Airports
Cape Town's International Airport is situated about 18 km from the City Center. It has all the modern amenities that you will find at any world-class airport.

Banks
Operating hours are Mondays to Fridays 09h00 - 15h30 and Saturdays 08h30 - 11h00. The banks are located in all shopping centers and throughout the city and suburbs. Also located at Cape Town International Airport.

Car Hire
The competition amongst the various good quality car hire companies results in many specials offered. An international driver's license is required, and off you go.

Climate
Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate. During the summer months of December to February, temperatures may reach around 30 degrees centigrade, with minimal rainfall. During the rainy winter months of June to August, the temperature averages at a pleasant 18.5 degrees centigrade during the day. The daily sunshine hours vary from 7.5 to 9.5 hours for the winter and summer respectively. On any sunny winter's day, you'll find many people strolling on the beautifully, white sandy beaches.

Credit Cards
All the major international credit cards are accepted, however, petrol (gas) is purchased with cash.

Crime
Although Cape Town, and the Cape Peninsula, is one of the safest cites in South Africa, like in any big city, please take care of yourself and your belongings. After sunset, stay away from the dark, lonely streets and try not to flaunt the jewellery when walking in the busy streets.

Currency
One Rand equals one hundred cents. The notes available are: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 and the coins R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 1c. All banks will exchange currencies and traveler's cheques and most major tourist and shopping centers have Bureau de Change.

Dress and Local Behaviour
Capetonians enjoy an informal atmosphere. Work attire will consist of a business suite to smart casual. Some restaurants will also require smart casual, however, due to the pleasant weather conditions, it will be mostly shorts and t-shirts.

Embassies and Consulates
Although most consulates are situated in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, many embassies and consulate are also available in Cape Town. Consult telephone directories / yellow pages for relevant numbers.

Gay & Lesbian
Gay rights form part of South Africa's liberal constitution. The Cape Town Gay Guide, called The Pink Map, is available at Cape Town Tourism, indicating the availability of guesthouses, B&B's, pubs and clubs of top quality standards. Cape Town has long been considered the gay capital of South Africa.

Important Emergency Telephone Numbers
Emergency services (Telkom)  - 107
Emergency services (mobile phone)  - 112
Ambulance  - 10177
Fire Brigade  - 535 1100
Mountain Rescue  - 948 9900
Police / Flying Squad  - 10111
Police Tourist Assistance Unit  - 418 2852
Sea Rescue  - 405 3500

Internet and e-mails
Numerous Internet cafes will provide you with your e-mail requirements. Most hotels and guesthouses will also assist.

Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages, however, English is commonly used as the "business" language, especially with tourists.

Laundry
Hotels and Guest Houses will handle your laundry quickly and efficiently. Many independent laundry shops are also available.

Medical Care
Medical Care in Cape Town is of the best in the world, after all, we performed the world's first heart transplant. Eight emergency units are strategically situated within the Cape Peninsula, with all the latest, up to date, life saving services available.These emergency services are attached to hospitals that treat all general conditions.

History and Political Climate
The Cape Peninsula is as old as the world, with signs that pre historic man climbed Table Mountain. Since then the San, Khoikhoi,Griqua, Nama and many other indigenous people occupied the Western Cape. In fact, their descendants are still living here today.During the 17th centuray the Europeans occupied the Cape and was alternatively controlled by the Dutch and the British. Many other settlers came from France and Germany as well. Segregation and slavery was the order of the day for about 2 centuries, and unfortunately, after slavery was abolished, segregation remained, and in fact got into the law books of 1948 as "Apartheid". Many people suffered terribly and were forcibly removed from their homes, where generations have lived, to sometimes-undesirable areas.The most well known area in Cape Town where people were removed from is District Six. A visit to the Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter and its museum, District Six and its museum is a must to understand what Capetonians went through, what made us a stronger nation through adversities, and provided Cape Town with an energetic and liberating environment, that can be very, very addictive.

Public Holidays

Time
TimeStandard Time is 2 hours in advance of Greenwich mean Time during the Northern hemisphere winter and 1 hour during the summer.

Taxis
These are available at taxi ranks or called on 021 434 4444. In the city three wheeled Rikkis (tuk-tuks) are also available.

Tipping
It is expected that a 10% tip be given with acceptable service. Feel free to reward exceptional service. If the service is poor, or unacceptable, please give feedback to the manager or owner.

Trading Hours
The usual business hours are from 09h00 till 17h00 or 17h30, Monday to Friday and Saturdays till 13h00. The shops within the shopping malls, however, will stay open later, especially Friday evenings, and are also open on weekends.

Value Added Tax (VAT)
Value Added Tax (VAT) of 14% is added to all purchases and services. Foreign tourists may claim back the VAT if you have spent more that R250 on items purchased that will be taken out of the country. Allow yourself time at the airport to complete the necessary forms and have the goods available for inspection.