Practical Travel Information
LANGUAGE
Surrounded by Xhosa-speaking South Africans, while most locals will speak English, here are a few typically South African phrases to say:
- Howsit / Howzit – Hello or Hi
- Cheers – Goodbye
- Aikona – Oh dear
- Boet/Bru – Brother
- Chommie / Chomma /China /Cuz – Friend
- Hayibo! / Eish – an exclamation at something shocking
MALARIA FREE
The Eastern Cape is a malaria free area and does not fall within the Yellow Fever belt of Africa however when entering the country you will need a yellow-fever certificate.
The province is supported by a number of private and public medical facilities, clinics and hospitals as well as first responder emergency medical personnel.
MONEY MATTERS
South Africa’s national currency in the Rand where 1 Rand is divided into 100 cents. Notes are available in R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 denominations.
Coins are available in R1, R2, R5 (Rands) and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent denominations. Visa and MasterCard are accepted everywhere and credit cards are an essential requirement for car hire bookings and collections.
ATM’s are open 24/7.
WATER
Water supplies in urban areas are safe to drink directly from the tap unless otherwise advised however rural areas may make use of fresh water or borehole water supplies and should not be used for human consumption. Bottled water is readily available for purchase from most retail outlets, service stations and convenience stores.
SHOPPING
