Overview of West Coast - Key Facts - Travel Research Online
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West Coast Destination Guide
Overview of West Coast
Key Facts
Language:
South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu, and Sotho. English is widely
spoken.
Passport/Visa:
Passports should be valid for at least 30 days beyond the period of intended stay. An onward or return ticket is
required, as is evidence of sufficient funds. Note that visitors to South Africa must have at least one blank
(unstamped) visa page in their passport, each time entry is sought; this page is in addition to the
endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. However, nationals of countries that require a
visa before travelling to South Africa, must have two blank pages in their passport - one for issuing a visa prior
to departure and one for stamping at the port of entry when entering South Africa. Immigration officials often
apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. The South African Immigration
Authorities do not accept loose leaf temporary travel documents. Note that South Africa's immigration laws
have changed dramatically over the last two years, and there may be some confusion as to the correct
procedure.
Currency:
South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at
banks, bureaux de change, and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available and major international credit
cards are widely accepted. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs, as con artists are known
to operate there. All commercial banks will exchange foreign currency.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs and round, two-pin plugs are standard.
Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd.
By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're
relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained
above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any
responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
Page 1/5West Coast Destination Guide
Travel to West Coast
Health Notes when travelling to South Africa
Health regulations in South Africa require that travellers from areas infected by yellow fever must carry a
vaccination certificate; otherwise no vaccinations are required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the
Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park), as well as northeastern KwaZulu-Natal,
and precautions are advised when travelling to these areas, especially between October and May. Vaccinations
are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
Tap water is generally safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere, as there are periodic outbreaks
of cholera in the poor communities of rural South Africa, particularly in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and
Limpopo provinces.
Medical facilities in South Africa are good in urban areas, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private
hospitals expect cash up front and public hospitals are best avoided. Medication is readily available in urban areas,
but those travelling outside of major cities for an extended period should bring a basic supply kit for emergency
self-treatment.
Safety Notes when travelling to South Africa
Safety is an issue and visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's high crime rate. Violent crime tends
to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country and travellers should do some research to find out which
areas to avoid. For instance, Berea and Hillbrow in Johannesburg are high-risk areas, and township areas in
general are dangerous for foreigners.
There is a risk of petty, opportunistic crime in all urban areas and armed robberies are fairly common in
Johannesburg. Travellers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions.
Carjackings and smash-and-grab robberies are common in major cities, and doors should be locked when driving
and bags and valuables should be kept out of sight. Travellers should not walk alone at night in any area, and
should be vigilant when using ATMs. They should not display signs of wealth (e.g. mobile phones, money,
expensive jewellery, cameras) on the streets. Credit card fraud is on the increase and travellers should be vigilant
and never allow their card out of their sight.
It is worthwhile noting that the South African authorities do give high priority to the protection of tourists. Although
crime rates are high in South Africa, popular tourist sites and the main hotel areas tend to be safe and most visits
are trouble-free.
Customs in South Africa
South African culture and etiquette in urban areas is very Western. While standards of dress vary, beachwear
should generally not to be worn off the beach, and nude sunbathing is only permissible in a few designated areas.
Homosexuality is legal and accepted in urban areas without much fuss, but it is frowned on by some conservative
South Africans and can be a problem in township areas. Although locals may complain loudly about the country
and government, they will take offense if a foreigner is critical. Racism is a sensitive issue; however, interracial
relationships are now common and widely accepted. South African racial terminology differs from what is
acceptable in North America: the terms 'black' and 'white' are appropriate for those of African and Caucasian
descent, respectively. 'Coloured' refers not to black Africans, but those of mixed African and European descent and
is not considered an offensive term. South Africans are friendly and hospitable, and will often go out of their way to
assist tourists who need help.
Duty Free in South Africa
Travellers to South Africa do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine
and 1 litre spirits; perfume up to 50ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods to the value of R5,000. All other
goods brought in from abroad by South African residents must be declared on arrival. These will be subject to
import duties. For goods to be re-imported, travellers must complete a DA65 or NEP-form that is issued on
departure. Prohibited items include meat and dairy products, all medication except for personal consumption, flick
knives, ammunition, explosives and pornography containing minors and bestiality.
Page 2/5West Coast Destination Guide
Doing Business in South Africa
Business practices in South Africa are influenced by South Africa's range of ethnicities, languages and even
geographical areas, but in general follow common patterns. When doing business in South Africa it is important to
be culturally sensitive and as understanding of colleagues' historical context as possible. Most South Africans
prefer to do business with contacts they've met before, but they are also warm and open to newcomers. Working to
build and maintain business relationships is vitally important in the South African business environment. South
Africans are renowned for their friendliness which generally supersedes business formality.
