Cape Town Tourist Information
Visa Requirements:
Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport and, where necessary, 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 neighbouring countries and back into South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. 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.
This is to inform everyone planning to travel to South Africa that a new law was passed recently 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.
Driving:
Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right. The general speed limit is 120km/h on open roads and 60km/h in urban areas.
Click for distance chart >>
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.
Malaria:
This disease is to the larger extent under control in South Africa and is not present in any parts of the Western Cape. Regions that are affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, Northern Natal and Zululand. The risk of contracting the disease is negligible provided that you take the standard precautions. Malaria tablets, a good insect repellent particularly in the evening, long-sleeved shirts and mosquito coils are advisable precautions.
Phoning:
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. For example, if you make a call to Sydney, Australia, telephone number 456 1234 you must dial 09 61 2 456 1234.
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.
Currency:
One Rand (R) = 100 cents (c). Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10; coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, & 1c. Currency exchange rates are available at banks and published daily in the press. Click for latest exchange rates with your currency….
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).
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%.
Traveler’s Cheques:
Most international traveler’s checks are accepted provided they are in an acceptable currency and may be cashed at most banks. Many hotels and shops also provide this service.
VAT Refunds:
Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can have their value-added tax (VAT) refunded 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 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.
Please note that vat on car hire and accommodation is not refundable as these are services and not goods.
Source: VineyardCarhire
TEMPEST CAR HIRE 2008
Reinventing Tempest
THE IMPERIAL GROUP has been in the car rental business for the past 28 years. Besides establishing Imperial Car Rental it later also acquired Tempest Car Hire, with the aim of positioning it as the “no frills, no fuss” car hire company targeting price-sensitive customers.
Over the past five years there’s been a slowdown in car price increases and, with inflation in single digits, pricing became more competitive. Tempest took the opportunity to grow the business in other segments of the market not necessarily in line with its original strategy. As a result it became one of the many generic car rental companies, says Osman Arbee, Imperial Holding’s executive director responsible for The Car Rental and Tourism Division.
“However, with car and fuel prices – as well as normal overheads increasing in excess of inflation and the general slowdown in growth in the economy – a new market is waiting in the wings that in many ways will follow the low-cost airlines business model. That’s the space where Tempest wishes to solidly entrench itself. In fact, the timing could not be better, as consumers are hard pressed and looking to companies that can offer ‘sustainable’ competitive pricing,” says Arbee.
“The key challenge for a car rental company is for pricing to reflect costs – and that’s where we aim to take the lead in the this industry. Going forward, Tempest’s target is to double its fleet over the next five years, taking the number to more than 7 000 vehicles.”
Arbee adds that with all the business principals soundly in place the company recognises the vital element to make all this happen – staff. “Our staff are our single most important asset and we are spending time and money to ensure they will continue to drive customer service with a passion.”
Source: Fin24
VineyardCarhire
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