USEFUL TIPS FOR TRAVELERS

Hotel Information

Check-in times – On average check in is at 14h30 and checkout 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 tours Porters – Available at almost every hotel and are most helpful. Tipping is expected*

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 suites or certain rooms have these available. Pease note: This is an extra and will be billed to your own account.

Tipping

Porters: +- R 8.00 per person unless five star where approximately R 20 is expected
Taxis: 10 %
Waiters and Waitresses: 10%

Safety

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 – travel in groups
• 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
• 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 08.00 to 16.30 Mondays to Fridays and from 08.30 - 12.30 on Saturdays, although in the main centres, opening hours are likely to be longer. Hours may vary from province to province.

VAT

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. At game reserves try and stick to wearing neutral coloured clothing and avoid bright colours on game drives. Dress codes for eating out is generally casual except when specified as formal.

Health

Visitors to Mpumalanga, the Northern Province, the Kruger National Park and game reserves in Kwa Zulu-Natal should take a course of anti-malaria tablets before entering these zones. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication.

In a malaria region, avoid wearing perfume or after-shave. Wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. In some of the Northern and Eastern parts of South Africa the bilharzia parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams. Visitors should not drink from or bathe in these waters. The Eastern Cape is bilharzia free. While South Africa boasts excellent medical facilities, visitors should ensure they take out insurance to cover the cost of treatment should it be necessary.

Medical Facilities

Postal Services

Telephone Information

Trunk calls vary with the distance between exchanges.

A direct dialing service connects all centres and the international telephone service links south Africa with countries around the world. Cellular phones can be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Internet access is available in all but the most remote areas and broadband (ADSL) is available in the major urban areas.

Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

Sun Protection