BAGGAGE SERVICES:  Unaccompanied baggage and excess baggage services are offered.

CAR STORAGE SERVICES: There are various car storage services in and around the airport.Safe and secure undercover parking near Johannesburg international airport. Short and long term parking available

CELLULAR PHONE HIRE: There are various businesses where you are able to rent cellular phones. Check out Cape Town's Yellow Pages.

CHURCHES: Most denominations are represented. Please contact the local telephone directory.

DRINKING WATER: Tap water in most of South Africa is chemically treated and safe to drink.

DRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA: Driving is on the left hand side of the road and speed limits vary from 60km/h in built up areas to 120km/h on highways. These are strictly enforced and drunken driving is a serious offence. Drivers must be in possession of an international driving permit or valid driving license. Petrol is sold in litres and most filling stations are open 24 hours a day. Seatbelts must be worn by the driver and all passengers.

EMERGENCIES:  Police / Flying Squad:10111
Rape Crisis and Aids Line: 0 800 012 322

LANGUAGE: South Africa's ethnic diversity is reflected in it having no less than 11 official languages. English is however the most commonly used language and is spoken and understood by just about every one.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: It is advisable that visitors take out medical insurance as private hospitals offer the best facilities available but can be expensive. Private doctors/ dentists are listed in the telephone book under "Medical Practitioners" whilst hospitals are listed under "h".Pharmacies are available everywhere including the airport.

POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES: South Africa has excellent postal and telecommunication services. Post offices are open from 8h30-16h00 weekdays and Saturdays from 8h00-12h00.

TIME: South African Standard time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time, seven hours ahead of the USA Eastern Standard Time and eight hours behind Australian Eastern Time

TIPPING: is normally 10% at restaurants and porters can be given R2 an item.

At the hotel:

• Never leave your luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the hotel's safety deposit box.
• Keep your room locked, whether you are in it or out.
• Hand in the keys at the desk whenever you leave the hotel.

In the street:

• Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables.
• It's definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money around.
• At night, stear clear of dark, isolated areas.
• Try to stick in groups.
• Plan your route beforehand.
• A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to help you if you encounter any difficulties.

In the car: