CLIMATE

• WESTERN CAPE
  Mediterranean climate, with winter rainfall. The long summer days are sometimes perfectly still, but are often disturbed by a gusty south-easter and winters are cool.
• THE GARDEN ROUTE's climate is equable through most of the year. Plenty of sunshine, with only modest extremes of heat and cold. In summer, strong winds sporadically assault the coastal areas, but for the most part, the days are sun-filled and balmy.
• KWAZULU NATAL
  Subtropical climate throughout the seasons. The air along the coastal belt is hot and humid. Inland, the heat usually stays within comfortable limits.
• MPUMALANGA
  Summer rainfall region, generally hot in summer. Thunderstorms often occur in the late afternoon, and are usually of a short duration. Winters are dry, the nights and early mornings are cold on the Escarpment and milder in the Lowveld.
• GAUTENG - JOHANNESBURG & PRETORIA
  The Highveld has one of the world's most agreeable climates. Summer days tend to be warm and windless, and although winter days are sunny, crisp and invigorating, nights are often bitter with frost. This is a summer rainfall region, and from December to February, late afternoon downpours are common. Both Pretoria and Johannesburg enjoy an average of nine hours' sunshine a day.

BANKING HOURS
Open 09h00 to 15h30, Monday to Friday, and in some cases Saturday from 08h30 to 11h00.

CURRENCY
Unit of currency is the Rand (ZAR), subdivided into 100 cents.
Bank notes: ZAR 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as ZAR 1, 2 & 5.

CREDIT CARDS
Most credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.

POST OFFICES
Monday - Friday 08h30 - 16h30, Sat 08h00 - 12h00.

SHOPS
Opening times vary. General guidelines are: Mon - Fri 08h30 - 17h00, Sat 08h30 - 13h00.

ELECTRICITY
220/250 V AC, 50 Hz.
Plugs have 3 round pins. Bathroom plugs have 2 pins.

TAXIS
Cannot be hailed on the street, but must be ordered by telephone.

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT +2.

TIPPING
Approximately 10%.

WATER
Drinking water is safe in towns and hotels. A large variety of bottled water is available. Don't drink from, or swim in, rivers or dams.