STANDARD TIME Standard South African standard Time is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 2), one hour in advance of central European winter time and seven hours in advance of United States eastern standard time throughout the year. There are no time zone differences within the country. WEATHER & CLIMATE KwaZulu-Natal, on the eastern side of South Africa, is bordered by the warm Indian Ocean to the east and the high escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains to the west. The province has a warm, sub-tropical climate, with temperatures moderated by the expanse of the Indian Ocean. Summers are hot and humid averaging 28 degrees, and experience the majority of the annual rainfall, while winters, with average temperatures of 23 degrees, are warm, dry and clear. There is occasional frost in the interior and snow often falls in the higher reaches in winter. Winter sunshine averages almost 7 hours a day, some of the highest in the country. The climate of KwaZulu Natal is described as year-round tourist- friendly. Sea temperatures are also relatively stable, averaging 21šC all year, providing for a diversity of aquatic activities in any season. Latitude, Longitude and Elevation: 29d37m0S 30d22m60E 2218 feet or 676 meters Highest recorded temperatures °C Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 41 39 38 37 37 31 32 35 39 40 41 42 Average daily maximum Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 28 28 28 26 24 22 23 24 25 25 26 28 FINANCES Banking Hours Monday to Friday: 09h00 to 15h30 Saturday: 09h00 to 11h00 Autobanks (ATMīs, automated teller machines) are found in most towns and operate on a 24 hour basis. 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. Link to South Africa Current Exchange Rates Exchange rates can be sourced at www.xe.com Tipping Tipping is customary in South Africa. A guideline for visitors is the following: Porters R5 per item, taxis 10%, waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15%. Travellers' Cheques Most international travellerīs cheques 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/Tax Refunds Tax Refunds for Tourists Made Easy: As a visitor to South Africa, you can spend as little as R 250.00 on goods intended for export, and claim a VAT refund. The user-friendly procedure allows you to claim your money before you even leave South African territory. Who can Claim? Non-residents on a temporary visit to South Africa are eligible to claim a VAT refund in respect of movable goods exported through a designated point of departure within 90 days from the date of purchase. Important Information: Maximum payment by cheque will be for an amount of R3000.00. Claims exceeding this limit or claims requiring further audit, will be posted. Goods consumed in South Africa or services rendered in the country do not qualify for VAT refunds. Only original Tax Invoices will be considered for refunds. The goods must be presented for inspection on departure. Goods must be exported within 90 days of the date of purchase and the claim lodged within 3 months from the date of export. An administration fee of 1.5% of the inclusive value of the claim will be deducted, subject to a minimum of R 10.00 and a maximum of R 250.00. Diplomats posted to South Africa should contact their embassies for details of the applicable refund scheme. Special provisions apply to antiques, 2nd hand goods and registerable goods. How to Claim your Tax Refund: Documentation; Simply identify yourself as a tourist to shop assistants, and request a Tax Invoice for the goods you have purchased. A valid Tax Invoice must contain all the following information: The words "Tax Invoice". A Tax Invoice number. The sellerīs VAT Registration number. Date of Issue of the Tax Invoice. The sellerīs name and address. The buyerīs name and address. A full description of the goods purchased. The cost of the goods in Rands. The amount of VAT charged or a statement that VAT is included in the total cost. Additional Info Contact: VAT Refund Administrator (Pty) Ltd Postal Address: P.O. Box 107; Johannesburg International Airport Postal code: 1627 Telephone: +27 (0)11 394 - 1117 Facsimile: +27 (0)11 394 - 1430 E-Mail: info@taxrefunds.co.za MEDICAL INFO Immunization No international immunisation 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. Regions that are affected are the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, northern KwaZulu 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. Please also see our Malaria risk area map, detailed information about precautions to take and people at high risk. See South Africa's Malaria risk areas >> VISA REQUIREMENTS Every person seeking to enter South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport for travel to South Africa 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 travelling to Countries exempt from South African visas. Countries subject to South African visa fees South Africaīs 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.