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Value Added TaxValue added tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods. VAT refunds may be claimed at airports, harbours and customs offices on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250,00. For more information contact : Tel : + 11 4847530 Fax : + 11 4842952 Credit CardsMost credit cards as well as travellers cheques are accepted: CurrencyThe currency is the South African Rand ® and the international symbol is ZAR = 100 cents. Foreign Exchange
NOTE: Rupiah’s cannot be exchanged in South Africa. Your last port of exchange is Singapore or Malaysia. Banking HoursMonday to Friday 08:30 - 15:30; Saturday 08:30 - 11:30 TelecommunicationsSouth African utilises the GSM system for cellular phones thereby enabling foreign visitors to use their cell-phones in the country. Cellular telephones can be rented through various outlets and at major airports. Toll free Cellular Helplines: International dialing codes can be found in all local telephone directories. Coin and card operated public phones are readily available throughout
South Africa. Phone cards to the value of R10, R20, R50 and R200
are available at airports, shops or post offices. Postal ServicesMost post offices are open during business hours. Monday to Friday 08.30– 16.30 Saturday 08.30 – 12.00 An international priority mail service is available. For more information contact : Customer Service Centre, South African Post Office Toll-free 0800 1144 88 LanguagesSouth Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, Sesotho sa Leboa (Northern Sotho), Sesotho (Southern Sotho), siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu. However, English is understood and spoken by most people. Places of WorshipAlthough the majority of South Africans practice Christianity, South Africa caters for most religious denominations. ShoppingSouth Africa has a wide range of shops, malls as well as informal
street vendors and flea markets. Shopping hours are generally: Weekdays 08.00 – 18.00 Saturdays 08.00– 17.00 Many shops in metropolitan areas are open on Sundays from 09.00 – 13.00 Sports and RecreationSouth Africa’s favourable climate makes sports a year-round attraction. Over 160 sporting activities are represented with the major sports including soccer, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf. GolfSouth Africa has over 400 registered golf courses at which tourists are welcome to play. It is however advisable to contact the golf course in advance to book starting times and establish dress codes. For more information contact: The Pro Golfers Association of SA Tel+ 11 4852327 Fax + 11 4851799 Water SportsSouth Africa’s coastal waters offer safe swimming conditions, and the coastline provides perfect conditions for a wide range of water sports. Hiking TrailsNature enthusiasts can take advantage of the many South African hiking trails filled with a brilliant array of flora, waterfalls and breathtaking views in all nine provinces. For more information contact : The Hiking Federation Tel + 12 2993382 Fishing
Many game/nature reserves and holiday destinations have dams, rivers and coastlines where fishing can be enjoyed. ComputicketComputicket is a national electronic booking service with over 300 branches which caters for over 40,000 events in South Africa. In addition to theatre, cinema and sporting events, reservations can also be made for bus tours, accommodation and cultural festivals. For more information contact: Tel + 11 4458445 Public Holidays observed in South Africa
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Travellers
cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be
exchanged at airport, commercial banks, as well as major hotels.
American Express, Diners Club and Thomas Cook operate in South Africa.
Fluctuations in Foreign exchange markets are reflected in rates
quoted on a daily basis. 
With
some 250 species of freshwater fish and 1,500 sea water fish species,
South Africa offers the keen fisherman endless opportunities.
game
parks or nature reserves, of which the most famous is the Kruger
National Park. With a surface area of 19,000 km2, the world and
home to 147 species of mammals, 507 species of birds, 114 species
of reptiles and approximately 1,950 species of plants. 
High
Risk Area – Chloroquine Resistant. Take preventative measures
against mosquito bites throughout the year and prophylactic medicines
from October to May. 
approaching
from the right. 
Blue
Train:
and agricultural produce to industrial products and producer goods.