General information

Banking services and currency

Banking hours are generally from 0900 to 1530 on weekdays and from 0830 to 1100 on Saturdays. Banking amenities will be available at the ICC. Most banks have cash dispensing machines accepting Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus as well as Bureau de Change facilities.

Most internationally recognised currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged easily at commercial banks, hotels and international airports. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be imported into South Africa by individual non-residents, provided that it is declared on arrival to facilitate the exportation thereof on departure.

The unit of currency is the Rand (R), which is divided into 100 cents. Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation. At the time of printing the rate of exchange was about £1 = R15, US$1 = R10.00.

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Business and shopping hours

• Offices and businesses are generally open from 0800 to 1700, Monday to Friday.

• Shopping hours vary; most shops are open from 0900 to 1700, Monday to Saturday. Some shops are open on Sundays between 0900 and 1300.

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Climate

During July the average temperatures in Durban ranges between 20ºC and 23ºC. Warm clothing is recommended for the cool evenings.

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Driving

Drivers must have valid driving licences, which carry a photograph of the holder and are either printed or authenticated in English. South Africa recognises international driving permits issued under the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic. South Africans drive on the LEFT side of the road. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory for all occupants of vehicles.

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Electricity supply

The power supply in South Africa is 220vAC, 50Hz. Electrical sockets take rounded three pronged plugs.

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Gratuities / Tips

Gratuities are at individuals' discretion but 10% is a general rule in restaurants and R5-00 per item of baggage at hotels/airports.

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Places of worship

Contact numbers - Durban area code (031)

Buddhist Institute 209 5995
Presbyterian Church of South Africa 201 5842
Durban United Hebrew Congregation 201 5177
Hare Krishna Temple 403 3328
Kenville Mosque 579 3295
Progressive Jewish Congregation 208 6105
St Aidans Anglican Church 208 1704
St Peters Catholic Church 377 1616
Umbilo Temple (Hindu) 261 8114
West Street Mosque 306 5423
Durban Central United Church (Presbyterian) 337 5078

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Postal services

Services are available at the ICC and at hotels.

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Restaurants

Information and suggestions on local restaurants can be obtained from your hotel reception or tourist information brochures available at your hotel.

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Safety and security

Security concerns can be reported to the nearest police officer, the Joint Operations Centre at the ICC or Security Operations Centres in the Designated Hotels.

Safety hints

As applicable in any international city. For further information please consult your hotel reception.

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Shopping centres

Please enquire at your hotel reception.

The beachfront is secure for curio shopping and recreation. Please take note of general safety hints.

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Smoking

Smoking is restricted in all public places in South Africa. Designated smoking areas are generally available in hotels, restaurants, airports and at the ICC.

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Taxes

Value added tax (VAT) is charged on most goods and services. The current rate is 14%. On presentation of the goods and the tax invoices, VAT may be recovered at international airports on final departure from South Africa. Please allow sufficient time for this procedure.

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Time

The time in South Africa is GMT +2

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Travel and tourism

Kwa-Zulu Natal Tourism in conjunction with Durban Africa have a stand in the foyer of the ICC that can assist with tourism information. Your hotel reception can supply information on travel agents and tourist destinations.

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Time difference to South Africa and automatic dialling codes of OAU countries