USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION
HEALTH
The Western and Eastern Cape Provinces are NOT in a Malaria zone. If you travel to other parts of the country check with your health authority and ensure that you take Malaria prophylaxsis when necessary.
Tap Water in all cities is of a high standard and is drinkable. However mineral water ( still or sparkling ) is freely available.
Medical facilities are of a very high standard in private hospitals. It is advisable to purchase medical cover before you travel.
Aids is a serious problem in South Africa - take care!
There is no need to bring supplies of non-prescriptive drugs with you. South African Pharmacies are well stocked with local and international brands and are staffed by highly qualified pharmacists.
TAX
A Value Added Tax ( VAT ) is applied to all purchases. As a foreign visitor you can claim back tax on your purchases by providing the tax invoices for inspection at the Waterfront or the airport. Before departing from the airport all the goods you have purchased together with the tax invoices or certificate received at the Waterfront must be declared at the VAT counter in International Departures. Total purchases must be more than R250 to qualify. At the moment VAT is 14%
TIPPING
In restaurants, a tip of 10% is acceptable. Porters in hotels and airports normally receive R2 - R3 per piece of luggage.
SHOPPING AND BUSINESS HOURS
Most shops in the city are open from 9h00 to 17h00 or 17h30 weekdays and 9h00 to 12h00 Saturdays. The Waterfront and other shopping malls have extended hours.
MONEY
The currency is South African Rand expressed with an R e.g R100 is One Hundred Rand. Foreign exchange facilities are available throughout the city, the Waterfront, most shopping malls and at banks in country towns.
ATM's will accept many international bank and credit cards.
Major credit cards are accepted throughout South Africa at most outlets the exception being markets and some private traders.
SAFETY
The Cape Town central city area is generally safe to walk around as is the Waterfront precinct as they have a very high security presence. The countryside is also not a problem. As a tourist please take the same precautions you would take travelling in the cities in your own country. Stay away from obviously dubious areas and ask the advice of your hotel concierge or tour guide.
Whether you travel with me or not I am happy to give you advice if you phone me on my cellphone 082 801 7721
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
South Africa operates a 220-240 Volt a/c system. If you use 110 Volt DC you will need a converter. Our plugs are 3 pin round and adaptors are available in most hotels, electrical stores, and airport stores.
TELEPHONES
Public phones operate with either coins or Telkom prepaid cards. For International calls dial 09 and then the international code.
EATING OUT
Cape Town is a very cosmopolitan city and visitors are spoilt for choice. It's not a matter of deciding what to eat (we have it all) but which restaurant to go to. Do try some of our African cuisine as well as Cape Malay dishes unique to this area.
Capetonians normally lunch from 12h30 - 14h00 and dine from about 7h30 - 10h00.
LANGUAGE
We have 11 official languages in South Africa but English is spoken or understood throughout the country. If you are Dutch or Flemish have fun trying to speak Afrikaans!
TAXIS
Taxis come in two types - the metered variety which is normally a sedan car with an identifying light box on its roof. Their rates are about R8-00 per Km and they can be found in Taxi ranks or called by phone. The other variety is a mini-bus which travels a set route for a set fee, normally crowded, sometimes unsafe and in my opinion only for the adventurous tourist. They can be hailed on their route.
ACCOMMODATION
There is an abundance of accommodation in Cape Town ranging from hotels that have been voted the best in the world, Guest houses, Bed and Breakfasts and Backpackers lodges. In the country area the same applies with the accent on Guest houses. During the peak season ( November to February ) finding suitable accommodation can be a problem so it is advisable to book well in advance. I am able to recommend, assist and make reservations for you if you wish.
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