Safety
The Western Cape, Cape Town and the Winelands are as safe as any other major world city. Logical thinking and avoidance of moving in dubious areas should keep you safe from harm, as with anywhere, be sensible and think as you would at home.
Africa is no more or less safe than any other country in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. Avoid dark areas at night, and park in well lit public places. Always lock your car when you leave it and lock valuables in the boot or leave them at your accommodation for safe keeping.
Don't have lots of jewelry and valuables on show. If you must carry your passport and/or money, keep them in a button-down pocket.
For more advice ask your hotel, guesthouse or tour guide.
Currency, Money & Travel Documents
The local currency in South Africa is the RAND. As an example - R1000.00 (one thousand rand). For more information on exchange rates, click here
Facilities to change currency are readily available including in shopping malls and banks.
Most major credit cards are acceptable and there is a good network of ATM’s. There are banks and ATMs in all the towns, in most villages and in the larger petrol stations. All large hotels, restaurants and shops accept Visa and MasterCard credit cards although American Express is not commonly accepted.
Don't allow strangers to assist you with your ATM transactions. If your card gets stuck, immediately call that ATMs helpline number.
Travel with certifiued copies of your valuable documents and keep originals in a safe place.
Countersign no more than half your travellers cheques, and seperate cash, cards and cheques and don't carry them all with you at all times.
Water
In South Africa it is safe to drink tap water, however mineral water, both sparkling and still is of course available.
Driving
Driving in South Africa is on the left, the same as in the UK. Remember to bring your Drivers Licence if you want to hire a car.
Remember all drivers will need a valid driving licence and in South Africa are required by law in to carry an identity document (e.g. a passport) and driving licence at all times. It is compulsory to carry a translation of your drivers licence, if it has been printed in a language other than English.
The roads are generally good and, once away from major towns, relatively free of traffic.
If you are travelling on dirt roads, reduce your speed and leave space when following other vehicles as you may miss braking lights or traffic signs in the dust storm from the vehicle in front. Be careful on dirt roads after heavy rain as the surface can be slippery. In rural areas, look our for animals in the road. Such as goats and cattle. Seat belts should be worn, speed limits should be obeyed and European drink-drive standards apply.
There are plenty of petrol stations, but it is advisable to fill up once the tank is around half empty, particularly in the more remote areas. Petrol stations do not take credit cards, so make sure you have cash to hand. Many petrol stations will have an ATM machine.
Medical
Medical facilities are of an exceptionally high standard at any private hospital. Private insurance cover should be obtained prior to traveling.
Pharmaceuticals are readily available. Both local and overseas brands. These are available at pharmacies throughout the country. You do not need to bring your own supply of non scheduled medicines.
Malaria is not a problem in the Western and Eastern Cape. If you are traveling to other part of the country, check with your health authorities.
Tax
A value added tax (VAT) is applied at 14% to all purchases. This tax is refundable to foreign visitors provided that your invoices are in excess of R250. You can claim this back by producing your invoices as well as your purchases at the airport prior to departure.
Tips & Gratuities
It is customary to tip caddies, taxi drivers, waiters and people employed in most service industries. Tips are seldom included in the price in South Africa.
An accepted average is between 10% to 15%.
Porters in hotels and airports receive between R5 to R7 per piece of luggage.
Electrical Appliances
South Africa operates on 220-240 volts 50 Hz alternating current.
Plugs are mainly of the round three pin variety, but we also have a two-pin plug.
If you use 110 volts, a converter is required. Adaptors are available in most hotels, luggage stores and electrical stores.
Dining Out
Cape Town has a fine choice of restaurants. Being a cosmopolitan city the choices are unlimited. Amongst your choices are typical African cuisine as well.
Stellenbosch has both a great cafe culture and some fantastic restuarants - both in the town and on the wonderful wine estates around.
Seven out of ten of South Africa’s top restaurants can be found in the Western Cape, click here for more information
Most restaurants, especially those on wine estates are not open on a Monday in the Stellenbosch region. In Franschhoek, they are still open on Monday - for instance on wine tours, we often eat in Franshhoek on a Monday lunch therefore.
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is used predominantly, especially for business and is spoken throughout the country.
Communications
Public telephones are well distributed. They operate on coins or a phone card may be purchased. To phone internationally dial 00 before the required number. If you are to receive calls in South Africa the prefix is +27 followed by 21 for the Cape Town aream including the Winelands.
Internet facilities are available at many hotels as well as internet cafes spread throughout Cape Town & Stellenbosch.
Accommodation
An abundance of top hotels and fantastic guest houses are available. It is suggested that you book well in advance especially during peak season which is from November to April.
Click here for more information
Opening Hours
In Stellenbosch, normal shop and tasting room opening hours are until 5pm.
On the weekend, some shops close at lunch time (banks at 11am) and on a Sunday only the "tourist" shops are open.
Some wine estates close on a Sunday - but not all! There are still plenty to choose from for a wine tour, but if you have a particular estate you want to visit, please let us know when booking.
If you are looking to hire a car on a Sunday, please book in advance to organise collection, as car hire shops are not generally open on a Sunday. For quality vehicles, service and great prices, click here for car hire options.
Weather
Like everywhere else these days, the weather in South Africa can be unpredictable. The following is a guide only.
Spring - Sep/Oct/Nov: The Western Cape should be warming up as the rainy season comes to an end. In KZN, Mpumalanga and Swaziland, it should also be warming up, with the rainy season starting in Oct/Nov.
Summer - Dec/Jan/Feb: The Western Cape should be hot and sunny as it is the dry season. In KZN, Mpumalanga and Swaziland, it should also be hot and sunny, with possible thunderstorms in the afternoons. The north coast and Kruger areas are likely to be humid.
Autumn - Mar/Apr/May: The Western Cape should be warm, sunny and mainly dry. It should also be warm and sunny in KZN, Mpumalanga and Swaziland with possible thunderstorms in the afternoon. Not so humid in the north coast and Kruger areas.
Winter - June/Jul/Aug: The Western Cape should be relatively warm but can be very wet and windy. In KZN, Mpumalanga and Swaziland, the days should be warm and bright, but cold at night and in the early morning.
Mountain Tips
Do not walk alone and always take a mobile phone with you, with the emergency number (112) stored in it. Always let someone know which route you are going to take and when you plan to be back.
Always take rain gear and a jersey - even up Table Mountain in the middle of Summer! When the "table cloth" cloud comes in, do not underestimate how cold it gets and how quickly! Not to mention it is very disorientating - stay where you are if you get lost.
Take water, sunblock, wear a hat and take a snack.
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