Language:
Although South Africa has 11 official languages, those most spoken in the Hessequa are English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 10111
Ambulance: 10177
Mobile: (MTN): 083 112; (Vodacom): 082 147 and (Cell C): 084 148.
Ambulance: 10177
Police: 10111
Mountain Rescue: 10177
Sea Rescue: (0)21 689 5227.
Health and Medical Services:
The region is malaria free. Hospitals provide emergency and casualty wards, and out-patient treatment.

Immunisations
No international immunisation is required when entering South Africa. A yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers over one year of age entering South Africa from a cholera-infected area is required, within six days of leaving an infected country.

Medical Facilities:
Government and private hospitals offer excellent health services. South Africa does not have National Health Insurance. Ensure that you have sufficient medical cover when visiting any country.
Phone calls
To connect to overseas dial ‘00’, which is the international access code, followed by the country code, then dial the area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call.
 
For example, if you a call the London number: 548 3682 116420 - dial 00 548 3682 116420.

Phone calls within South Africa:
Dial the area code (e.g. 028 for Hessequa towns) and the subscriber number 713 4139, therefore 028 713 4139.

Phoning from abroad to SA
Dial the international access code followed by the area code and the subscriber’s number: +27 21 413 6650. Mobile phones/cellphones can be hired at airport outlets. Blue-coloured public phone booths work on coins only, while green phones use the local Telkom phone card, available at Post Offices and selected stores.
Currency and Foreign Exchange
The local currency is the rand (R) and comprises 100 cents. Notes are available in R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 denominations and coins in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

Foreign currency is exchanged at all commercial banks, American Express, Thomas Cook, Rennies Travel or Diners Club International Offices or Bureaux de Change.

Credit cards are accepted by the majority of hotels, shops and restaurants. Travelers’ cheques are redeemable at most major outlets, but have cash on hand for market stalls, taxis and informal hawkers.

Banking Hours
Generally 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday and Saturdays 08:30 to 11:00.

There are Automatic Telling Machines outside banking premises and at many shopping centres and some petrol stations.
Gratuity/Tipping
Tipping is generally not included in your hotel, restaurant or Taxi bill. A guideline is the following: Porters R2 per item, Car guards R2; Taxis 10%; Waiters in hotels and restaurants 10 - 15%.
VAT Refunds
Foreign tourists enjoy a value-added tax (VAT) refund, provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.
VAT is refunded on departure at the point of departure. VAT of 14% is levied on most goods and services. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is required, must be presented at the VAT Refund Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise official on departure, for the total VAT on the items to be refunded.

Visitors are required to complete a VAT Refund Control Sheet (VAT 255). When not exporting all of the goods specified on a particular Tax Invoice, only the value of the goods and the tax paid on such goods being exported must be declared. This can be done at the International Airports
Post Office
Hours are generally from 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays and 08:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays. Mail may be addressed ‘Poste Restante’ to any Post Office. Phonograms: 1+27 (0)28 or send from any Post Office; Telephone Enquiries: 1023.
Internet and Courier Services
Internet access, courier and tax facilities, postage stamps, stationery, public telephones and other communications services are available at internet cafés and postal service outlets. There are a number of private courier services in most towns and cities.
Trading Hours
Weekdays 08:30/09.00 to 17:00 and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays (may vary). Most chain stores, shopping malls and tourist shops remain open until 20:00 or later and until 20:00 on Sundays.

Cafés and convenience stores open at 07:00 until late, seven days a week. 24-hour convenience stores can be found at most larger petrol stations.

Value Added Tax is included in the sales price.
Standard Time
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and 7 hours ahead of the USA’s Eastern Standard Winter Time.

Transport:
A well-developed infrastructure. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. A valid Driver’s Licence is required.
Safety
South Africa’s reputation worldwide is that of a friendly, warm and hospitable people and most citizens desire only that you have a memorable experience in our country, however, as with anywhere in the world, tourist should take certain precautions. Ask the locals about areas that should possibly be avoided. Keep to well-lit areas after dark, lock your car and store your valuables in a hotel safe or your place of abode.

Crime is a global problem and South Africa is no exception. Take the same precautions you would when visiting any other international destination. Do not display valuables and avoid walking alone in deserted areas.
Electricity
Electrical Systems: 220/230 Volts AC.
Three pronged plugs are universal - bring an adapter.
Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and other minor appliances
Visa
All persons entering South Africa must be in possession of a valid Passport and, where applicable, a Visa.

Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Visitors who intend traveling to South Africa's neighboring countries and back into South Africa are advised to obtain a Multiple Entry Visa. In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders of certain countries are exempt.

Tourists must assure 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
Driving
Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right. The general speed limit is 120km/h on national roads, 100km on open roads and 60km/h in urban or built-up areas

Petrol, Diesel or Gas:
Available 24 hours a day. 97 or 95 (unleaded) Petrol cannot be paid for with an international company card. Cash payment is recommended.

THE Destination
THE Western Cape
THE Garden Route
THE Hessequa
THE website: www.hessequa.net