CURRENCY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
South African currency is measured in rands (R) and cents (c). There are one hundred cents the rand, notes are issued in R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 denominations, and coins 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. Exchange foreign currency at any commercial bank. American Express, Thomas Cook, Rennies or Diners Club International offices or Bureaux de Change can be found in the larger centers. South Africa has a modern banking and commercial system and most shops and hotels will accept credit cards.
BANKING HOURS
Most Banks open from 09;00 to 15;30 Monday to Friday, and Saturdays from 08;30 to 11;00. Branches in smaller towns often close between 13;00 and 14;00.
CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELER'S CHEQUES
Most international credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted at formal businesses, but expect to pay cash at informal, road side markets (for safety's sake, choose markets that are frequented by tourists and are on main thoroughfares).
TIPPING
If their service is satisfactory, it is customary to tip caddies, taxi drivers, hotel and railway porters, chambermaids, stewards, waiters and tour guides. The accepted average is 10-15%.
Tax refund
Visitors to South Africa are not exempt from paying VAT (Value-added Tax) on bought goods. However, tourists can claim back the VAT paid on items, with the total value exceeding R250, that they take out of the country. The VAT can be claimed at airports and/or harbours of departure, and customs offices. Visitors should present the following documents at VAT Refund Administration Offices: original tax invoices, a VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport, and all items on which VAT is being reclaimed. |