GENERAL INFORMATION

• Information Office
  Western Cape Tourism Board
  Pinnacle Building
  Cnr Castle and Burg Streets
  Private Bag X9108
  Cape Town, 8000
  South Africa
  Tel: +27 (0)21 426 5647/39
  Fax: +27 (0)21 426 5640
  E-mail: info@capetourism.org
   
• Administration Office
  Western Cape Tourism Board
  7th Floor, NBS/Waldorf Building
  80 St. George's Mall
  Cape Town, 8001
  South Africa
  Tel: +27 (0)21 483 9181
  Fax: +27 (0)21 483 9182
  E-mail: info@capetourism.org
   
• Accommodation
  A wide variety of accommodation establishments are available in most towns. Your Tour Operator will advise you according to your needs.
   
• Banking
  Most towns do have branches of the major national banks and their ATM's (Automatic Teller Machines). Most commercial banks are open from 09:00 - 15:30 on weekdays and 08:30 - 11:00 on Saturdays.
   
• Customer Services
• ABSA, 0800 414141
• BoE Bank, 0800 220 339
• Nedbank, 0800 110 929
• Standard Bank, 0800 020 600
   
• Children
  Most places do allow children. At gambling casino's/resorts there are usually baby-sitting facilities. Some private game reserves do not allow children under a certain age for the game drives.
   
• Climate
  The climate is in general Mediterranean; with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. In the arid semi-desert of the Karoo this differs, with dry winters and low summer rainfall. On the coast during summer the temperature ranges from 15°C up to 27°C. Inland it increases with 3 - 5°C. During winter it ranges between 7°C and 18°C. Inland the mornings are 5°C and the midday around 22°C.
  Just beware the forceful "Cape Doctor" that appears as if from nowhere. This south-easterly wind helps to clear the air of the Fairest Cape for your enjoyment, and drapes Table Mountain with a snow-white tablecloth of clouds that lay the "table" for a wonderful stay.
   
• Communication Services
  The international dialling code for South Africa is: (27) followed by the area code (minus the 1st zero of the area code) and then the subscriber's number. When in South Africa, the international code is dropped and the area code is used with the zero in front.
  
  · City/town codes
• Beaufort West (0)23
• Bloemfontein (0)51
• George (0)44
• Caledon (0)28
• Cape Town (0)21
• Durban (0)31
• Johannesburg (0)11
• Kimberley (0)53
• Langebaan (0)22
• Oudtshoorn (0)44
• Pietersburg (0)15
• Port Elizabeth (0)41
• Pretoria (0)12
• Upington (0)54
• Worcester (0)23
   
• Public phones are usable with coins (blue boxes) or telephone cards (green boxes). The following coins can be used: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5. Cards are available at shops , post offices & accommodation establishments in denominations of R15, R20, R50, R100 & R200. Cards can only be used in South Africa. Cellular phones can be hired daily, weekly or on a monthly basis from the airport or cellular shops.
   
• Computicket
  Computicket provides a booking service with branches all over South Africa. Bookings for events, theatres, cinemas, accommodation, etc are done through them.
   
• Booking Service
• Tel: 0839 158 000 (Credit card bookings)
• Fax: +27 (0)21 9188900
• Website: http://www.computicket.com/
  
   
• Conversions (Distances and Temperatures)
  · South Africa uses kilometers (km):
• 1 mile = 1,621km
• South Africa uses degrees Celsius (°C):
• 50°F = 10°C
• 68°F = 20°C
• 86°F = 30°C
   
• Credit Cards/Currency
  International credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa. In small country areas the use of cards might be restricted. Standard credit cards cannot be used to pay for petrol (gas)). Only special "garage cards" or cash are accepted.
• Customer Services
• Diners Club, +27 (0)21 6861990
• MasterCard, 0800 990 418
• Visa International, 0800 990 475
• The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (R). R1 = 100 cents.
• Coins in circulation: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5.
• Banknotes in circulation: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200.
• Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, Rennies Travel and American Express.
   
• Customs
  Personal effects (used) are admitted duty free. The allowance for visitors to South Africa is as follows (free of duty per adult)
• 1 litre of spirits
• 2 litres of wine
• 400 cigarettes
• 50 cigars
• 50ml perfume
• 250ml eau de toilette
• Gifts & souvenirs to the value of R500
   
• Permits are required for firearms and are available at the entry points. It is valid for 180 days, after which it can be renewed at any South African police station. For further details contact
• Customs Dept
  Tel: +27 (0)21 413 5000
  Fax: +27 (0)21 413 6512
   
• Disabled Facilities
  Most attractions and hotels (Cape Town) are disabled friendly. For details on the outlying areas, contact the relevant tourism bureaux. SAA provides Passenger Aid Units (PAU) at all major airports. Larger car rental companies can provide vehicles with hand controls.
   
