the main cities, with charter services available. Coach tours operate
daily nationwide. Intercity train services are good with regular bus services
available. Local taxis don't cruise the streets, so to hire one, you will
need to call a taxi company or find one at a centrally located taxi rank
(usually at city centres and major airports). Make sure the meter starts
at zero.
Car Hire
When hiring a car in South Africa you will need a valid
international driver’s license. The roads are well sign posted and
road conditions in and around the cities are good. When filling up at
a gas station you cannot pay by credit card and you remain in the car
while an attendant pumps the petrol.
Tipping
Tips are expected, but are not compulsory, in most service
industries and a tip is only given according to the service levels received.
A 10% tip is standard for good service. For groups of 8 or more restaurants
will add gratuity to your bill.
Malaria and Vaccinations
Yellow Fever is compulsory for certain countries and
you will be refused entry without proof of vaccination. Hepatitis, Polio,
Meningitis, Typhoid and Tetanus are recommended for travel in Africa.
Rabies inoculation is optional.
Malaria is a serious disease which should not be taken
lightly and prevention is the best cure. We recommend clients seek advice
from their GP on which type of medication is suitable for them and for
the area to which they are travelling.
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