The following information will prove useful to international visitors travelling to South Africa and Pezula:
Free Entry Permit Sticker
Travellers from most overseas countries (Scandinavia, Japan, USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need a visa, but will be given a free entry permit sticker on arrival in South Africa that outlines how long they may stay in the country (usually a maximum of 90 days).
Immigration Act Regulations
All passports must have at least one unused page when presented for endorsements, or entry to South Africa may be refused.
Vaccinations
Visitors who enter South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt.
Getting here
Johannesburg International Airport is the major airport in South Africa and is the central hub for over 45 international airlines. Direct flights between the USA and OR Tambo (Johannesburg) or Cape Town International Airports are about 15 hours. Direct flights between London and OR Tambo International take about 10 hours. Flights to and from the Far East take approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Time Zone
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, which is an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.
Language
Although South Africa has 11 official languages, English is widely spoken. At Pezula we speak English and Afrikaans.
Electrical system
220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Public Holidays
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
| 21 March | Human Rights Day |
| 6 April | Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday) |
| 9 April | Family Day (Monday after Easter Sunday) |
| 27 April | Freedom Day |
| 1 May | Workers Day |
| 16 June | Youth Day |
| 9 August | National Women's Day |
| 24 September | Heritage Day |
| 16 December | Day of Reconciliation |
| 25 December | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Day of Goodwill |
Telephone dialling codes
The international dialling code for South Africa is +27. To make an international call, dial 00 followed by the International access code. Dial the area code of the city (without the 0). Dial the subscriber's telephone number. Example: London 09-44-171-444-4444.
Money
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards are widely accepted.
At Pezula, the following credit cards are accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa Card, as well as these currencies:
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Pounds Sterling (GBP)
US Dollar (USD)
Euro (EUR)
Bank guaranteed cheques are also accepted with prior authorisation from the hotel GM.
Tipping
Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills. A 10-15% tip is customary if the service warrants it.
Tax
Value-added-tax (VAT) of 14% is charged on most items. Foreign visitors to South Africa can have their VAT refunded at the point of departure, if the value of the items exceeds R250.00 and they are able to produce receipts.
Clothing
In summer (October - March) lightweight cotton and linen clothing is recommended. A jacket or sweater may be needed for cooler days and evenings. Warmer clothes are needed for winter (April-September), although in many areas summer clothing can be worn on balmy winter days.
Hospitals and medical care
There is a large network of private hospitals countrywide which offer excellent medical services. Travellers must have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees. The Knysna Private Hospital is five minute's drive from Pezula.
Malaria
Knysna and the Garden Route are malaria-free areas.
Water
In most regions of South Africa, including Pezula, tap water meets international safety standards.
Road safety
Our transport infrastructure is excellent and our roads are in good condition.
Speed limits vary from a maximum of 120kmph on the open roads and highways to 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns and villages.
Driving
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your driver's licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver's licence is required. In South Africa, motorists drive on the left hand side of the road. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.
Shopping
Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7 days a week.
Opening hours for shops in Knysna are:
Monday - Friday 09:00 to 17:00
Saturdays 09:00 to 13:00
Sundays (Waterfront Shopping Centre only) 09:00 to 17:00
Business working hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 to 17:00
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Garden Route
