Films for Africa

Climate

The climate in Cape Town and Stellenbosch is, in general, Mediterranean; with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. Further out of these areas, in the arid semi-desert of the Karoo this differs, with dry winters and low summer rainfall. On the coast during summer the temperature ranges from 15°C up to 27°C. Inland it increases with 3 - 5°C. During winter it ranges between 7°C and 16°C. Inland the mornings are 5°C and the midday around 22°C.

Just beware of the forceful " Cape Doctor" that appears as if from nowhere. This south-easterly wind helps to clear the air of the Fairest Cape for your enjoyment, and drapes Table Mountain with a snow-white tablecloth of clouds that lay the "table" for a wonderful stay.

Computicket
Computicket provides a booking service  for the film festival as well as other major attractions. They do have branches all over South Africa. They also do bookings for events, theatres, accommodation, cinemas, etc are done through them.

• Booking Service
• Tel: +27 (0)21 4308010
• Fax: +27 (0)21 9188900

Website: www.computicket.com

Time
Standard Time in South Africa is

• 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
• 1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time
• 7 hours advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time

Conversions (Distances and Temperatures)

• South Africa uses kilometers (km):
• 1 mile = 1,621km
• South Africa uses degrees Celsius (°C):
• 50°F = 10°C
• 68°F = 20°C
• 86°F = 30°C

Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, North - Sotho, South - Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. In the Western Cape English, Afrikaans and Xhosa are used the most. Most establishments/attractions do have staff speaking German, French or Italian.

Religion
Most denominations are represented. Churches, mosques, temples & synagogues are found in the major cities.

Credit Cards/Currency

International credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa. In small country areas the use of cards might be restricted. Standard credit cards cannot be used to pay for petrol (gas). Only special "garage cards" or cash are accepted.

• Customer Services
• Diners Club, +27 (0)21 6861990
• MasterCard, 0800 990 418
• Visa International, 0800 990 475
• The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (R). R1 = 100 cents.
• Coins in circulation: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5.
• Banknotes in circulation: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200.
• Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, Rennies Travel and American Express.

Foreign Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at any commercial bank, Rennies Travel or American Express. Most of the upmarket hotels do provide exchange facilities for their guests. Commission on exchanging does vary.

• Thomas Cook/Rennies Travel, Tel: 0800 111 177
• American Express, Tel: +27 (0)21 4215586/0860 003 768

Banking
Most towns do have branches of the major national banks and their ATM's (Automatic Teller Machines). Most commercial banks are open from 09:00 - 15:30 on weekdays and 08:30 - 11:00 on Saturdays.

• Customer Services
• ABSA, 0800 414141
• BoE Bank, 0800 224 977
• Nedbank, 0800 110 929
• Standard Bank, 0800 020 600

Tax Refund

VAT (Value Added Tax) is set at 14% at this stage. Visitors to South Africa are not exempted from paying tax on purchases, but they may claim it back if the total value on items exceeds R250. This can be claimed back at airports, various harbours & customs offices. An original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport is required. The items that were purchased must also be presented.

• Customer Service
  VAT Refund Administrator
  PO Box 107
  Johannesburg International Airport Post Office
  1627
  Tel: +27 (0)11 3902970
  Fax: +27 (0)11 3902787
  E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
  URL: www.taxrefunds.co.za

Customs
Personal effects (used) are admitted duty free. The allowance for visitors to South Africa is as follows (free of duty per adult)

• 1 litre of spirits
• 2 litres of wine
• 400 cigarettes
• 50 cigars
• 50ml perfume
• 250ml eau de toilette
• Gifts & souvenirs to the value of R500
•  

Permits are required for firearms and are available at the entry points. It is valid for 180 days, after which it can be renewed at any South African police station. For further details, contact:

Customs Dept
Tel: +27 (0)21 4018500
Fax: +27 (0)21 4216263

Tipping
It is standard practice in South Africa. In restaurants it is 10% of the total bill (for satisfactory service). The tip is usually not included in the bill. Taxi drivers get 10% of the total, and porters get R1 per bag.

Business hours

• Banks
• Generally from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays.
• On Saturdays from 08:30/ 09:00 - 11:00.
• Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.
• Bureaux de Change at Airport
• Open according to arrivals & departures of flights.
• Chemists (Drugstore)
• Open during normal office hours.
• Details for after hour emergencies are indicated on a notice.
• Doctors
• Usually open from 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 on weekdays.
• On Saturdays between 09:00 - 12:00.
• Sundays closed - for emergencies a contact number is usually provided at their offices.
• Shops
• On weekdays between 09:00 - 17:30. Some major shopping centres remain open until 21:00, e.g. V&A Wharf (Waterfront) and Canal Walk ( Century City).
• Saturdays between 09:00 - 14:00. Some major shopping centres remain open until 20:00, e.g. V&A Wharf (Waterfront) and Canal Walk ( Century City).
• On Sundays most shops are closed - except for the major shopping centers which are open from 09:00 - 15:00.
• Travel Agents
• On weekdays between 09:00 - 17:00.
• Saturdays from 09:00 - 12:00.
• Closed on Sundays.

