The Eastern Cape is South Africa’s newest and hottest tourism and investment destination..!

The province’s rich tapestry of cultures is brought together by the fine threads of the Khoisan, Xhosa, Europeans settlers and people of Asian descents, creating a warm and welcoming population of almost seven million. The agricultural and automotive sectors are strong and industry is booming around the industrial development zones. From snow-capped mountains in the north, to the perfect surfing along our coast and sunshine galore over the majestic plains of the Karoo, the Eastern Cape is a sensational haven for travel and investment. Here’s some essential information for those spending time in our beautiful province:

Accommodation

All standards of accommodation from backpacker hostels to plush hotels. Upmarket game lodges in Eastern Cape’s malaria-free reserves, B&Bs, bush camps, coastal resorts, farm stays, chalets, cabins and campsites.

Business

The Eastern Cape has dynamic manufacturing, agricultural and tourism sectors. The business environment is stable. There are excellent infrastructure, telecommunications, transport and business services. The province is equidistant from South Africa’s major market centres, linked by airways, roads railways. The East London and Coega industrial development zones are well placed for worldwide export.

Clothing

Consider shorts, skirts, three-quarter pants, sandals and T-shirts in linens and cottons in summer and warm tops for cool evenings. Warmer clothing is necessary in winter. Rain is infrequent. Swimsuits, hats, sunscreen and sensible walking shoes are a must. Smart-casual clothing is worn for evening entertainment. Smart-casual clothing or suits and ties are worn for business. Warm jackets are recommended for the northern regions and interior in winter.

Currency

South Africa’s currency is the Rand. The rand has the symbol ‘R’ and is divided into 100 cents. It is available in denominations of five notes (R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200) and seven coins (5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5). Banking hours are usually 9am – 3.30pm from Monday to Friday and 8.30am – 11am on Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sunday. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) in all towns and shopping centres function 24 hours a day. All major credit cards and travelers cheques are accepted.

Telecommunications

Facilities are of high standard, widely available and offer international dialing, telex, telefax, electronic mail and cellular phone options. Larger hotels have internet access. Internet cafes are in most towns. The dialing code for South Africa is +27.

Taxation

VAT is currently 14% and levied on most items. Tourists can have their sales tax (Value Added Tax or VAT) refunded at the port of exit provided the value of purchases exceeds R250.

Departure TAX

Departure taxes are included in airfares. A South African airport tax (including fuel surcharge) of around R300 is charged for international and domestic flights.

Disabled access

Look for accommodation that is wheelchair friendly. Almost every national park has as accessible chalet. Most public buildings and sport stadiums are accessible.

Alcohol

The official drinking age is 18. Drinking and driving laws set a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. (About one glass of wine for the average woman and 1.5 or two glasses for the average/large man).

Electricity

Electricity in the Eastern Cape is 220/230 Volts AC 50 Hz. It is supplied through either 15-amp three prong or 5-amp two-prong, round pin plugs. Really remote rural areas may use gas or petrol generators.

Personal safety

We urge you to take the same precautions you would in any other international city or town, particularly if sight-seeing in built up urban areas. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists. Take common-sense precautions (not walking alone in deserted areas at night or swimming alone on deserted beaches). Valuables should be kept out of sight and vehicles locked. The use of travellers cheques or credit cards is more advisable than large amounts of cash.

Food and water

As a rule, tap water is safe. Enquire about water in remote areas. Food and hygiene at hotels, restaurants and nightspots are excellent.

Road safety

Speed limits are 120km/h on national and provincial roads, 100km/h in smaller roads and between 60 and 80 km/h in towns. Where major national roads cut through residential areas there may be a speed limit of 80 or 60 km/h. Beware livestock in the road near townships and in former homeland areas. Also look out for potholes on all high-traffic and secondary roads!

Vaccinations

Visitors entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. No other vaccinations are required for visiting South Africa.

Time differences

South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and seven hours behind Australia Central Time.

Gay and lesbians

Homosexuality and same sex marriages are legal in South Africa. Age of consent: 19 years (homosexual females and males) 16 years (heterosexual).

Government

South Africa is a republic. South Africa has nine provinces, each with its own provincial government: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West and Western Cape.

Malaria

There is no malaria in Eastern Cape. There is a low risk in the low altitude areas of the Mpumalanga Province, Northern Province, north-eastern KwaZulu-Zulu Natal as far south as the Thukela River formerly the Tugela. Anti-malaria medication is available at pharmacies.