| TRAVEL TIPS We welcome, We care... Anything can happen while you are on holiday and as a guest in the Western Cape, your enjoyment and well-being are of the utmost importance.
We hope your visit is special, so that you leave with great memories and return many times in the future.
As in other countries, however, there are a few basic precautions all tourists should take, to ensure their stay is as pleasant and safe as possible.
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Money and Travel Docs - Travel with certified copies of your documents, and keep originals in a safe place.
- Seperate your cash and credit cards, and do not carry all your cash/travellers cheques with you during the day.
- Keep a note of your credit card numbers and bank contact details.
- Do not allow strangers to assist you with ATM transactions. If your card gets stuck, immediately call the ATM's helpline number.
- Be alert, and never turn your back while your ATM card is in the machine.
- Report lost passports and visas, without delay to the South African Polices Service (SAPS). Your country's embassy or consulate can be contacted through the Western Cape Tourism Safety and Support Programme.
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Medical - Take out medical insurance with your agent when you buy your air tickets.
- If you take prescription medication carry your doctor's certificate so you do not experience problems with customs.
- If you have prescription spectacles. carry a copy of the prescription for easy replacement shouold you lose or break them.
- Medical facilities in cities and larger towns are world-class.
- In the rural areas hospitals and clinics deal mostly with primary and secondary health needs.
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
In Case Of An Unfortunate Incident Although incidents of crime against tourists happen rarely in South Africa, tourists should still be aware of the basic emergency procedures to follow should anything happen.
It is recommended that you:
- Go to the nearest safe & public place
- Call the Police Emergency Number (10111), which is free from a phone box or landline, & briefly explain what happened.
- If you are using a RSA mobile phone, call 112 & your call will be transferred to the appropriate emergency service.
- If you have been injured, the call centre will dispatch an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital. Alternatively, you can call the National Ambulance Service (10177)
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Mountain Tips - Do not walk alone. Always ensure that you are in a group of at least 4 people.
- Take your mobile phone with the emergency number punched in. Ensure it is hidden.
- Always let someone know which route you will take and how long you will be.
- If you lost stay where you are.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Always take rain gear and jersey.
- Take water, sun block, wear a hat and take a snack.
- Maps: These are available at leading bookstores.
- If a criminal confronts you do not resist. Handover your goods & remain calm.
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
At The Beach - Always swim in areas supervised by a life guard.
- Never swim alone.
- Do not dive into unfamiliar waters, what may seem deep could be very shallow. Feet first is safer.
- Protect your skin from over exposure to UVA & UVB rays by wearing waterproof sunscreen with high protection factor of 20+. Avoid the sun between the hottest times of the day between 11:00 - 15:00
- Drink plenty of water regularly to avoid dehydration even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool & to replace lost salts through sweating.
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
On The Road - Familiarise yourself with local rules of the road. Remember, South Africa is a left-hand drive country.
- Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance.
- Have your destination phone numbers on hand, in case you get lost.
- Keep the car doors locked at all times, the car windows wound up and valuables locked in the boot.
- Never pick up strangers or ask them for directions. rather go to the nearest business or petrol station, if you get lost.
- Pay special attention to speed limits, raod signs and traffic markings.
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
In The Street - Obtain a map, and plan your route before you set out on an excursion.
- Consult your hotel or nearest Visitor information Centre for a reliable taxi service, if required.
- When crossing the street, use pedestrian crossings where possible and be aware of oncoming motorists at all times. Look right, left and right again before crossing.
- Please do not give money to street children. If you wish to assist them in a meaningful way, contact any Visitor Information Centre to obtain a list of organizations that would be most grateful for the assistance.
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Accommodation It is recommended that you:
- Never leave your luggage unattended
- Store valuables in your hotel's safety deposit box.
- Keep your room locked at all times.
- Hand in the room keys or cards whenever you leave your hotel.
- Tipping is normally at a rate of 10% in restaurants.
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Emergency Numbers 10111 - Police (SAPS) Emergency Number
112 - Mobile Phone Emergency Number
10177 - Ambulance
+27 (0) 21 948-9900 - Wilderness Search & Rescue
+27 (0) 86 187-4911 - SATSA Tourism Safety Initiative 24/7
+27 (0) 80 000-7081 - Office of the Comsumer Protector
+27 (0) 82 554-2010 - Western Cape Tourism Safety & Support Programme
+27 (0) 82 921-6967 - African Hoopoe Tours Bookings
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Tourism Visitor Information Centres +27 (0) 21 405-4500 - V&A Waterfront Tourism Gateway
+27 (0) 21 487-6800 - Cape Town Tourism
+27 (0) 21 888-5102 - Cape Winelands
+27 (0) 28 425-1157 - Cape Overberg
+27 (0) 44 873-6314 - Cape Garden Route
+27 (0) 82 903-1125 - Storms River Tourism Gateway
+27 (0) 22 433-8505 - Cape Western Coast
+27 (0) 27 219-1552 - Vanrhynsdorp Tourism Gateway
+27 (0) 23 414-4320 - Beaufort West Tourism Gateway
+27 (0) 82 162 - Weather Hotline
+27 (0) 83 123-2345 - National Tourism Information
+27 (0) 21 483-8734 - Tourist Guide Register
+27 (0) 21 510-7809 - African Hoopoe Tours Bookings Gateway (08:30 - 16:30)
from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism
  
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