And Useful
Information
Mike
Bosch Tours
P O Box 27365
Rhine Road
Cape Town. 8050
South Africa
Tel +27 82-459-6661
Email: info@mikeboschtours.co.za
Useful Tourist Information
Payment
Advance
payments and deposits can be made via PayPal or Electronic Bank
Transfer.
Time
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. GMT +2
hours.
Currency
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Denominations include the
following coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5; and notes: R10, R20,
R50, R100, R200.
Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted in most places in
South Africa
ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) offer a complete 24 hour service.
International credit cards can be used in machines displaying
International credit card logos (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus).
Cash can be drawn at these machines but please note: there is a
daily limit.
Water
Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. Bottled water is readily
available.
Distances
Distances throughout South Africa are given in kilometres. One mile
is equivalent to 1.62 kilometres.
Driving
Driving is done on the left hand side of the road, with an excellent
network of roads.
Public Transport
Public transport in South Africa is almost non-existent. All the
major centres and airports in SA have metered taxis.
Electric Current
The Electrical Current in South Africa is 220/240 volts.
International adapters are available at most hotels and selected
shops.
Temperatures
Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (Centigrade).
Religion
Most South Africans are Christians with the largest denominations
being Anglican (Church of England) , Roman Catholic and Dutch
Reformed. There are also large Jewish and Muslim communities.
Hotel Information
Check-in times On average check in is at 14h00 and check-out time
around 11h00 although it is advisable to confirm this with
reception.
Storage Facilities Hotels often have storage facilities for bags
if needed prior to departure.
Concierge desk Most hotels have a concierge desk that can
recommend and arrange restaurants and transport.
Porters Available at almost every hotel and are most helpful. It
is customary to tip porters*
Safe deposit Most hotels offer either in the rooms or at
reception- enquire on arrival.
Laundry Most hotels offer a laundry service. We recommend that you
enquire on arrival at reception
Mini-bars Often rooms have these available. Pease note: This is an
extra and will be billed to your own account.
Tipping
Tipping is discretionary and appreciated in South Africa.
Porters: ± R8.00 per person unless five star hotels where
approximately R20.00 is expected
Taxis: 10 %.
Waiters and Waitresses: 10% to 15% depending on the level of
service.
Driver/Tourist guides and coach drivers: ± R20.00 per passenger per
day.
Safety
All countries have crime, and it is up to the individual to follow
safe and secure procedures in order to reduce the risk of any
unfortunate incidences. Normal safety precautions should be
exercised in South Africa as with anywhere else in the world.
Here are some tips for you to follow to keep you safe at all times:
Always choose well-lit busy streets and avoid isolated areas
Check with your hotel which areas are safe to walk in and when
When walking in the street be on guard against pick pockets
Never walk alone walk in groups of four if possible
Lock your passports and any other valuables in the hotel safe
Do not carry large amounts of money around
Do not draw attention to yourself by flaunting large amounts of
cash or jewellery
Always keep your baggage or handbag close at hand
Do
NOT accept assistance from strangers at ATMs.
Police emergency Number: Dial 10111
Banking and Shopping Hours
Most banks are open from 09h00 15h30, Mondays to Fridays; and
08h30-11h00 on Saturdays.
Currency Exchange kiosk are available at most major centres like
airports and shopping centres and are open for longer hours
Shops open from 09.00 to 17.00 Mondays to Fridays and from 08.30 -
14.00 on Saturdays, although in the main centres, opening hours are
likely to be longer. Shopping Malls have extended trading hours. All
shops at Cape Towns Victoria & Alfred Waterfront trade from 09:00
to 21:00, 7days per week.
VAT
Value Added Tax is currently at 14%, and is levied on most items and
services. You can claim VAT back on goods that you have purchased
here and taking it out of the country. VAT is only refunded if the
cumulative total amount of your purchases amount to ZAR250 or more.
VAT refunds are made at the airport of your international departure.
You need to provide the original VAT invoice, the goods, your
passport, and airline ticket at the VAT refund counter.
Clothing what to bring
South Africa is a very casual country and in general this applies to
most places you visit.
In summer, lightweight clothing is the norm and in winter, a warm
jacket or coat may be needed, particularly in the evenings. Dress
codes for eating out is generally casual except when specified as
formal.
Health
Visitors to the Kruger National Park and game reserves in Kwa
Zulu-Natal should take a course of anti-malaria tablets before
entering these areas. Consult your doctor for appropriate
medication.
In a malaria region, avoid wearing perfume or after-shave. Wear long
sleeves and long trousers at night. While South Africa boasts
excellent private medical facilities. Medical Insurance is
recommended to cover the cost of any treatment should it be
necessary.
Medical Facilities
The standard of medical care in private hospitals and clinics
throughout South Africa are excellent, comparing favourably with
first world countries. Most hotels have a list of doctors, whose
numbers may also be found in the "medical" section of telephone
directories.
Postal Services
Stamps are available from post offices, reception desks at most
hotels and central news agencies.
Telephone Information
South Africas international dialling code is 27. To make
international calls from South Africa you need to dial 00
followed by the country code. International dialling codes are
listed in the front section of all telephone directories.
