South African facts,
tips & handy links!

Cape Town >> | Weather and Climate >> | Communication >>
Water >> | Money Matters >>| Driver's License >> | Culture >> | Safety >> | Travel >>
Explore and discover >> | Cash & ATM Machines >> | Emergency Number >>
Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs >> | Public Holidays >> | Electrical Adaptors >> | What to Pack >> | Useful Websites >>

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Cape Town

Cape Town is a place of majestic mountains; of wide, sandy beaches, beautiful valleys and a kaleidoscope of unforgettable vistas. It is synonymous with fun and adventure, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse rainbow nation – it’s an absolute paradise waiting to be shared.

Population:

The population of Cape Town is estimated at 4,8 million.

South Africa’s population is estimated at 47,9 million (2007), with Africans in the majority at about 38 million.

Languages:

11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho sa Leboa, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.

Most commonly used in Cape Town: Afrikaans (55%), Xhosa (24%) and English (19%).

Religion:

Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and a small number who regard themselves as traditionalists of no specific religious affiliation.

Government:

Democratic since 1994

Time Zone:

GMT + 2

Currency:

South African Rand (R)

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Weather and Climate

The Western Cape climate is typically Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summers can become very hot, but light jackets may be required to safeguard against the wind-chill factor. Winters can become cold, especially in the evenings and early mornings.

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Communication

The country code for South Africa is 27 followed by the area code, which is 21 for Cape Town.

Land-line:

Telkom is the only land-line service provider in South Africa.

Public telephones use either coins or phone-cards which may be purchased from post-offices, stationery shops or cafés.

Cellular:

The major cellular telephone companies are Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Virgin Mobile. It is advisable to bring your own phone and purchase a local SIM card, although international roaming is possible with major networks.

Stamps:

Stamps can be bought from post offices or at most stationers. An independent postal service is offered by a group of stores known as Postnet. They offer slightly cheaper rates for overseas mail.

Internet:

Internet cafés are widely available in all major centres.

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Water

There are only 12 countries in the world that supply tap water that is fit for drinking, and South Africa is one of them. Our tap water quality is rated third best overall in the world.

Remember: South Africa is a drought-stricken country. Always close taps/faucets after use.

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Money matters Credit Card:

VISA and Mastercard are accepted.

You will need a credit card to do most booking procedures, e.g. car rental.

ATM Card:

ATM cards work in automatic tellers in South Africa if your financial institution is linked to the Cirrus or Maestro global network services. The logo is normally displayed on the back of your ATM card.

Travelers’ Cheques:

Travelers’ Cheques, preferably in US Dollars, are safe and easy to carry.

Bureau de Change offices are limited to the bigger centres, however cheques can be redeemed at most banks, International airports, shopping malls etc.

Cash:

It is a good idea to bring some cash with you, especially if you are placed in a rural area.

However, it is advisable to arrange weekly trips to ATMs to draw additional cash.

Remember, poverty is real in South Africa.

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Driver’s License

Required if you wish to drive anywhere or rent a car through a hire-car company.

You will not be allowed to drive without one.

South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Generally, the speed limits range from 60km/h in residential areas to a maximum of 120km/h on national highways. Pay attention to the signs in this regard.

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Culture

In Cape Town you will find a mix of cultures, with a diverse range of customs and lifestyles – third world living next to first world. Travelling through and living in South Africa are at opposite ends of the pole and it will take some time to get used to the different aspects of daily life.

African Time’ is a concept that will take some getting used to, with life not falling into the well-structured routine of most overseas countries. Patience will stand you in good stead, as will tolerance of other people. Volunteering Hands will be there at all stages to assist, encourage and explain!

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Safety

Crime in South Africa's major cities, like in many countries has received much negative publicity. It is a real problem, but can be avoided by observing a few basic safety recommendations, by treating people with respect and mostly by using your common sense.

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Travel:
- Store parcels out of sight (e.g. in the trunk of the car)
- Never leave luggage unattended
- Never agree to carry luggage for a stranger
- Obtain a route map before you set out and plan your route in advance
- Never pick up strangers or get into strangers’ vehicles
- Always drive with your doors locked and your windows closed.
- Never leave articles, e.g. cellphones or bags, in clear view of people or on a seat

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Explore & Discover:
- Explore in groups and stick to well-lit streets, especially at night
- Never travel with valuables, especially jewellery
- Never accept food or drink from strangers
- Keep phones, wallets and cameras out of sight.
- Separate your cash and credit cards and don’t carry all your cash with you
- Park in well-lit areas

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Cash and ATM machines:
- Never allow strangers to assist you in your transactions or at Automated Teller Machines
- Never disclose confidential banking details – ever!
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times

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Police emergency number (10111)
If you are using a cellphone, dial 112 for emergency services.

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Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs

Although smoking and alcohol is acceptable in South Africa, it is not allowed at the majority of projects.

In South Africa alcohol abuse one of the major contributing factors of havoc in a people’s personal, social and work life. It is linked to a staggering proportion of criminal activity and fatal car accidents.

For this reason it is viewed in a dim light.

All drugs are prohibited in South Africa. The South African authorities have a zero tolerance policy with regard to drugs and should you be caught in possession of, or under the influence of any illegal substance you could end up in jail. South African jails are not pleasant.

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Public Holidays

Note: Whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday

1 January > New Year's Day
21 March > Human Rights Day
Friday before Easter Sunday > Good Friday
Monday after Easter >Sunday Family Day
27 April > Freedom Day
1 May> Worker's Day
16 June > Youth Day
9 August > National Women's Day
24 September > Heritage Day
16 December > Day of Reconciliation
25 December > Christmas Day
26 December > Day of Goodwill

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Electrical Adaptors

South Africa works on a 210V / system, with three-pin plugs.

Adapters are available from travel goods shops and many department stores.

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What to pack Clothing: - Shorts
- Jeans, Skirt
- T-shirts or vest tops for dirty work
- Trousers / skirt for going out
- Shirt for going out
- Long-sleeved top / shirt
- Lightweight waterproof windbreaker or jacket (summer)
- Fleece or warm jacket (winter)
- Underwear and sleepwear
- Socks
- Sandals / flip-flops
- Casual shoes (trainers / sneakers)
- Hiking boots
- Hat or cap (summer)
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Beanie and gloves (winter)
Toiletries: - Sunscreen, lip balm, after-sun
- Mosquito repellent
- Personal first-aid kit (headache tables, pain killer, anti-histamines, antiseptic,
  anti-diarrhoea, plaster, bandage etc)
- Remember: All medication requires a doctor’s prescription
- Documentation
Remember to pack a certified copy of the following documentation: - Passport
- Visa
- Driver’s License
- Insurance certificates
- Proof of recommended inoculations
Other Handy Things: - Small daypack / travel bag
- Secure and waterproof bag for money and documents
- Money belt
- Travel diary or notebook and pen
Technical: (Remember to bring chargers!) - Cellphone
- Camera
- MP3 Player / iPod
- Torch
- Alarm Clock
- Binoculars

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Useful Websites:

Gateway to the South African Nation
http://www.southafrica.info

Currency Converter:
http://www.xe.com

Find, organise and share photos with:
http://picasa.google.com/

Take a taxi in Cape Town:
http://www.rikkis.co.za

Explore Cape Town
http://www.citysightseeing.co.za

Your alternative tour company
www.daytrippers.co.za

Life is a journey – why not make it an adventure
www.adventureshop.co.za/

My Carbon Footprint
http://www.myfootprint.org