-General Information-
Travel Tips for Foreigners
visiting Langebaan
in 2024
Langebaan loves Internasional visitors and to help all the Foreigners visiting Langebaan, please find some general information that could assist in planning your stay – creating an enjoyable visit to Langebaan with memorable experience.
General Information for Foreigners visiting Langebaan
Languages in Langebaan
English and Afrikaans
Time Difference (Hrs)
- GMT +2
- Central-European Winter Time +1 hour
- Eastern-Standard Winter Time +7 hours
Business hours
Most shops and businesses are open between 09h00 and 17h00 weekdays and until 13h00 on Saturdays, excluding Shopping Malls that trade 7- days a week.
Climate in Langebaan
The weather in Langebaan is Mediterranean – with warm, dry summers and mild,moist winters. It is essential to protect yourself against the sun, as it is very strong in the West Coast. Always wear a wide-spectrum sun block of SPF 30+. Wear a hat and sunglasses and cover your shoulders. Sun peaks between 11h00 and 15h00.
Electricity
Power: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz
Plug points: 15-amp,round pin,three point European plugs require adaptor plugs.Electric shavers use 100-volt outlets.
Medical & Health
There is no national health scheme.Travel insurance is recommended to cover medical expenses.Malaria precaution, Cholera and smallpox vaccinations are not necessary. For more info on medical assistance, view:
Money Matters
Currency
The Rand (ZAR)
- R1 =100 cents
- Coin denominations:
- 5c ,10c ,20c ,50c ,R1 ,R2 and R5
- Banknote denominations:
- R10 ,R20 ,R50 ,R100 and R200
Customs
Duty-free allowance for adult visitors:
- Spirits = 1 litre
- Wine = 2 litres
- Cigars = 20
- Cigarettes = 200
- Pipe tobacco = 250g
- Eau de Perfume = 50ml
- Eau de Toilette = 250ml
- Other goods = R3000 (max. value)
- Note: Firearms require permits
- Customs Office (Mondays- Fridays) : +27 (0)21 413 5000
Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchange at airports and commercial banks (Standard Bank, ABSA, Nedbank, Capitec, FNB). These can be found in Laguna Mall and Nautica Mall. The exchange rate rate and commissions varies, so check.
Tax Refund
Value Added Tax (VAT) is 15%. Visitors qualify for a VAT Refund if the total purchas value exceeds R250. This can be reclaimed at the VAT Refund Office at the Cape Town International Airport. An original tax invoice, airline ticket and foreign passport are required. Items purchased must also be presented.
Tipping
Standard practise for satisfactory service is 10% of total bill
Banking
Branches can be found in Malls. ATMs of major National Banks are found at the Langebaan Spar and inside convenience supermarkets. Most ATMs machines accept international bank cards, mainly VISA Electron and Maestro for debit cards and VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express for credit cards.
Banking Hours:
- Weekdays: 09h00 – 15h30
- Saturdays: 09h00 – 11h00
- Sundays : CLOSED
Bank Customer Services
- Diners Club: +27 (0) 800 112 017
- MasterCard: +27 (0) 800 990 418
- Visa International: +27 (0) 800 990 475
Communications
Country Code
+27
Langebaan dialing code
(022)
Cellphones
Purchase a pre-paid SIM card from any network provider (Vodacom and MTN) at any supermarket or service provider outlets
- Vodacom – Oostewal Street
- MTN – Laguna Mall
International calls
Calling cards for international calls are available from supermarkets (such as Pick ‘n Pay,Checkers and Spar). The most widely used are Worldcall,Global, Worldchat and Sundial.
Getting Around
Road Regulations
Petrol
Road Travel
Foreign visitors require an international driving licence (or a valid driving licence – with photograph, printed in English or with an official translation).
Speed Limits (unless road signs indicate other)
- Urban Areas – 60 km per hour
- Rual Areas – 100 km per hour
- Freeways – 120 km per hour
Petrol (gasoline) and diesel are available 24 hours a day at service stations. The price constantly fluctuates and increase/decrease monthly on first Wednesday of the month.
Safety Belts
It is Law that all drivers and passengers in cars, must wear safety belts at all times.
Airport transfers to Langebaan via shuttle services. Check operators for prices.
Coach tour services and car rental companies are available at Airport or in Langebaan. Details
Other important info for Foreigners visiting Langebaan
Safety Tips in Langebaan
Avoid the unnecessary display of valuables and keep to well -lit areas after dark. Do not leave valuable items visible in locked cars. Lock accommodation all the time as holiday visitors are easy targets.
Religion & Spirituality
Most Religious denominations are presented in Langebaan. Information and contact details
Embassy & Consulate
Most countries are represented in Cape Town. For assistance and contact details
Liquor
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, or to drive while under the influence of alcohol. The legal blood alcohol limit in South Africa is 0,05g per 100ml blood.
Conservation
It is Illegal to:
- Remove & harm plants, animals, rocks and feed animals
- Fish without licence permit
- Light any fire somewhere other than designated area – West Coast is high fire risk area
- Throw a cigarette out of car window, or put it out other than designated areas.
- Langebaan is a R.A.M.S.A.R – protected area of international importance for rare and unique wetlands that conserve biological diversity.
- All beaches in Langebaan is under protection of the The National Parks Board.
Public Holidays in 2024
- New Year’s Day – 1 January
- Human Rights Day – 21 March
- Family Day – 1 April
- Freedom Day – 27 April
- Workers Day – 1 May
- Youth Day – 17 June
- Women’s Day – 9 August
- Heritage Day – 24 September
- Day of Reconciliation – 16 December
- Christmas Day – 25 December
- Boxing Day – 26 December
- If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday
Distance & Temperature Conversions
- 1km = 0,6214 miles
- 10°C =50ºF
- 20ºC = 68ºF
- 30ºC = 86ºF