La Mer Guesthouse

Useful information about the country and travelling:
- When travelling - Travel to South Africa is seasonal depending on which activities you wish to partake in.
- Vaccination - It is advised to update your vaccinations before travelling. Although not necessary for travel in South Africa we would recommend it. It is recommended to take all possible steps to prevent illness and relevant medications and vaccinations recommended by the International Vaccination Centre should be adhered to. The Eastern Cape is a Malaria-Free area.

- Documentation and visas - To travel to South Africa, Europeans need a visa if you intend visiting for a time period not exceeding 3 months. South Africa requires a valid Passport with two blank pages to allow stamping on entering the country and with a minimum validity of six months left on the passport. Consult the South African Embassy for any further information you may require. We recommend that during your stay in any country, you always take photocopies of all your documents in case of loss or theft, to be able to provide supporting information needed by Embassies or Consulates to facilitate new documentation.

- Climate - There are notable differences between the northern areas where winters are colder and summers are hotter than the areas close to the coast that have more mild year-round temperatures, and with greater levels of rainfall.

- Language - South Africa's official languages are English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. However, English is the unofficial common language.

- Currency - The South African currency is the "South African Rand" (ZAR). You can exchange foreign currency at airports, hotels and banks. The Exchange rate is variable, please consider it before you travel. You can pay with credit cards in most hotels, restaurants or shopping malls, but it is recommended to always have cash for the purchasing of small items, transportation and tips. Do not carry large amounts of cash on your person at any time - a recommended amount should not exceed R2000-00 at any time. This will decrease the likelihood of you being a target for criminals. Do not flaunt cash, as this will bring attention to you and could prove to be attractive to criminals.

- Clothing - We recommend you wear comfortable clothes, preferably cotton and comfortable shoes depending on the activities you choose to do. Depending on the time of the year and the destination you've chosen, you'll need clothing such as raincoats and swimsuits. Never forget a sweater or jacket as there is usually a difference in temperature between day and night. For all periods of the year it is recommended that you have sunglasses, hat or cap and sunscreen.

- Electricity - 220 volt 50 Hz. Please make sure to bring your plug converters for your relevant foreign appliances.

- Travel insurance - It is advised that you obtain some sort of short-term travel insurance while travelling. This will ensure that if you are encountered with problems, you are covered and you minimise your loss or costs.

- Medications - Always have your usual medications, and in the event of prolonged treatments, please make sure to bring a sufficient supply with for the period of your stay. It is advisable to always have mosquito repellents, anti-diarrhea medications and ointment in case of stings.

- Food and beverage - We recommend that you drink bottled water. The food in South Africa is very good and varied, with some excellent meats throughout the country. The fish and shellfish in the coastal areas are well-known. Most restaurants offer venison dishes that is definitely worth trying. South African wines are varied with excellent quality and are rated as some of the best in the world.

- Excursions and activities - When you take part in excursions and activities, please follow the instructions of the supervisors or managers appointed by the establishment. In the case of excursions to nature reserves, parks, national or private reserves where you do not make use of Rangers or Guides, please comply strictly to the rules of the places you visit. Any infringement could endanger your safety and those with you.

- Security conditions - Some cities of South Africa are considered risk areas, such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. You should exercise caution especially after dusk and at any hour of the day in areas that are crowded or disadvantaged, such as the townships. Areas such as national parks, nature reserves and well-known tourist destinations are considered low risk areas.

- Other recommendations and information of interest - Always have your identification documentation and information with you during your stay to avoid any inconvenience should you get lost.

International South Africa prefix is : 0027
Emergency numbers : 112
Police : 10111
Ambulance : 999