General > Travel
Tips
Cultures
You are arriving in a country with many different cultures,
some are very “Western” whilst others appear very
strange, rather than judge, observe and remember that different
does not mean wrong.
Money Matters
- Local currency is the South African Rand.
- Most banks provide
foreign exchange facilities. There are at least 5 bureau
de changes in the Fish Hoek CBD, i.e. within
easy walking distance of the Villa.
Driving
- Driving in Cape Town is not as daunting
as in other large cities, Taxis tend to drive more recklessly
than other road users,
be aware they do pull over or stop suddenly, from our experiences
and feedback from guests make us believe that this is a
worldwide phenomena.
- Drive on the left hand side of road
- 4 Way Stop. At these intersections the first vehicle to
arrive has right of way. Please bear in mind that the motor
vehicle
must come to a complete stop.
- Traffic Lights are called robots in South Africa
- Traffic circles, give way to vehicles on the right, travel
around the circle in a clockwise direction.
- Seat Belts – It is compulsory to wear seat belts.
- Speed limits – Urban areas 60km/h, freeways 120km/h
- Fuel – You may not purchase fuel with a credit
card.
Cash or South African Petrol cards.
Electricity
- 220/230 volts, AC50Hz, International adaptors are available
from most curio shops, Should you need one whilst at the Villa,
please asks your hosts
Local Expressions
- Bakkie - a utility vehicle
- Lekker - nice
- Braai - Barbeque
- Biltong – Spiced dried meat.
- Takkies – Sneakers or sports shoes
VAT
-
All purchases made in SA are subject to a government Value
Added Tax current at a rate of 14%. On departure you may claim
a VAT
refund on items exceeding R250.00 that you take home with
you. Vat is not refundable on accommodation bills or for items
consumed
in SA.
-
Refunds are available from International
departure airport halls, you will need your original tax
invoice, your passport
and you
will need to complete a form and have the goods available
for inspection. To save time at the airport the V&A
Visitor information centre has an office to assist you
with the paper
work.
Mobile Phones
May not be used whilst driving unless you have a hands free
set.
Bring your mobile with you and buy a SIM card (cost less than
R20) in SA so that you make and receive calls at local rates.
Most accommodation establishments are doing away with phones
in rooms because of the proliferation of mobile phones.
Taxi and airport transfers
Tipping
-
Hotel and Airport Porters, R10 to R15
per piece of luggage, at the Villa assisting you with you
luggage is part of the
service, Anita says its part of Jeremy’s daily exercise routine.
Please just warn him if the luggage contains the “kitchen
sink”.
-
Restaurants – 10 to 15% is generally
left for your waiter, gratuities are generally not included
in the bill. Waiters generally
earn most of their money through tips, if their service is
bad tell them.
- Taxi drivers, 10%
-
Car guards in public car parks – R2 to R5 during the day
depending on the length of time the car is parked. You could
double these amounts for evenings. Car guards usually wear “BIBS” or
uniforms indicating that they car guards. Avoid interacting
with them other than exchanging greetings, do not let them
wash you
car as they could damage it
Safety
It is safe to walk in the streets of Fish Hoek, our children
ride bicycles to school and we walk to restaurants in the evening,
as a tourist you need to be aware of the following:
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
- Do not leave your belongings unattended.
- Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout,
Many social workers counsel against giving money to children
as it
usually gets handed over to an older figure or used to
sniff glue. If you wish to help, rather give food.
Water
There are only 12 countries in the world that supply tap water
that is fit to drink, and South Africa is one of them. Our
tap water quality is about third best overall in the world.
Source: SA Tourism Indemnity, these are guidelines and given in good faith. |
