ESSENTIAL INFO DURBAN - SOUTH AFRICA

EMERGENCY TEL NO. WHEN IN DURBAN (+27 31 International)

TOURIST INFORMATION

POPULATION

ELECTRICITY

220 / 240 Volts, 50 Hz

TIME

Standard Time 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time. 10 Hours behind New Zealand Winter Time, 8 Hours behind Australian Winter Time.

CLIMATE

Subtropical, fairly constant all year round with high humidity levels on the coast during summer. Inland areas more temperate. Swimming in sea can be enjoyed all year, as the warm waters of the Indian Ocean rarely fall below 17º Celsius.

CURRENCY

Based on Rand ( R ) consisting of 100 cents. Bank notes issued in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. In early 2002 the Rand exchanged R11 to the Dollar and R16 to the pound.

VALUE ADDED TAX ( VAT )

Value Added Tax currently at 14%, is levied on market / quoted price on most goods offered for sale and hospitality services. Refunds of VAT paid for goods ( not services ) may be claimed by foreign tourists, provided total claim exceeds R250 and goods are being taken with them out of South Africa. Tax Invoices and actual goods presented as proof. Details and procedures obtainable at Airports and Satour offices.

HEALTH

Precautions must be taken when visiting the hot north-eastern region of Kwazulu-Natal, as Malaria is endemic to some areas, and anti-malarial drugs are recommended from October to May. While tap water at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places is purified and safe to drink, water in lakes or slow - moving streams in outlying areas may contain harmful organisms, including bilharzia and cholera.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Good hospitals and medical services in most urban and tourist areas. While major credit cards are usually accepted, cash may sometimes be required, and medical insurance should be taken out before visiting the country.

SAFETY

Although the city is generally safe, caution should be exercised when both visiting the beachfront and market areas in the central district, where pickpocketing can occur. As theft from cars and hijackings do occasionally occur, be sensible – lock doors and close windows when driving in the city, especially at night, and don’t leave cell phones and wallets exposed. Remember it is far better to surrender your possession than confront a would-be thief or hijacker.

TIPPING

Between 10 and 15 percent usually given to waiters, housekeeping staff, tour guides, taxi drivers and porters.

TRANSPORT

Airline Information

The main airport is DURBAN INTERNATIONAL, situated about 15 minutes south of the city centre, with a shuttle service between the airport and the SAA terminal in the CBD.

Car Hire

A valid driving license, held for at least five years, is necessary to hire a car in South Africa. It is advisable to leave your rental car in secure, off-road parking, especially at night, as theft may occur out of motor vehicles left unattended

Taxis

Taxis are not “hailed” as in some countries, but must be booked in advance.

Local Buses

Shuttle Services

Tuk-Tuks offer short hops between the beachfront and the CBD

Coach Services

Rail Services

While buses, taxis or cars are usually faster and more convenient for getting about in the Durban Metropolitan area and further afield, rail services connect Durban with Kwazulu-Natal South Coast and all major centers in South Africa. The main Railway Station is situated in Umgeni Rd.

Consulates