TRAVEL INFORMATION

Time

Cape Town is 2 hours ahead of GMT throughout the year.

Passports and Visas

For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa.

Travellers from certain regions of the world (Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need to formally apply for a visa. Upon arrival in South Africa, countries falling into this category will automatically be given a free entry permit sticker that outlines how long they may remain in the country. This automatic entry permit is usually for a maximum of 90 days, though the immigration officer may tailor the time period according to the airline tickets held. Foreign nationals from some other countries are offered this service, but for a maximum of 30 days. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they will have to apply formally for a visa, as opposed to relying on the automatic entry permit. See info box for link

South Africa’s Immigration Act Regulations

It is important to note that under South Africa's Immigration Act of 2002 (Act. 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, ‘(a) Immigration Act, 2002 the passport shall contain at least ONE unused page when presenting the passport for endorsements'. This requirement reflects the entry requirements of many of the world's top travel destinations and failure to have a clear page can result in entry being refused.

Customs

You are obliged to fill in a customs form (should you have laptops and any other, please fill this in) upon arrival in South Africa. Fill this in to the best of your knowledge.

Money

The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand).

Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks (Standard Bank, First National Bank, Nedbank, ABSA and Bureaux de Changes (Thomas Cook, Rennies). Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, Maestro and their affiliates are widely accepted. See info box for currency converter.

Tipping

Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills - thus it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip. It is important to give a service charge as waiters receive a low basic wage.

We do have parking and petrol station attendants in South Africa and for this service one should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Tax

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00.

VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced. So keep all your receipts and pack in all your purchased items on top or hand luggage for your own inconvenience.

Clothing

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months (November, December, January and February, March), lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summer months and the Western Cape winter months June, July, and August. Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months and in between months. See info box for weather.

Electricity

South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz
Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances (German plugs)
Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Health and Safety

Cape Town has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world.

There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees.

Personal safety

South Africa is part of Africa, although much westernised general precautions should be taken when leaving your car, leaving your home, on the streets day and night. Any kind of temptation can lead to theft or break-in. It is important to feel safe, be safe and act safe. It is not recommended to walk at night in the city however, it is fairly safe where there are other people like nightclubs, etc (Green Point, Long Street, etc) Logical precautions should be taken.

Most major cities run organized crime prevention programmes Basic Safety Tip guidelines will be made available at our centre and most other places. See info box

Food and water

In most regions, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation are generally excellent. Foodshops such as Woolworths (convenience store) Pick & Pay, Checkers and Friendly Grocers (till 11pm)

Driving

Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your drivers licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver’s licence is required. Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.

Our roads are in good condition. However, the distances between towns are significant, so if you're planning to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary carefully.

Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as this always carries more risk. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas, the roads are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road - which can prove dangerous at night when visibility is limited.

Speed limits vary from a maximum of 120kmph on the open roads and highways to 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns and villages.

Be aware that even major national roads cut through residential areas so there may be a speed limit of 80 or 60kmph on a road that looks like an autobahn. See info box

Vaccinations

Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt.

Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa. Malaria does not exist in the Western Cape (Cape Town). See info box

Shopping

Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7 days a week and closes at 20:00 or 21:00 and in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on Sundays. Recommened Malls: Canal Walk, Cavendish Square, N1 City, Willow Bridge, Tygervalley Mall

All other shops Mondays – Saturdays: 09:00 to 17:00 (Cape Town city operating hours are 08:30 – 17:00 and Sundays: 09:00 - 14:00

Going out

Day Life: the beach is very popular especially Clifton and Camps Bay and if you can’t take too cold water (12 -18 °C), try the False Bay (above 20°C) area. Recommended Tourist Attractions: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, Cape Point, Robben Island, Winelands, Garden Route, Overberg, Cederberg

Night Life: see info box

Restaurants: see info box