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Welcome to the Mother City of South Africa
Welcome to Cape Town, the most cosmopolitan region in South Africa, an area considered the most beautiful in Africa.
The traditions and culture of the Indonesian, Indian, French, German, British and Dutch settlers, the indigenous San and Khoisan inhabitants, and the African tribes have given this region its unique character.
The majestic Table Mountain flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head dominate the skyline of the mother city of South Africa from its flat-topped summit there are extensive breathtaking and spectacular views of Cape Town and its environs.
The coastline with its attractive beaches, the magnificent countryside with its numerous fertile and lush valleys and picturesque farms, the unique and distinctive fynbos and wild flowers together with its characteristic Mediterranean climate and friendly people make the Western Cape a perfect destination for any vacation.
Essential information
CLIMATE
The climate is generally Mediterranean, with warm dry summers and moist winters except the semi-desert Karoo region which has dry winters and low summer rain fall.
CONCERVATION
Recreational activities are regulated within Table Mountain National Park in order to minimise environmental damage and it is ILLEGAL to:
To remove anything (e.g. plants, animals and rocks), harm plants and animals or feeding of animals Be within 300m of whales or dolphins Fish without a permit Light a fire other than where designated
LANGUAGE
South Africa has 11 official languages. English, Afrikaans, Xhosa are the most common in the Western Cape. Our company have staff fluent in German, French and Italian.
COMMUNICATION
Public telephones accept coins (blue boxes) or phone cards (green boxes). Coins accepted: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, and R5.
Phone Cards are available at most shops, establishments, in denominations of R15, R20, R50, R100, and R200 and are only valid in South Africa.
Cellular phones can be hired at the airport and from most retail cellular phone outlet.
Networks in South Africa are: Vodacom (Partnership with Vodaphone), MTN and Cell C.
Internet Cafes are available in most towns.
Post Office Operating Hours
Weekdays: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesdays: 9am - 4:30 pm
Saturdays: 8am - 12pm
TIME DIFFERENCES (HRS)
GMT +2
Central – European Winter Time +1
Eastern – Standard Winter Time +7
CURRENCY
The Rand (R)
R1 = 100 cents
Coin denominations: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5
Banknote denominations: R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, commercial banks, Rennies Travel or American Express and many hotels provide exchange facilities for guests. (Commission varies.)
BANKING
Branches of major national banks (and ATM’s) are found in most towns.
Banking Hours
Weekdays: 9am – 3:30pm
Saturdays: 8:30/ 9am -11am
DISTANCES AND TEMPERATURE CONVERSIONS
1 km =0.6214 miles
10°C = 50°F
20°C = 68°F
30°C = 86°F
CHILDREN
Parks and amusement (Ratanga Junction) parks are available
SAFETY TIPS
Avoid the unnecessary display of valuables and keep to well – lit areas at night. Ask locals about areas should be avoided as you move in and around the region. In crowded areas, be vigilant of street children, pickpockets and bag snatchers.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Safety & Security situation: 10111
General Emergency: 107
Consumer related problems: 0800 007 081
DISABLED FACILITIES
Most establishments are disabled – friendly.
The national carrier (South African Airways) has Passenger aid Units
At all major airports and most car – rental companies offer hand – control vehicles.
ELECTRICITY
Power: 220/230 volts AC
Plug points: 15 amp, round pin, three – point (European plugs require additional adaptor plugs). Many hotels have 100 – volt outlets for electric shavers.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Cholera and Smallpox vaccinations are not necessary. If arriving from a tallow- fever zone, a valid international inoculation certificate is required.
MEDICAL
There is no national health scheme. Travel insurance is recommended which covers medical expenses.
Operating Hours:
Pharmacies: 9am – 5:30pm (Weekdays)
Doctors: 9am-12 and 2pm – 5:30pm (Weekdays); and 9 am to noon (Saturdays).
SHOPPING
Trading hours: 9am – 5pm (Weekdays):
9am -1pm (Saturdays)
Most major shopping centres are open until 5pm on Saturdays and on Sundays until 1pm or 3pm. Canal Walk at Century city and the V&A Waterfront are open until 9pm.
TAX REFUNDS
Value Added Tax (VAT) is 14%. Visitors qualify for a VAT refund if the total value exceeds R250. This can be claimed back at airports, harbours and customs offices. An original tax invoice, a VAT – refund control sheet and a foreign passport are required. The items purchased must also be presented.
RESTAURANTS
The average amount a 3 course meal will set you back at: R100.
Soft drinks: R7 – R12
Water (500ml) R8
TERMINOLOGY
Baai: Strand or Bay
Berg: Mountain
Biltong: Beef jerky: strips of lean, sun dried meat.
Bokkoms: Salted dried fish
Boerekos: Traditional farm food
Braai: Barbeque
Crayfish: Lobster
Dorp: Small town
Droêwors: Sun - dried sausage
Kerk: Church
Township: An urban area inhabited by non- white citizens, formerly designated by the apartheid segregation laws
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