If three pyramids are the symbol of Africa’s far north, then a flat-topped mountain is the symbol of its far south.

Situated on the South Western tip of Africa, Cape Town and its surrounding region, the Western Cape is recognised as one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is in Africa, and of Africa, but yet so different.

Some of the many advantages include a vast diversity of nature and architectural locations, an exciting and diverse culture, internationally experienced and rated technicians and crew, cosmopolitan English-Language talent, excellent communication and transport infrastructure, long daylight hours, a range of quality accommodation and leisure establishments and value for money. The Western Cape delivers a level of service that is considered by many to be unsurpassed.

Banks and Foreign Exchange

With a favourable exchange rate for many international currencies, you’ll find South Africa a very inexpensive destination. And an easy one – our financial institutions are world-class, with no shortage of banks, bureaux de change, and automatic tellers. From the moment you step off the plane you’ll start seeing banks, bureaux de change, and automatic tellers everywhere.

South Africa’s unit of currency is the rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200.

Banks are generally open from 09:00 to 15:30 Monday to Fridays, and 08:30 to 11:00 on Saturdays, but those at the airports adjust their hours to accommodate international flights.
All major credit cards can be used in South Africa, with American Express and Diners Club enjoying less universal acceptance than MasterCard and Visa.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

If you are not a permanent resident of South Africa, you can claim your VAT back when you leave the country. To qualify, your purchases must total over R250, and you must have tax invoices that comply with the requirements of the Tax Rebate Scheme. You will also need a completed VAT refund control sheet – which you can get at departure points or South African Revenue Services (SARS) offices – and a passport confirming that your country of residence is not South Africa. For more information visit www.taxrefunds.co.za

Customs

You can bring R3 000 worth of goods into South Africa duty-free. Additional goods with a value up to R12 000 will be charged a flat rate of 20% duty. Thereafter, normal customs duties apply.

Electricity

South Africa's electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin. Adaptors can be purchased, but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances.

Getting Around

On the whole, transportation compares favourably with those of first world countries. Access to
Cape Town is provided by excellent road, rail, sea, and air transport services. South Africa’s road infrastructure is ranked third in the world, and an excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with the smallest villages. South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. You can drive with an international driver’s license provided that it contains a photograph and is printed in English.

For more comprehensive leisure related activities and general information visit Cape Town Routes Unlimited http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za/