• Electricity
  The power supply is 220/230 volts AC. The standard plug in South Africa is the 15 amp round pin (3 prong plug). The European type two pin plug is required, with an additional adaptor plug (can be bought at shops) for use in South Africa. Remember to bring transformers along, where necessary. Most hotels have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers.
   
• Foreign Exchange
  Foreign currencies can be exchanged at any commercial bank, Rennies Travel or American Express. Most of the upmarket hotels do provide exchange facilities for their guests. Commission on exchanging does vary.
• Thomas Cook/Rennies Travel, Tel: 0800 111 177
• American Express, Tel: +27 (0)21 4215586/0860 003 768
• Currency Converter
   
• Health Requirements
  No vaccinations are required for cholera or smallpox. If arriving from a yellow fever zone, you must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Due to the threat of malaria contamination, preventative medication is necessary for the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu-Natal. It is obtainable from all pharmacies in South Africa. Consult the pharmacist for the best drug combination to use. Please visit the Travel Clinic for up-to-the-minute information on all your travel health requirements.
   
• Holidays
• Public Holidays in South Africa:
• 1 January New Year's Day
• 21 March - Human Rights Day
• 8 April - Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
• 21 April - Family Day (Monday after Easter Sunday)
• 27 April - Freedom Day
• 1 May - Workers Day
• 16 June - Youth Day
• 9 August - National Women's Day
• 24 September - Heritage Day
• 16 December - Day of Reconciliation
• 25 December - Christmas Day
• 26 December - Day of Goodwill
• School Holidays 2003 (Only for the Western Cape - the rest of the country differs with a few days)

Commences: Closes: 22 January 28 March 28 April 27 June 22 July 26 September 6 October 5 December

NOTE: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday (next day) is a public holiday.

• Languages
  South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, North - Sotho, South - Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. In the Western Cape English, Afrikaans and Xhosa are used the most. Most establishments/attractions do have staff speaking German, French or Italian.
   
• Medical Care
  There is no national health scheme available in South Africa. Be sure to purchase a good travel insurance which will cover your medical expenses if the need arises. Please visit the Travel Clinics for all your travel health requirements.
   
• Opening Times
• Banks
• Generally from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays.
• On Saturdays from 08:30/09:00 - 11:00.
• Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
• Bureaux de Change at Airport
• Open according to arrivals & departures of flights.
• Chemists/Pharmacy (Drugstore)
• · Open during normal office hours.
• · Details for after hour emergencies are indicated on a notice.
• · Doctors
• Usually open from 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 on weekdays.
• On Saturdays between 09:00 - 12:00.
• Sundays closed - for emergencies a contact number is provided at their offices.
• · Shops
• On weekdays between 09:00 - 17:30. Some major shopping centres remain open until 21:00, e.g. V&A Wharf (Waterfront) and Canal Walk (Century City).
• Saturdays between 09:00 - 14:00. Some major shopping centres remain open until 20:00, e.g. V&A Wharf (Waterfront) and Canal Walk (Century City).
• On Sundays most shops are closed - except for the major shopping centers which are open from 09:00 - 15:00.
• Travel Agents
• On weekdays between 09:00 - 17:00.
• Saturdays from 09:00 - 12:00.
• Closed on Sundays.
   
• Petrol
  Petrol (gas/fuel) is widely available in most towns. The stations on the major routes are open 24 hours. You cannot purchase petrol with a standard credit card - only with a special "garage card" or cash.
   
• Pets
  Pets are not allowed at most establishments, especially game lodges.
   
• Religion
  Most denominations are represented. Churches, mosques, temples & synagogues are found in the major cities.
   
• Road Regulations
• South Africa drives on the left side of the road.
• Speed limits
• urban areas: 60 km per hour
• rural areas: 100 km per hour
• freeways: 120 km per hour - unless otherwise indicated.
• Wearing seatbelts are compulsory.
• A valid driver's license is accepted only if there is a photograph included and the document is printed in English.
• An International Driving Permit should be obtained, before coming to South Africa, if the license does not comply with above-mentioned regulations.
• The road signs do conform with international standards.
• For more details on road use/assistance and detailed maps contact:
• Automobile Association
  Tel: +27 (0)21 4196914
  Fax: +27 (0)21 4211343
  URL: http://www.aasa.co.za/live/index.php?
   
