Stellenbosch Standard Time
Two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time.
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Conversions: Distance and Temperature
Distances throughout South Africa are given in kilometres.
1 mile = 1.62 kilometres
Temperature is given in degrees Celsius.
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Currency and Foreign Exchange
The South African currency is the Rand
Click here to view an up-to-date currency converter
Foreign currency can be exchanged at most commercial banks and Bureaux de Change are widely available.
Banking Hours:
Monday – Friday: 09h00 – 15h30
Saturdays: 08h30 – 11h00
ATMs are widely available and are mostly open 24 hours a day for cash withdrawals and statements.
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Electricity
220/230 volts, 50Hz, single phase
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Emergencies
Dial 10111 for the Flying Squad (special police services) and 10177 for an ambulance.
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Etiquette
The dress code across South Africa is mainly casual and smart casual, except in
some restaurants and clubs that require more formal attire. Smoking is banned in public
buildings and on planes, buses and trains.
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Facilities for the Disabled
South African Airways provides passenger aid units at all major airports. Many
hotels offer facilities for the disabled, as do most rest camps in the Kruger
National Park. Wheelchairs and other aides are available for hire in most cities.
The larger rental car agencies can provide vehicles with hand controls.
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Health and Immunisation
The only inoculation requirement for visitors is a yellow fever vaccination
certificate for those entering South Africa within six days of leaving a yellow
fever zone. Babies of one year old or less are exempt. Malaria is endemic in
some parts of Mpumalanga, Northern Province, and KwaZulu-Natal and it is
essential to take precautions if you intend to visit these areas. The bilharzia
parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern
and eastern parts of the country, and visitors should avoid contact with the
water in these regions. There is no immunisation against bilharzia.
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Language
South Africa has 11 official languages and English is spoken throughout
the country. French, German and Italian are also spoken at many larger hotels
and popular tourist destinations around Cape Town.
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Medical Services
Emergency care is excellent and widely available in Stellenbosch. South Africa
has no national health scheme, so it is advisable to purchase travel insurance
that will cover medical expenses during the period of your stay.
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Medication
Should you require regular medication, note down the generic (official) name.
This is consistent internationally, whereas the brand (marketing) name can vary
between countries. Indicate you usual strength and dose. A doctor's letter and
prescription should ensure you have no problems at customs. Determine prior to
departure if your medication is readily accessible at your destination
(over-the-counter vs. prescription). Carry all-important medication in your cabin
luggage to avoid problems should your luggage be lost or delayed en route.
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Passports and Visas
A list of South African consulates and embassies may be found on the South
African Department of Foreign Affairs website or visit the South African Department
of Home Affairs website:
{w} Foreign Affairs
{w} South African Department of Home Affairs
Visa application forms can be downloaded from the South African Home Affairs website:
{w} South African Department of Home Affairs
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Petrol (gasoline) Filling Stations
Filling stations are conveniently situated throughout the country. Unleaded petrol is
available. Most filling stations in major cities are open 24 hours a day. South African
filling stations will not accept credit cards so be sure to have enough cash available
for filling up.
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Rules of the Road
An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with even the
smallest villages. South Africa drives on the LEFT.
The speed limit in urban areas is usually 60km per hour; on rural roads 100km per
hour and on freeways 120km per hour unless otherwise indicated.
Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory; driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious
offence; and traffic laws are strictly enforced.
Valid driver's licenses from visitors' home countries are acceptable provided that they are
in English and include the driver’s photograph. If your driver’s license does not
comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International Driving Permit
before your departure to South Africa.
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Safety and Security
Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to South Africans, but, as
always, travellers should take a few basic precautions to ensure a safe and pleasant visit:
- Never leave personal property unattended
- Store valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box
- Keep your hotel room locked
- Use reliable taxi services
- Avoid displaying expensive jewellery and cameras
- Do not carry large sums of money on your person
- Stay away from dark, isolated areas
- When travelling by car, plan your route in advance
- Keep car doors locked and windows closed, and stay aware when stopped at a stoplight
- When parked or driving, place valuables out of sight in the boot (trunk)
- Never give strangers a lift
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Shopping
Local manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship, and with a favourable exchange rate,
visitors can afford to indulge.
Shopping hours in the bigger cities are generally 08h00 to 17h00 on weekdays, 08h00 to 13h00
on Saturdays, and some shops outside of malls are still closed on Sundays. Malls are
generally open until 17h00 on Saturday and Sunday, and the V&A Waterfront is open 09h00
– 21h00 7 days a week!
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Sun Protection
The South African sun is strong, with a high ultraviolet rating. Sunscreen with a sun
protection factor of 15 or higher is recommended, as well as a hat.
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Telephones
Stellenbosch telephone dialling codes:
International: +27-21-
National: 021-
National Directory Enquiries: 1023
International Directory Enquiries: 0903
To call internationally out of South Africa, dial 09 and then the country code.
Cell phones are widely available for hire, as are 'starter packs' if your personal
handset is compatible with the South African system.
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Tipping
It is customary to tip waiters, wine stewards, taxi drivers, porters, caddies
and other service providers. Depending on the service, the amount should be around
10%-15% of the bill, R5 per suitcase or R20 per golf bag.
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Travel Health Insurance
This is very important: take time to choose a suitable policy that provides
adequate cover (including possible medical evacuation). Ensure that you understand
what the policy covers and how it works (read the small print), as well as
relevant contact details.
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VAT (Value Added Tax)
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods
and services. Foreign visitors may claim back VAT paid on items to be taken out of
the country when the total value exceeds ZAR 250.00. Information leaflets on the
procedure to follow are available from VAT Refund Administration offices at the
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban International Airports, and at the V&A Waterfront
in Cape Town.
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Water
In the major cities and towns and at most game reserves, tap water is purified,
tastes good and 100% safe to drink.
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