In the Summer, Cape Town is generally full of tourists from inland and abroad. Sometimes we make fun of these tourist friends of our from the Gauteng, but generally we don't mind having them around for a month or two.

We thought that we should include some general information about the city for tourists from abroad. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in contact with Captour.

As far as dialing codes are concerned, the code for Cape Town is (021) if you are dialing from other centers in South Africa or (+27 21) if you are dialing from outside the country. Should you have a telephone enquiry, dial 1023.

The trading hours for shops, banks and post-offices are different. Shops are generally open as follows:

• Weekdays 08:30 to 17:00
• Saturdays 08:30 to 17:00
• Sundays 09:00 to 14:00 (Selected stores)

Banks operate on the following schdule:

• Weekdays 09:00 to 15:30
• Saturdays 08:30 to 11:00

Stamps can usually be bought at stationery shop or supermarkets. If you need the post office for some other reason, be sure to use it during the following times:

• Weekdays 08:00 to 16:30
• Saturdays 08:00 to 12:00

The South African currency is the Rand which is made up of 100 cents. It is written as follows: R1 = 100c (cents) The notes that are available include: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200, while the coins in issue include: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5. Foreign currency may be exchanged at any commercial bank.

As far as water is concerned, the good news is that tap water throughout the region is of a high standard and is safe for human consumption.

Site designed and maintained by the global village idiots