Most large corporations, as well as the banking and financial sector, still adopt relatively formal business practices,
whereas other companies and work environments enjoy more relaxed and personable atmospheres. Clear
management hierarchies and respect for senior executives and colleagues are of paramount importance. However,
business exchanges and decision-making processes often take on an egalitarian aspect. As with most countries,
punctuality is highly regarded. However, government officials are notorious for their tardiness when it comes to
keeping time. Dress codes tend to be conservative, but not overly formal. Suits are the exception more than the
rule, but dressing stylishly will always count in your favour. It is best to dress formally for initial meetings.
South Africans value hard work and respect those who succeed. However, they are mindful of other aspects of life
such as healthy living, family and nurturing relationships - all of which add up to a well-balanced life. Generally
South Africans are regarded as relaxed and informal with regards to introductions and the handling of business
cards. Shaking hands is common for both men and women. The giving of gifts is uncommon and unnecessary. The
official language of business in South Africa is English. Business hours tend to start at 8:30am or 9am and the day
comes to a close at 5pm, or later in the major urban centres. Working over weekends tends to be quite rare in
South Africa.
Communication in South Africa
The international access code for South Africa is +27. Mobile phone networks are available across the country, and
there are roaming agreements with most international mobile operators. Mobile service providers offer very cheap
'pay-as-you-go' SIM cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some time. Wifi is easily available,
especially in the larger cities.
Tipping in South Africa
Tips of at least 10 percent are expected for good service if a service charge is not included in the bill. Tipping for
services rendered is widely anticipated by porters, taxi drivers and petrol attendants. Golf caddies should be tipped
accordingly. 'Car guards' operate in the city centres and tourist spots and will offer to look after parked car; they are
usually immigrants from neighbouring countries looking for work and will expect anything from R8 upwards on the
driver's return, depending on how long the driver will have been away.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports should be valid for at least 30 days beyond the period of intended stay. An onward or return ticket is
required, as is evidence of sufficient funds. Note that visitors to South Africa must have at least one blank
(unstamped) visa page in their passport, each time entry is sought; this page is in addition to the
endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. However, nationals of countries that require a visa
before travelling to South Africa, must have two blank pages in their passport - one for issuing a visa prior to
departure and one for stamping at the port of entry when entering South Africa.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. The South
African Immigration Authorities do not accept loose leaf temporary travel documents. Note that South Africa's
immigration laws have changed dramatically over the last two years, and there may be some confusion as to the
correct procedure.
Page 3/5West Coast Destination Guide
Attractions in West Coast
Langebaan
Saldanha
West Coast National Park
Website: http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/west_coast/
Paternoster
Yzerfontein
Darling
The Cederberg
Page 4/5West Coast Destination Guide
Currency
South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks,
bureaux de change, and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available and major international credit cards are
widely accepted. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs, as con artists are known to operate
there. All commercial banks will exchange foreign currency.
Exchange rate for 1 ZAR - South African Rand
0.06 BMD 0.06 EUR 0.06 USD 0.04 GBP 6.98 JPY 0.08 CAD
Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar
0.06 CHF 0.09 AUD 1.61 UAH 21.64 KZT 96.51 LBP 0.05 LYD
Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar
0.44 BOB 6.91 NPR 0.02 OMR 0.23 QAR 0.09 SGD 0.53 SEK
Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona
0.42 TTD 0.64 VEF 2.94 DOP 0.43 HRK 1.19 MXN 37.58 XOF
Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc
0.20 PGK 0.06 BSD 0.14 FJD 1.45 HNL 7.08 DZD 76.35 MMK
Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat
0.72 BWP 0.22 PEN 44.45 CLP 30.64 AMD 1.55 CZK 1.28 MDL
Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei
7.97 ISK 188.35 UZS 0.25 ILS 0.05 JOD 0.02 KWD 2.01 UYU
Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso
2.28 MUR 1.83 NIO 0.53 NOK 0.25 PLN 0.24 SAR 9.36 LKR
Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee
2.28 THB 0.24 AED 0.23 BRL 0.26 RON 0.50 HKD 37.66 XAF
Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc
1,440.46 VND 0.89 ARS 0.17 XCD 0.50 GTQ 0.63 MAD 0.02 BHD
Vietnamese Dong Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar
0.06 PAB 0.10 AZN 199.83 COP 4.38 KGS 17.93 HUF 0.50 TJS
Panamanian Balboa Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble
876.99 IDR 0.57 EGP 76.34 KRW 363.37 PYG 0.27 MYR 34.53 CRC
Indonesian Rupiah Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón
0.09 NZD 6.71 PKR 4.28 RUB 0.14 TND 0.13 BBD 0.11 BGN
New Zealand Dollar Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev
0.19 TRY 2.99 PHP 2.09 TWD 12.59 NGN 6.87 XPF 0.25 GHS
Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi
8.01 JMD 0.12 ANG 0.09 BND 7.09 RSD 0.42 CNY 1,275.35 BYR
Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble
0.43 DKK 0.22 TMT 4.31 INR
Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee
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