Rand (ZAR; symbol R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Credit/Debit cards and ATMS
MasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. ATMs are available in all towns, cities and shopping malls and most petrol stations, and they accept international cards. Almost all hotels, shops and restaurants, and even national parks and game reserves, accept credit cards. They are rarely accepted at petrol stations, however.
Emergency Services
Western Cape Police Flying Squad (Toll-free from landlines/ payphones): 10111
Western Cape Ambulance: 10177
Cell phone Emergency Number (Free on all cell phone networks): 112
Western Cape Fire Brigade: 107
Weather
South Africa's climate is seasonal and it is quite chilly in winter (May-August). It's pleasantly warm and sunny in spring and autumn, and delightfully hot in summer (November-March) with frequent heavy tropical rains and hailstorms to cool things down. The thunder and lightning storms over Africa's big skies are quite spectacular.
Even in winters the chill is nothing compared with European standards, with mild frost occasional, and snow a rarity. The rainiest months in Cape Town are May to August, and Johannesburg receives most of its rain in summer.
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