ESSENTIAL INFO GARDEN ROUTE - SOUTH AFRICA

EMERGENCY TEL NO. WHEN IN GARDEN ROUTE (+27 International)

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES ON THE GARDEN ROUTE

ELECTRICITY

220 / 230 Volts AC at 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.

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.

Most International cards such as American Express , Diners, Master Card and Visa are accepted as well as Traveler’s Cheques.

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

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.