Holidays

• Public Holidays in South Africa:
• 1 January New Year's Day
• 21 March - Human Rights Day
• March/April - Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
• March/April - Family Day (Monday after Easter Sunday)
• 27 April - Freedom Day
• 1 May - Workers Day
• 16 June - Youth Day
• 9 August - National Women's Day
• 24 September - Heritage Day
• 16 December - Day of Reconciliation
• 25 December - Christmas Day
• 26 December - Day of Goodwill
• School Holidays 2003 (Only for the Western Cape - the rest of the country differs with a few days)
  Commences: Closes:
  22 January 28 March
  28 April 27 June
  22 July 26 September
  6 October 5 December

NOTE: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday (next day) is a public holiday.

Electricity
The power supply is 220/230 volts AC. The standard plug in South Africa is the 15 amp round pin (3 prong plug). The European type two pin plug is required, with an additional adaptor plug (can be bought at shops) for use in South Africa. Remember to bring transformers along, where necessary. Most hotels have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers.

Water
In most cities/towns/game reserves the tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink

Health Requirements

No vaccinations are required for cholera or smallpox. If arriving from a yellow fever zone, you must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Due to the threat of malaria contamination, preventative medication is necessary for the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the north of KwaZulu-Natal. It is obtainable from all pharmacies in South Africa. Consult the pharmacist for the best drug combination to use.

Medical Care

There is no national health scheme available in South Africa. Be sure to purchase a good travel insurance which will cover your medical expenses if the need arises.

Disabled Facilities

Most attractions and hotels ( Cape Town) are disabled friendly. For details on the outlying areas, contact the relevant tourism bureaux. SAA provides Passenger Aid Units (PAU) at all major airports. Larger car rental companies can provide vehicles with hand controls.

Road Regulations

• South Africa drives on the left side of the road.
• Speed limits
• urban areas: 60 km per hour
• rural areas: 100 km per hour
• freeways: 120 km per hour - unless otherwise indicated.
• Wearing seatbelts is compulsory.
• A valid driver's license is accepted only if there is a photograph included and the document is printed in English.
• An International Driving Permit should be obtained, before coming to South Africa, if the license does not comply with above-mentioned regulations.
• The road signs do conform to international standards.
• For more details on road use/assistance and detailed maps contact:
• Automobile Association
  Tel: +27 (0)21 4196914
  Fax: +27 (0)21 4211343

Communication Services

The international dialling code for South Africa is: (27) followed by the area code (minus the 1st zero of the area code) and then the subscriber's number. When in South Africa, the international code is dropped and the area code is used with the zero in front.

• City/town codes
• Beaufort West (0)23
• Bloemfontein (0)51
• George (0)44
• Cape Town (0)21
• Durban (0)31
• Johannesburg (0)11
• Kimberley (0)53
• Oudtshoorn (0)44
• Pietersburg (0)15
• Port Elizabeth (0)41
• Pretoria (0)12
• Upington (0)54

Public phones are usable with coins (blue boxes) or telephone cards (green boxes). The following coins can be used: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5. Cards are available at shops, post offices & accommodation establishments in denominations of R15, R20, R50, R100 & R200. Cards can only be used in South Africa. Cellular phones can be hired daily, weekly or on a monthly basis from the airport or cellular shops.

Visa Requirements

Check with your travel agent or the relevant authorities for up-to-date information.

Transport

• Air Travel
• Cape Town International Airport Information
  Tel: +27 (0)21 9340407
  Fax: +27 (0)21 9349861

International Airlines

Domestic Airlines

Shuttle Services to/from CPT International Airport

• Taxis
• Sedan taxis are found at most major hotels & attractions. Fees are calculated by meter. Tipping is about 10% of the amount.
• Mini-bus taxis (thriving black - owned business in South Africa) are found all along the main roads in most towns. This is a cheap way of getting around. The process of regulating the industry is currently in motion. Be very careful if you do decide to make use of this!

• Car Hire Companies
  Car hire companies are available throughout the province. Contact the relevant tourism bureau.

Accommodation

A wide variety of accommodation establishments are available in most towns.

Children

Most places do allow children. At gambling casino's/resorts there are usually baby-sitting facilities. Some private game reserves do not allow children under a certain age for the game drives.

Pets

Pets are not allowed at most establishments, especially game lodges. Please check beforehand with your reservation.