POPULATION FIGURES – KwaZulu-Natal is home to 10.2 million people with a rich cultural mix. Additional statistics can be acquired from the Statistics South Africa site.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES – There are eleven official languages in South Africa. In KwaZulu-Natal, English and Zulu are widely spoken.
BANKS – Banking hours are from Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturday 08h30-11h00. Automated teller machines (ATMs) operate 24 hours a day and can be found in most shopping centres.
CURRENCY – The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Bank notes currently available are R200, R100, R50, R10 and coins of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c and 10c. There are 100c in R1. VALUE ADDED TAX is included in the price of goods, and is charged at a rate of 15% on most goods and services. However, foreign tourists may reclaim this money on their departure from the country provided that the goods purchased exceeds R250. Ask for more information at the airport upon arrival.
Important Telephone Numbers
Police & Flying Squad – 10111
Ambulance – 10177
Tourist Support Unit – (031) 332 5923
Train Enquiries (Spoornet) – (031) 361 3388
Airport Flight Information – (031) 451 6666
Weather Bureau – (031) 469 0099
Department of Home Affairs – (031) 308 7900
Essentials To Pack
Light cotton clothing (shorts, short sleeve shirt)
Hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Swimming costume
Binoculars
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
IMMUNISATION – Malaria is endemic in the far northern coastal areas of Zululand and Maputuland, especially close to the Mozambique and Swaziland borders. It is advisable to take precautions when visiting these areas, especially in the hot summer months. Consult a doctor or pharmacist.
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Belgium Consulate 031 303 2840/1
British 031 305 3041
Chile 031 312 8608
Denmark 031 202 9396
Finland 031 209 3836
Germany 031 305 5677
Greece 031 301 4880/1
India 031 304 7020
Ireland 012 342 5062
Italy 031 368 4388/98
Madagascar 031 312 9704
Mozambique Consulate 031 304 0200/304 0213
Netherlands 031 304 1770
Norway and Sweden 031 207 6900
Portugal 031 305 7511
Spain 031 764 2574
Uruguay Consulate 031 262 7331
USA 031 304 4737
