 Tips while travelling in South Africa |
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Visa - Foreigners must be in possession of a valid passport of their country of citizenship and a valid visa where necessary - www.safrica.info |
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Health - Malaria free area, tap water is drinkable. |
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Safety - like any large city Cape Town does have it's crime. However, it's not as bad as the media makes it out to be. Petty crime does exist in and around the City centre but most of the serious crime reported is outside of the areas where a visitor would venture to. Try not to look like a typical tourist, don't carry too much cash and wear expensive jewellery - generally be alert. If you are not sure of which areas are unsafe, please ask your Hotel, guesthouse, Host or the police. Lock your car and don't leave any of your valuables lying around. |
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Roads - SA has a good road network, mostly tarred and well signposted in English, Afrikaans and the local African language. Speed limit is 120km/h on highways and 60 -80km/h around town. Motorcars drive on the left hand side . Be sure to keep your eyes on the road and don't exceed the speed limit.
We drive on the left side of the road - remember this when walking across a road. |
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Summer days can be hot - a hat and sunscreen is essential.
A beach umbrella and frequently applied sunscreen are essential if you are planning a day on the beach. |
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Drink lots of water - our tap water is perfectly safe to drink. |
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Street kids - giving money directly to street kids perpetuates the problem creating dependence and condemming them to a life on the streets. Street universe is developing long-term solutions for street kids. All donations are appreciated at www.streetuniverse.org.za |
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Foreign currency - Travellers cheques, cash and credit card withdrawals are possible from most banks or Bureau de Change. Currency: SA Rand R1 = 100cents
Banks are open Mon to Fri - 09:00 to15:30 and Sat 09:00 to 11:00
Credit cards are ccepted almost everywhere but carry some cash just in case. 24hr cash withdrawals can be made from almost any ATM - most accept major credit cards.
GASOLINE CANNOT BE PURCHASED ON A CREDIT CARD. |
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Police Emergency number 10111
Directory Inquiries local 1023 International 0903
Cellular services - GSM networks only, countrywide coverage is available.
International dialling to SA +27 (area code) (tel number) from SA 09 (country code) (area code)(tel number) |
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Post offices - Open Mon to Fri from 08:00 to 16:00 and Sat 08:00 to 13:00 |
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Gratuity - Restaurants etc normally 10% or at your discretion |
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Electricity - 220 volts |
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Transport - if you are planning on doing a lot of travelling outside of town or country trips, rent a motor car. You will require an international drivers licence.Town driving is not that hectic if you avoid peak hour travelling which is normally from 7 - 8:30am and 4:00 - 6 pm. Transport in and around town I pretty good if you use the mini bus taxis. Bus and train services leave a lot to be desired with infrequent departures during off peak periods. Cabs or taxi's are available in and around the city but we recommend phoning one to collect you. Some have the per km rate visible. |
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Climate - Cape Town winters can be mild and comparable to mild summers in Europe. Hot days and cool nights in summer while winter has warm days and it doesn't get too cold at night. Summers are dry with winter (May to October) being the rainy season. Daylight hours in summer are long app 05:00 to 21:00 in winter the days are much shorter 07:00 to 18:00, remember this when planning your day, get cracking while the sun is shining. |
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ALWAYS EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. TRAVEL WISE! |
