Durban - Playground of the Zulu Kingdom

Helpful Hints for tourists who intend visiting Durban

ACCOMMODATION

The Durban Metro region has approximately 17 000 beds available. There is an excellent range of accommodation from superb four star hotels, holiday apartments, time- share units, to caravan parks, budget hostels, and youth hostels.

AIRPORT TAX

An arrival tax of R100 is included in the price of an International air ticket, R100 in the price of a regional ticket and R34 in the price of a domestic ticket.

CLIMATE

KwaZulu-Natal and Durban in particular enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate for most part of the year. Summer (Nov - Feb) temperatures are hot, from 24 - 30 degrees Celsius and Winters temperatures average at 20 degrees Celsius.

Sea temperatures vary from 25 degrees in summer to 18 degrees in winter.The average rainfall for the year is in the order of 900mm.

The average minimum and maximum temperatures and rainfall figures for this area are as follows:

Month     Min. Temp Max. Temp Rainfall (mm)
January   21        28        135
February   21        28        114
March     20        28        124
April     17        26        87
May       14        25        64
June      11        23        26
July      11        23        44
August    13        23        58
September 15        23        65
October   17        24        89
November  18        25        104
December  20        27        108

You can also visit the Weather Bureau website for more details.

CREDIT CARDS

Most major credit cards are accepted, as well as traveller’s cheques in major currencies.

CURRENCY

South African currency works on the decimal system with the one Rand equalling 100 cents. - Denominations of Rand notes: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 - Denominations of Coins R5, R2, R1, 50, 20, 10,5, 2, 1

DISTANCES FROM DURBAN

City           Distance 
Cape Town      1660
Johannesburg   598km
Port Elizabeth 927km
Bloemfontein   667km
East London    667km
Pietermaritzburg 77km
Ulundi          235km

ELECTRICITY

The electricity supply is 220/230 volts, AC 50Hz. US made appliances may need a transformer.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

South African Banks can accommodate all international transactions and are situated throughout the country. Banks are open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:30, Saturdays 08:30 to 11:00. Automatic Teller machines (ATM) are available in most towns and cities and offer a 24-hour service.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Traveller’s Cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at any commercial bank. American Express offices and most hotels have exchange facilities for guests. Fluctuations in foreign exchange markets are reflected in new rates daily.

IMMUNISATION

No international immunisation is needed when entering South Africa. The only inoculation requirement is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from traveller’s entering South Africa within 6 days of leaving an infected area. Some areas in Zululand are subject to malaria. Before entering these areas, persons are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist to obtain necessary medication.

LANGUAGE

There are 11 Languages in South Africa. English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Swazi, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, and Venda. English is South Africa’s first language and is spoken throughout the country; English speaking visitors will have no problems while travelling through South Africa. All signs are in English.

MEDICAL CARE

Medical care is readily available. Doctors are listed under “Medical”, Hospitals under “H” in all telephone directories.

POPULATION

Approximately 4 million people. Durban I said to be one of the fastest growing cities in the world with some 25% of South Africa’s total workforce being employed in the Durban area.

RESTAURANTS

With Durban’s rich diversity of cultures, there is an extensive range of multi-cuisine restaurants, catering for all tastes and pockets.

TAXATION

Foreign Tourist visiting South Africa can have their sales tax paid (known as Value Added Tax (VAT)) refunded at a port of exit, provided the value of items purchased exceeds R250. Visitors should obtain proof of payments of all items purchased during their stay to claim any refunds. To qualify for a refund visitors must be in possession of a valid foreign passport, the necessary tax invoices with the goods. Goods to be shown to Custom officers or VAT refund administrators for inspection as proof of export with tax invoices. Tax invoices to be stamped upon departure. VAT can be claimed on Jewellery, curios, clothing and not on restaurant, hotel, car hire or other accommodation.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

South Africa has a sophisticated telecommunications network. International dialling and full telex, telefax, and electronic mail facilities are widely available. Phone cards and cellular phones are also on the market and readily available. International dialling codes can be found in South African telephone directories.

TIME

South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), one hour ahead of central European Winter Time, 10 hours behind New Zealand Winter Time, 8 Hours behind Eastern Australian Winter Time.

TRADING HOURS

Normal trading hours 08:30 to 17:00 on weekdays, 08:30 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Many shopping malls and centres have extended trading hours and are open on Sundays.

TRANSPORT

The International Airport receives direst flights from various international destinations. Various Domestic services fly frequently from the airport. Intercity coaches and trains are reasonably priced and depart daily for various destinations. The Mynah bus is a frequent and reliable local bus service that plies passengers between the North and South beaches. The CBD and surrounding suburbs.

ESSENTIALS TO PACK

Light cotton clothing (shorts, short sleeve shirt)
Hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Swimming costume
Binoculars
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera and lots of films

CONSULATES

Australia (031) 261 6233
Belgium (031) 303 2840
Chile (031) 312 8608
China (031) 563 4534
Denmark (031) 202 9396
Finland (031) 903 6395
Germany (031) 305 5677
Greece (031) 301 4880/1
India (031) 304 7020
Italy (031) 368 4388/9
Madagascar (031) 312 9704
Mozambique (031) 304 0200
Netherlands (031) 202 0461
Norway/Sweden (031) 207 6900
Pakistan (031) 304 8836
Portugal (031) 305 7511
Spain (031) 764 2574
United Kingdom (031) 202 6823
USA (031) 305 7600
Uruguay (031) 262 7331

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