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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Climate:
Stellenbosch has a Meditarranean climate with dry sunny summers and winter rainfall interspersed with a good proportion of beautiful sunny days. Dial 082 162 or visit www.weathersa.co.za for weather forecasts.
Summer: Dec - Feb, sunny. Day 26C - 36C, Night 10C - 16C
Autumn: March - May, mild, some rain. Day 20C - 26C, Night 5C - 14C
Winter: June - August, mild, cold with some rain. Day 15C - 20C, Night 3C - 8C.
Spring: Sep - Nov, mild to sunny. Day 19C - 28C, Night 4C - 13C.
Currency
The monetary unit is the South African Rand. R1 = 100cents. Bank notes are available in R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins are available in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10 and 5c. Accepted credit cards include VISA, Master and Diners Club and American Express cards.
Distances
Cape Town 48km Cape Town International Airport 28km Franschhoek 35km George 410km Hermanus 115km Paarl 32km Somerset West 20km
Electricity
220/230 volts 50 Hz.
Petrol and travelling
Petrol stations do not accept credit cards or cheques. They only accept cash and/or South African petrol cards. Petrol attendants will fill up your tank. Major petrol stations are open 24h.
Population
The population of Stellenbosch is 85 000 of which 23 000 are students.
Security and safety
Stellenbosch is considered to be extremely safe and is an ideal town to use as your base while exploring the region. Visitors can walk around in the historic core at any time of day or night without concern for their safety.
General Safety Tips
- Do not display your valuables or carry large amounts of cash.
- Always ask your hotel about safety before visiting an area. Avoid isolated dark places.
- Don't leave your luggage unattended.
- Store valuables in a safe deposit box.
- Keep your room locked.
- When driving, fasten your seat belt, lock doors and keep windows closed. Don't pick up strangers. Only use mobile phones with hands free kit. Lock your valuables in the trunk of your car.
- Swim at beaches manned with life guards and only swim between the beacons.
- In rural areas, observe and respect the cultural protocol of that area and use a registered guide.
Street names
Stellenbosch street names are indicated on the curb stones on the street corners. The street names are set in black on painted yellow background.
Time check
Dial 1026 from any Telkom phone for time check.
Tipping
It is customary to tip caddies, taxi drivers, hotel and railway porters, stewards and waiters for good service. Accepted average tip is 10- 15%.
Value added TAX. (VAT)
VAT is levied on most products, services, meals and accommodation. Goods consigned or delivered overseas are exempt at point of sale. Tourists may apply for a refund of VAT on items purchased and taken out of the country provided that the value exceeds R250.00.
