Camps Bay Tourist Information
Camps Bay Weather
South Africa lies in the southern hemisphere and the seasons in South Africa are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. December and January are the main summer holiday months and the Camps Bay beach is very popular at this time of the year. In May and June, Autumn brings warm days and cool nights and this time of the year is the best seasons for hiking. From the beginning of July to the end of September, you can expect cold and rain in the Western Cape where Camps Bay is situated. Snow sometimes falls on the Cape mountains in winter.
South African Visas
Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel to South Africa and visitors from more than 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan and the European Union countries can visit South Africa without visas. Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. If you intend traveling to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back into South Africa you are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets.They must also have valid international health certificates.
A law has been passed stipulating that all visitors to South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passport to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient space in the passport entry will be denied and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin.
Communication Services
A direct dialing service connects all centres and the international telephone service links south Africa with countries around the world. Cellular phones can be hired on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Internet access is available in all but the most remote areas and broadband (ADSL) is available in the major urban areas.
If you wish to make a call overseas, you must first dial 09, which is South Africa's international access code. You then dial the country code, area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call.
Immunisations
No international immunization is needed when entering South Africa. The only inoculation requirement is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers over one year of age entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in these areas are advised to be inoculated against the disease before visiting South Africa. Immunisation against cholera and smallpox is not required.
Malaria is to the larger extent under control in South Africa. Regions that are affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, northern Natal and Zululand. Visitors to Camps Bay will not be effected by the disease and will not require immunization against it.
Medical Services
South Africa has no national health scheme. It's advisable to purchase travel insurance which covers medical expenses during the period of your stay.
Water
In the major cities and towns and most game reserves, tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink.
Electricity
220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are universal, so take an adapter. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.
Credit Cards
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa
Traveller's Cheques
Most international traveler's cheques are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.
Currency
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1. R1 = 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, American Express and Rennies Travel. Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c and 5c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press.
Postal Service
Open Mon - Fri 08h00 - 16h30 & Sat 08h00 - 12h00. Mail may be addressed to you Post Restante. The main post offices have special counters for this purpose. Postage stamps are widely available (e.g. at some cafes and branches of the Central News Agency - CNA).
Time Differences
Throughout the year, Standard Time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time.
Languages
South Africa currently has 11 official languages. English is spoken throughout the country. French, Italian and German are spoken by staff members in many of the larger hotels and shops that cater to the tourist markets.
Shopping
South African manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship, and a favourable exchange rate against the major currencies means that you can afford to be a bit extravagant. Shopping hours are generally 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Many shops in cities and big shopping malls are open Sundays.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Porters R2 per item, taxis 10%, waiters & waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15%.
VAT (Value Added Tax):
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors are not exempt from paying VAT on purchased goods. They may, however, claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R 250.00..
VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT refund administration office or an appointed RSA customs and excise official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded. Visitors will be requested to fill out a VAT Refund Control Sheet (VAT 255). Where a visitor does not export all the goods specified on a particular tax invoice, only the value of the goods and the tax paid on such goods exported must be declared on this form.