• Tax Refund
  VAT (Value Added Tax) is set at 14% at this stage. Visitors to South Africa are not exempted from paying tax on purchases, but they may claim it back if the total value on items exceeds R250. This can be claimed back at airports, various harbours & customs offices. An original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport is required. The items that were purchased must also be presented.
   
• Customer Service
  VAT Refund Administrator
  PO Box 107
  Johannesburg International Airport Post Office
  1627
  Tel: +27 (0)11 394 1117
  Fax: +27 (0)11 394 1430
  E-mail: info@taxrefunds.co.za
  URL: http://www.taxrefunds.co.za/
   
• Time
  Standard Time in South Africa is
• 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
• 1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time
• 7 hours advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time
   
• Tipping
  It is standard practice in South Africa. In restaurants it is 10% of the total bill (satisfactory service). The tip is usually not included in the bill. Taxi drivers get 10% of the total, and porters get R1 per bag.
   
• Tourist Safety
  Please take the normal precautions you would in any other city or town. Avoid the unnecessary display of valuables and do not walk in deserted areas or go out alone at night. Be aware of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas .
• ~Police Tourist Unit, Tel: +27 (0)21 418 2852/3, police@global.co.za
• Flying Squad, Tel: 10111
   
• Transport
• Air Travel
• Cape Town International Airport Information
  Tel: +27 (0)21 9340407
  Fax: +27 (0)21 9349861
• International Airlines
   

Airline Tel Fax Air France +27 (0)11 7701671 +27 (0)11 7701777 Air Namibia +27 (0)21 9362755 +27 (0)21 9362760 Air Mauritius +27 (0)21 4216294 +27 (0)21 4217371 British Airways +27 (0)21 9369000 +27 (0)21 9344729 Egypt Air +27 (0)21 4618056/7/8 +27 (0)21 4618067 KLM +27 (0)21 6702500 +27 (0)21 6702501 LTU +27 (0)21 9361190 +27 (0)21 9361189 Lufthansa 0861 842 538 +27 (0)21 4153636 Malaysian Airlines +27 (0)21 4198010 +27 (0)21 4197017 Swazi Express +27 (0)31 4081115/6 +27 (0)31 4081114 SAA +27 (0)11 9781133 +27 (0)11 9786316 Singapore Airlines +27 (0)21 6740601 +27 (0)21 6740710 Swiss Air/Sabena 0800 333 222 +27 (0)21 440 666 Virgin Airways +27 (0)21 9349000 +27 (0)21 4195208

• Domestic Airlines

Airline Tel Fax Comair +27 (0)21 9369000 +27 (0)21 9733913 National Airlines +27 (0)21 9340350 +27 (0)21 9343000 Nationwide Airlines +27 (0)21 9362050/2/4/6 +27 (0)21 9362053 SA Airlink +27 (0)21 9361111 +27 (0)31 2501131 SA Express +27 (0)21 9361111 +27 (0)31 2501131

• Shuttle Services to/from CPT International Airport
   
• Coach Tour Services
  Many tour operators are available offering a diversity of services, from personalized minibuses to large double-decker coaches. For more information contact the relevant tourism bureaux
   
•  Car Hire Companies
  Car hire companies are available throughout the province. Contact the relevant tourism bureaux
   
• Intercity
   

Airline Tel Fax Intercape +27 (0)21 9340802 +27 (0)21 9340702 Citihopper +27 (0)21 9344440 +27 (0)21 9344448 Magic Bus +27 (0)21 5056300 +27 (0)21 5349111 Way 2 Go +27 (0)21 9342503 +27 (0)21 9342746 Dumalisile +27 (0)21 9342764 +27 (0)21 9344276

• Bus Services
  The following bus companies run daily services from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (via the N2) and to Johannesburg (via the N1), as well as to other major cities & towns.
• Greyhound
  Tel: +27 (0)21 505 6363
  Fax: +27 (0)21 505 6380
  E-mail: enquiries@greyhound.co.za
• Intercape
  Tel: +27 (0)21 380 4400
  Fax: +27 (0)21 380 2088
  E-mail: marius@intercape.co.za
• Translux
  Tel: +27 (0)21 4493333
  Fax: +27 (0)21 4492545
  E-mail: benc@pax.autonet.co.za
   
