Cape Town General Information, Weather, Climate, Food, Medical, Airlines

MONEY & BANKING

Money & Banking - The SA currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the R. There are 100 cents in R1. Banking practices are similar to those in other Western countries ans South Africa enjoys an extensive and world-class electronic banking network. Travellers cheques can be cashed at any bank. International credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops restaurants ect but standard credit cards cannot be used for buying petrol. All main banking branches offer foreign exchange services. Hours (Mon - Fri) 09:00 - 15:30 & (Sat) 09:00 - 11:00.

EXCHANGE RATE

The Exchange Rate favours the overseas visitor, making South Africa one of the least expensive countries to visit or do business with. SA's VAT is set at 14% and is included in the marked price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors may claim VAT back on goods taken out of the country if the total value exceeds R250. The refund may be claimed at the airport of departure and you will need a foreign passport, the original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet as well as the items on which a refund is claimed.

COMMUNICATION

Communication in South Africa works on a direct dialing telephone/fax service which connect all centres except in very rural areas. The International service links SA with more than 171 countries around the world. Cellular phones can be hired on a flexible basis. Telephone cards are available at post offices, airports and some bookstores. Post offices are open during normal business hours: (Mon - Fri) 08:30 - 16:30 & (Sat) 08:00 - 12:00. An international priority mail service is available to the UK and the USA and a number of other countries. A private postal network offers quicker postage but at a slightly higher cost.

DRIVING

Driving in South Africa takes place on the left hand side. Roads are good and well sign-posted. Drivers who do not have an international driving permit must have a valid driving license which carries a photograph and is either printed or authenticated in English. The speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h (75 m/h); 100 km/h (60 m/h) elsewhere and 60 km/h (35 m/h) in built areas. There are Car Hire companies at the airports and in the cities.

SOUTH AFRICAN & INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES

A number of International Airlines link South Africa with the rest of the world. The national airline, SAA has an international route network offering services from major airports in America, Europe, the Far East, Australia the rest of Africa and the Gulf to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. During the SA summer season, and especially over the Festive holiday period, bookings from Europe must be made well in advance. We will make all air and accommodation reservations at no extra charge to our clients.

TRAINS & TRANSPORT

Trains link all the main centres as well as most small towns throughout South Africa. Taxi's do not cruise in SA so should you require one, telephone a reputable taxi service +27 21 434 4444.

SA POWER & ELECTRICITY

City power systems are generally 220/230 volts AC. Adapter plugs should be bought for hair dryers and razors.

SA FOOD

SA food is excellent and restaurants, especially in the cities, are of international standard. Local wines are generally superb value for money. Bars generally stay open from 10:00 till after midnight. Liquor stores are open from about 08:00 to 18:00 during the week and on Saturdays they remain open till 13:00. Some grocery stores and supermarkets offer wine during licensing hours.

SA MEDICAL & HEALTH

SA medical and health facilities are of a high standard. State hospitals should be avoided as they are overcrowded and there is sometimes a shortage of doctor's. Private hospitals are more expensive and will require payment before admission is allowed. Visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Malaria is a serious health hazard in low lying, warm areas and anyone traveling in SA (particularly to Mpumalanga, the Northern Province and the North-East of Kwazulu Natal) as well as neighboring states should consult a doctor or pharmacy for advice on anti-malaria tablets. Do not swim in rivers and dams unless assured that they are bilharzia free. Bilharzia is a tropical disease caused by a parasitic worm and only the Eastern Cape is free of bilharzia. There is AIDS in SA and the rest of Africa, although the risk contracting it is no greater than in any other part of the world, as long as standard precautions are taken. There is a danger of cholera in Southern Mozambique and sometimes in South East Zimbabwe - take medical advice if traveling in these areas. Tap water is safe in all urban areas. Ask for advice in the rural areas and other African countries. Trading in and possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana (dagga) are criminal offenses in SA and carry severe penalties.

SA POPULATION CULTURES

The population profile for South Africa in 2001 is 78.9% Africans; 11% Whites; 7.9% Coloured; 2.2% Asian. The total population is approximately 44 million. While there are parts of the country where you will not hear much English (one of 11 official languages of the country) spoken, it is widely understood, and you will easily be able to find interpreter should you encounter a communication problem. English, Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans are the main languages spoken in the country.

SHOPPING & CASINO`S

Modern shopping centres and Casino's are found in and around all cities and towns, stocking the full range of essentials and luxuries. Regular shopping hours are 08:30 - 18:00, although the V&A Waterfront - Cape Town stays open till 21:00 every night!

CAPE TOWN`S CLIMATE

Summer - (November to March) Long days with the sun only setting around 8:30pm, and day time temperatures in the mid twenties. Predictable sea breezes keep the climate mild and never too hot. It hardly ever rains during this period, and the sun shines as only in Africa!		Winter - (late June to late August) This is the season for storms in the Cape, but they only affect a few days out of each fortnight with wonderful weather in between. We are entering the coldest months now, but temperatures are still around 12 to 18 degrees centigrade during the day, so there is not much to complain about!
Autumn - (April to early June) Sun sets between 7:30 and 6:30 as the days shorten. But this is the best time of the year with daytime temperatures still in the twenties. Calm, crystal days without wind and before the heavier rains. Safe sunbathing, followed by champaigne on a beach with the setting sun! The weather can be variable with the odd front bringing rain, but these are short with glorious sun in between.		Spring - (September and October) A profusion of wild flowers heralds the awakening of a new season. Morning dew is the last reminder of the Winter past, while Westerly storm winds give way to the Easterly Summer trades. Yachts, dingies and windsurfers are out, as are those early Summer tans!

TRAVEL TIPS

• Never leave your luggage unattended in hotels. Store all your valuables in safes and keep rooms locked at all times
• Never open your door without knowing who is on the other side
• Make sure luggage is given only to staff and a receipt is issued
• Never leave money, cards or keys in your room
• In the street, never display jewellery, cameras or other expensive items
• Never carry large sums of money
• Stay clear of dark, isolated areas
• It is better to explore in a group, and stick to well-lit and busy streets
• Plan routes beforehand
• Ask your hotel or tourist information office to recommend a reliable taxi services
• Always carry your wallet in inside pockets (A money bag is recommended)
• Always be aware of surroundings, keep your wits about yourself.
• If you are hiring a car, contact the company directly
• Keep car doors locked at all times. Cape Town Television
• Lock your valuables in the boot of your car and park in well-lit areas at night
• Local information telephone service, dial 1023 from any phone
• International call/information exchange, dial 0903 from any phone
• Always carry sun block, hat and a wind breaker / pull over

ALERT

Visitors should exercise the same caution they would in most large cities around the world and not visit isolated rural areas on their own. If you have any doubts about an area to be visited, ask us for advice. Emergency numbers: Flying squad - 10111, Ambulance - 10177