GENERAL INFORMATION

Banking hours Most South African banks operates Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:00 and Saturdays 08:00 to 11:00. Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are found at most major shopping centers.

Credit Cards International cards such as Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diner's Club are widely accepted.

Traveller's Cheques 24 hour foreign exchange facilities are widely available.

Value Added Tax (VAT) A value added tax, currently at 14% is included in the price of most goods and services in South Africa. Visitors are not exempt from paying VAT on purchases. Tourists can claim back the VAT paid on items taken out of the country with a total value exceeding R250,00. The VAT can be claimed at airports and/or harbours of departure as well as customs offices. Visitors should present the following documents at VAT Refund Administration Offices and Customers Offices: Original tax invoices, a VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport, and all items on which VAT is being reclaimed.

Electricity Convertors Power systems are generally 220/230 volts AC, 50 cycles, except in Pretoria, where the currency is 250 volts AC.

Vaccinations Although South Africa boasts excellent medical facilities, all treatments must be paid for, so you should purchase travel insurance for your stay. Tap water is safe to drink throughout South Africa. Swimming is safe at beaches along the entire coastline. As the Bilharzia parasite may be present in rivers and lakes in the Eastern and Northern regions swimming is discouraged in these areas.

Clothing Lightweight clothing during South African summer and in winter a jacket or coat may be needed particularly in the evenings. Neutral colours are recommended for game reserves.

Tipping Standard practice in South African restaurants and hotels.

Telecommunications The international code for South Africa is 27, which should be preceded by the international prefix of 011 if calling from the US. When dialing from outside South Africa omit the 0 at the beginning of the area code, but use it when dialing within the country. Public phones are either coin or card operated. Telephone cards are available at post offices and airports. Cellular telephones are readily available.

Time Throughout the year standard time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of central European Winter Time and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time.

Metric Conversions

Temperatures

• C to F multiply (x) by 1.8 and add 32
• F to C subtract 32 and x by 5/9

Safety Tips

On the street Do not publicise your valuables, e.g. jewellery and camera. Do not carry large amounts of cash - it is recommended that you make use of credit cards Avoid dark places at night and if you need any information a policeman or officer will be Glad to assist you. Your hotel or nearest tourism office will recommend a reliable taxi if needed.

In the Car Please ensure that your doors are locked and do not leave your window more than 5cm open. Always wear your seatbelt. Do not display your valuables in the car. Lock them in the boot. Be aware of your surroundings when you stop at a robot or stop street.

On the Beach Swim only at beaches manned by lifeguards and stay between the beacons. Do not bring valuables along to the beach. Use adequate sun protection cream.

Visiting sites in rural areas Establish how to observe the cultural protocol of that area and only used recognized tourism transport and registered, qualified tour guides. Do not pick up strangers.

Accommodation Please do not leave your luggage unattended. Make use of the safety deposit box at the reception to store all your valuables. Always keep your room locked - whether you are in or out.

At the airport Always keep your bags close to you where you can see them. It is a good idea to try and put locks on your luggage.