• Rail Travel
• Commuter Service
  An excellent network links Cape Town city with the Southern Peninsula & some areas in the Western Cape. Timetables & tickets are available from the Cape Town Station (Main Hall).
  Enquiries
  Tel: +27 (0)21 4492991
• Long Distance (Passengers)
• Shosholoza Meyl (previously Spoornet)
  They provide services from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Durban & Oudtshoorn. The trains have 1st & 2nd class compartments & coupes with dining saloons and catering trolleys for your convenience.
  Central Reservations:
  Tel: 086 000 88 88
  Fax: +27 (0)21 4495642
  URL: http://www.spoornet.co.za/
• Blue Train
  This is South Africa's premier luxury train that has trips to Pretoria & Port Elizabeth (via the Garden Route). So for spoilt pleasures contact them at:
  Enquiries
  Tel: +27 (0)21 4492672
  Fax: +27 (0)21 4493338
  E-mail: TorroS@transnet.co.za
   
• Rovos Rail
  "The Pride of Africa" - luxurious tours from Cape Town to Pretoria. Enjoy 2 hours of steam as you arrive at your destination.
  Enquiries
  Tel: +27 (0)21 4214020
  Fax: +27 (0)21 4214022
  E-mail: heike@rovos.co.za
   
• Union Limited
  "Steam Rail Travel as it used to be" - tours are done to Pretoria & Port Elizabeth.
  Enquiries
  Tel: +27 (0)21 4494391
  Fax: +27 (0)21 4494395
  E-mail: SteamSA@Transnet.co.za
   
• Sea Travel
  Shipping lines offer passenger services from Europe to South Africa. Some use cargo ships for the trips. Contact the relevant agencies for more information
   
• Taxis
• Sedan taxis are found at most major hotels & attractions. Fees are calculated by meter. Tipping is about 10% of the amount.
• Mini-bus taxis (thriving black - owned business in South Africa) are found all along the main roads in most towns. This is a cheap way of getting around. The process of regulating the industry is currently in motion.
   
• ·Visa Requirements
  Visas are not required by citizens of the following countries for the period & subject to the conditions indicated. These citizens must hold national passports/emergency travel certificates. Holders of documents other than mentioned are not included in the exemptions and must be in possession of visas to enter the RSA:

• Holders of South African passports, travel documents & other documents for travel purposes
• Holders of passports of:
• The UK of Great Britain & N - Ireland, including the British Islands of Guernsey, Isle of Mann & Virgin Islands
• The Republic of Ireland
• Holders of passports of the following countries in respect of bona fide holiday & business visits only (period unspecified) and transits:
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Iceland
• Italy
• Japan
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United States of America
• NOTE: An unspecified exemption implies that in practice a temporary permit exceeding a period of 90 days may be issued on arrival as long as the visit is of a bona fide nature.
• Holders of passports of the following countries in respect of bona fide holiday & business visits not exceeding 90 days and transits:
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Chile
• Ecuador
• Israel
• Jamaica
• Malta
• Paraguay
• St Helena
• Swaziland
• Uruguay
• Venezuela
• Holders of passports of the following countries in respect of bona fide holiday & business visits not exceeding 30 days and transits:
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Barbados
• Belize
• Benin
• Bolivia
• Botswana
• Cape Verde
• Costa Rica
• Cyprus
• Gabon
• Guyana
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Jordan
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Namibia
• Peru
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Slovak Republic
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Turkey*
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe (Government officials, including police on cross border investigation)
• * This exemption is only with regard to holders of Hong Kong British National - Overseas (BNO) passports, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports and Hong Kong Certificates of Identity.
• These arrangements are not applicable to individuals whose visa exemptions have been withdrawn. In all cases the normal entry requirements still have to be complied with before admission is gained.
• Aliens who intend to temporarily manage or conduct any business in the RSA whether for their own account or not, are not regarded as business visitors, but require work permits. Representatives of the media reporting on current events as well as stills producers and their teams who are employed abroad are however permitted to enter the country as business visitors. Sports persons who are passport holders of the countries listed also do not require visas.
• Remember that a visa only allows an alien to report to a port of entry, but do not ensure entry. The requirements of a return air ticket, sufficient funds and a bona fide reason is still applicable. A temporary permit (issued at the port of entry) is free of charge. If you want to extend your stay, an amount of R270 is payable. An application for extension can only be submitted while you are still on the valid temporary permit. The application fee changes on 1 April of each year.
• The following documents are required for an extension:
• valid passport
• valid return air ticket/repatriation guarantee
• proof of funds
• proof of accommodation arrangements/guest house or hotel bookings
• detailed motivation and a completed application form
• The validity of the visa exemption may not be exceeded.
   
• Water
  In most cities/towns/game reserves the tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink