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General Info
BANKING
Most banks open 09h00 to 15h30, Monday to Friday, and on Saturday from 09h00 to 11h00. CURRENCY
Unit of currency is the Rand (ZAR), subdivided into 100 cents.
Bank notes: ZAR 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as ZAR 1, 2 & 5. CELLPHONES/ MOBILE PHONES
Mobile service providers in South Africa use the GSM system, if your mobile phone is GSM compatible you have organize international roaming. If this is not possible you can hire a cellphone from the airport.CREDIT CARDS
Most credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. POST OFFICES
Monday - Friday 08h30 - 16h30, Sat 08h00 - 12h00. SHOPS
Opening times vary. General guidelines are: Mon - Fri 08h30 - 17h00, Sat 08h30 - 13h00. ELECTRICITY
220/250 V AC, 50 Hz.
Plugs have 3 round pins. Bathroom plugs have 2 pins. INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL DIALLING
The international dialling prefix is +27. Please remember to remove the zero from the area code if you are dialling from outside South Africa. For local calls the zero must be dialed. LANGUAGES
There are eleven official languages but English is widely spoken in most areas of the country. LOCAL TAX
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a minimum of 14% that is included in the price of most services and goods. As a tourist you can claim your VAT back on goods and not services at the airport or shopping malls before you leave. To claim your VAT you will need the original tax invoice, your passport, your air ticket and the goods that come to a cost of ZAR 250. PETROL
To fill up your car get to to a Petrol Station (a garage) and get petrol (gas). Most petrol stations only accept cash and not credit cards. RESERVATIONS
South Africa has become a popular tourist destination and planning in advance is advisable, make reservations so that you avoid any disappointment.SAFETY
When traveling you need to take safety precautions, avoid traveling alone and wearing too much jewellery that may attract the attention of thieves. If you want to carry a camera, carry a small one. Avoid carrying large sums of money on you. SMOKING
Smoking has been banned in many public places in South Africa and is still a sensitive issue. In many restaurants there are designated smoking areas, but check with the establishment before lighting a cigarette. TAXIS
Cannot be hailed on the street, but must be ordered by telephone. TIME DIFFERENCE
In South Africa has only one time zone that is 2 hours ahead of GMT. TIPPING
Approximately 10%. WATER
Drinking water is safe in towns and hotels. A large variety of bottled water is available. Don't drink from, or swim in, rivers or dams. VISAS & PASSPORTS
Entering the country is easy and hassle free provided that you have a valid passport and in some cases a visa. Visitors from Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, most Commonwealth and Western Europe countries have a 90 day permit.
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RSA - 08610 GUIDE(48433) 
UK - (020) 8123 6250 
USA - (914) 595 1750 
Aus - (03) 9018 5250
