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TOURIST
INFORMATION |
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Time |
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South Africa is seven hours ahead of Eastern
Standard (Winter) Time and two hours ahead of
Greenwich Mean Time. GMT + two hours |
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Currency |
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The currency in South Africa is the Rand.
Denominations include the following coins: 1c, 2c,
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 |
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Water |
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Water in South Africa is safe to drink |
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Airports |
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South Africa has three International Airports :
Johannesburg International Airport (JNB), Cape Town
International Airport (CPT) and Durban International
Airport (DBN) |
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Distances |
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Distances throughout South Africa are given in
kilometers. One mile is equivalent to 1.62
kilometers. |
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Driving |
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Driving is done on the left hand side of the road.
With an excellent network of roads, South Africa is
a great destination for self-drive as well as coach
tours. |
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Public Transport |
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Various forms of public transport exists in Cape
Town. Minibus taxis – the most common mode of
transport - are the cheapest option. Rail links
exist to all major Cape Town destinations, take note
- not always the safest option, especially after
dark an alternative option would be a car rental
service.
Day time, regular taxis or a fun mode of commute is
a tiny open van 'Rikki' for Asian-style transport. |
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Electric Current |
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The Electrical Current in South Africa is 220/240
volts. International adapters are available at most
hotels and selected shops. |
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Temperatures &
Climate |
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Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius
(Centigrade). Seasons in Cape Town: Winter (July -
August) is relatively cold and wet and summer
(November - March) is hot. Take note – a change is
noticeable during winters in Cape Town as
temperatures are slowly rising and days become
clearer and drier. Traveling during this time, it
is advised that you consider packing a pair of
shorts in the event the weather allows you to go to
the beach.
Temperatures range between 7 and 18 degrees
Celsius in winter and can reach up to 35 degrees
Celsius in summer. The Cape Doctor, a south easterly
wind, generally reduces the temperature to more
acceptable levels. Bearing in mind that Cape Town's
weather can be temperamental at times therefore
cater for all seasons |
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Religion |
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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 |
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Languages |
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South Africa currently has 11 official languages.
English is spoken throughout the country. French,
Italian and German are spoken by staff members in
many of the larger hotels and shops that cater to
the tourist markets. |
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Best time to visit |
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Cape Town's busiest time is from December, Christmas
to late January, and high season is during the rest
of summer (November to February). Low season
normally the rainy winter season (June to August).
Easter and the different calendar school holidays
are also the busiest times. |
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