TRAVEL AND SAFETY TIPS

Banking

Most banks in the North West are open during the following hours:
Monday to Friday: 09h00 - 15h00
Saturday: 08h30 - 11h00
Automated teller machines are found in all main shopping centres and around the towns and cities.
Credit cards accepted in South Africa are Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Master Cards.

Foreign Exchange

24-hour foreign exchange is widely available. Traveller's cheques and foreign currencies are exchangeable at most hotels and banks. Our monetary unit is the South African Rand (ZAR)

Petrol (Gas)

Leaded, unleaded and diesel fuels are widely available and petrol and service stations in large towns and on principal road routes are usually open all day and night.

Road Transport

North West is covered by an efficient network of roads. The N4 runs along the northern area to the Botswana Border in the north and the N12 meets the N14 at Klerksdorp, which in turn runs through Vryburg.

Car Hire

Avis - Tel: 0 800 021 111 www.avis.co.za
Budget - Tel: 0 800 016 622 www.budget.co.za
Imperial - Tel: 0 800 031 000 www.imperialcarrental.co.za
Tempest - Tel: 0 800 031 666 www.tempestcarhire.co.za

Air Transport

The airports of Gauteng serve the North West area. Flights are available from the centre of Gauteng to Mafikeng (Mmabatho) and Sun City.

O.R. Tambo International Airport - Tel +27 (0) 11 333 6504
Mmabatho International Airport - Tel +27 (0) 18 3851 140
Grand Central Airport - Tel +27 (0) 11 805 3166
Lanseria Airport - Tel +27 (0) 11 659 2750
Rand Airport - Tel +27 (0) 11 827 8884

Tax (VAT) Refund

Visitors to South Africa are not exempt from paying VAT (Value-added Tax) on purchases. However, tourists can claim back the VAT paid on items taken out of the country with a total value exceeding R250.00

The VAT can be claimed at airports and/or harbours of departure and customs offices. Visitors should present the following documents at VAT Refund Administration Offices and Customs Offices: Original tax invoices, a VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport and all items on which VAT is being reclaimed.

Time Difference

Throughout the year, standard time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter time and seven hours of Eastern Standard Winter time.

Safety Measures

The enjoyment and well-being of our guests are of utmost importance to us. We want your visit to be special, we want you to leave the North West with great memories and the intention to return!

Take the same safety precautions you would in any other international city or town, particularly when sightseeing in built-up urban areas. Avoid unnecessary display of valuables including jewellery, cash or audio/visual recording equipment. Do not walk in deserted places or go out alone at night and as a general rule. Preferably lock your car doors and keep the windows closed. The use of travellers' cheques or credit cards is more advisable than cash.

At The Place of Accommodation

• Never leave your luggage unattended
• Store valuables in the safety deposit box at the establishment
• Keep your room locked
• If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door
• Hand the keys in at the desk whenever you leave

In the Street:

• Avoid a display of jewellery, cameras and other valuables
• It is not advisable to carry large sums of money
• Be aware, stay alert
• Steer clear of dark isolated areas at night
• Rather explore in groups and keep to well lit, busy streets
• Plan your route before the time
• A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to direct you should you get lost

In the Car:

• Plan your route in advance
• Keep the doors locked at all times and the windows up
• Never offer a lift to strangers
• Lock valuable items in the luggage compartment
• Park in a well-lit area at night
• When in doubt about the safety of an area, telephone a police station for advice

Airport Telephone Numbers

Mafikeng Airport - +27 (0)18 385 1140
O.R. Tambo International Airport - +27 (0)11 921 6262
Lanseria Airport - +27 (0)11 659 2753

Tourism Telephone Numbers

North West Parks and Tourism - +27 (0)82 232 7500
South African Tourism - +27 (0)83 123 6789
South African National Parks Board - +27 (0)12 343 1991

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Police - 10111
Ambulance - 10111
AA Breakdown Service - 0800 01 01 01
Mobile Phones - 112
Telephone Enquiries - 1023
Europ Assistance - 011 254 1000
Medical Rescue International - 0800 111 990

Telecommunication

Directory Enquiries -1023
International Dialing Codes - White Pages Directories
International Operators - 0009
International Directory - 0903
Electronic Yellow Pages - 10118
Time - 1026
Trunk/Collect Calls - 0020
Phonograms - 1028
Teleconferencing - 0020
Telkom Information Centre - 0800 535800