South African travel tips, safety tips, currency and weather

Travel Tips

American Express World Service Call Centre
American Express is providing a dedicated 24/7 Worldwide Service Call Centre for all American Express Cardmembers and Travelers Cheque customers from 1st June - 31st July 2010. To ensure your peace of mind, you can call us on 0860 10 2639 or +27 117 104 750 to report lost/stolen cards or travelers cheques as well as obtain information on late night pharmacies, police, hospitals, doctors and embassies. The Call Centre will also help you find your nearest ATMs, banks, or Selects^SM merchants as well as some recommendations of our favourite restaurants and hotels.

American Express® Cards and American Express® Travelers Cheques
Both are acceptable forms of payment at most businesses throughout South Africa.

Between 1st June - 31st July Nedbank are offering 0% commission on encashment of American Express Traveler's Cheques (usually 1.45%) and if you buy your American Express Traveler's Cheques in any Nedbank Forex branch you will receive them commission-free* (usually 1.45%).
*other rates and fees still apply - see www.nedbank.co.za for details.

Nedbank American Express® Travel Card
The Nedbank American Express Travel Card is the smart alternative to cash when travelling in South Africa. There is none of the risk of carrying cash and because it’s pre-loaded, you determine your spending limit. You can even benefit from all the eligible Selects offers in South Africa when you use the card at any of the participating merchants. American Express Cardmembers who take out the card in South Africa from June to August 2010 will receive the card fee-free (usually R50) at all Nedbank Foreign Exchange branches.
Find out more.

American Express Travelers Cheques

	Welcomed around the world. Available in numerous currencies and denominations, and can be exchanged at banks, hotels, foreign exchange bureaus and American Express Travel Services locations.
	Find an exchange location. Search for convenient locations to exchange your Travelers Cheques for local currency here, before, during and after your trip.
	Worldwide refund service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; excellent reputation for customer service; usually refunded within 24 hours
	No expiration date. Ideal for both long-haul and short trips, and can be kept for future trips

Lost and Stolen Cards:	Call your local American Express office. They will arrange a replacement Card and have it delivered directly to you within 48 hours.
Banking hours:	Banks in South Africa are generally open Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 15:30, and on Saturdays from 08:30 to 12:00.
Currency:	The currency is the Rand (ZAR). Notes denominations are in R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. Note that there are two types of R5 coins in circulation. Both types are legal tender.
VAT (Value-added tax):	14% VAT is added to the price of most goods, accommodation and services. As a tourist you are able to retain receipts for purchases to the value of R250 or more, in order to claim VAT back on your departure.
Shopping:	Most major shopping centres and malls are open 7 days a week from 09:00 to 17:00. In some cases, Sunday shopping hours are from 09:00 - 14:00 and in some smaller towns shops are closed on a Sunday.
Tipping:	Tipping is an accepted custom in South Africa. A guideline would be to tip porters R5 per item, taxis 10% and waitrons 10 – 15%.
Time difference:	South Africa is +1 hour BST and +2 hours GMT South Africa is +8 hours EST World time zones.
Weather and seasons:	South Africa’s typically warm weather conditions are caused by the country’s subtropical location, moderated by ocean on three sides and the altitude of the interior plateau. Famous for its sunshine, South Africa is a relatively dry country with an average annual rainfall of about 464mm (compared to a world average of about 860mm). While the Western Cape is wet and cold in winter and dry and hot in summer, the rest of the country is dry and cold in winter and wet and hot in summer. The summer season generally lasts from October to February, while the winter months fall between May and July.
Transport:	For the most part, getting around in South Africa is fairly easy. In major cities, formal public transport such as buses and trains cover basic routes. Private taxis are available in most metropolitan areas, and open-air, ‘hop on, hop off’ tour buses are also available and extremely popular in cities such as Cape Town. Many recognised car rental agencies operate in South Africa. Please note that American Express Cards are accepted for fuel at selected BP Service Stations nationally. Look out for the American Express signage to make sure you can pay with your Card.
Safety:	Although South Africa is a friendly and welcoming country in general, like in many other travel destinations, it is recommended that you take precautions against crime and theft. If possible, try not to carry large amounts of cash with you, and be discreet with expensive items such as cameras and jewellery. Walking in deserted areas is advised against, as is driving without locking your doors. Try to park in well-lit areas and please remember to leave any belongings in the boot or trunk as opposed to on the seats or in the open.
Handy websites:	Tourism information South African Weather Service Interactive, researchable South African map World time zones. Tips for safe banking in South Africa
Important phone numbers:	South Africa’s country dialling code from abroad is 0027. The area code for Johannesburg is 011, Cape Town 021 and Durban 031. If you want to dial, for example, the number of the South African Tourism Head Office from outside of South Africa, you would dial 0027 11 895 3000. SA Tourism Head Office: 011 895 3000 Police: 10111 Ambulance/fire brigade: 10177 Cape Town Mountain Rescue: 021 948 9900 National Sea Rescue: 021 449 3500 Any emergency from cell phone: 112
Craft markets:	Items sold at South African craft markets are varied and can range from traditional beaded necklaces and clay pots to eco-friendly bags made from recycled material and fruit bowls made of colourful wire. At the Rooftop Market at Johannesburg's Rosebank Mall, and at its African Craft Market, work from all over the continent jostles for buyers' attention. Locals and foreign travelers flock to Cape Town's Waterfront Craft Market, the country's largest indoor market, which can be found wedged between the V & A Waterfront and the Two Oceans Aquarium. Also in Cape Town, the Pan African Market offers three floors of African masks, clothing, wooden figurines, paintings and other African-inspired curios. The Mgwali Village Market in Stutterheim and the Mzamba Village Market near Port Edward both focus on Xhosa crafts, such as beaded dresses and wraps, jewellery, woven items and paintings. If you're in Mpumalanaga, the Kruger National Park's road-side markets focus on Swazi, Tsonga and Sotho traditional crafts. Look out for the four markets near the Numbi, Kruger, Phalaborwa and Punda Maria gates for a taste of authentic local crafts. You’ll have to pay with cash at these markets – but be prepared to haggle. It’s part of the fun! Also make sure that you look after your valuables.

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