Useful travel advice for Durban

Keep in mind this travel advice for Durban:

General information

Set on the east coast of South Africa, Durban is a beach city with a relaxed attitude and social spirit. Ideal for work or holiday; it offers superlative business amenities, world-class sports facilities and a diverse offering of entertainment including theatre productions, fantastic shopping, international sports events and the wonderful beaches extending from the city up and down the coast.

Driving

The roads system in South Africa is very good; particularly the national freeways. Durban has a comprehensive road network offering routes in and around the city. Due to its sprawling nature, a GPS (such as a Garmin) or a reputable map is a good idea for getting around efficiently. There are “roadworks” around the city in preparation for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, so you’ll likely have to wait every now and then.

It is wise to be attentive and careful when driving in town. Some practical travel advice for Durban is:

• Be observant when returning to or leaving your car. Don’t wait around in parking lots; leave immediately.
• Lock car doors once in the car and keep windows up.
• Do not stop for hitchhikers or to help “stranded motorists”. Hijackers and robbers fake such incidents to prey on   kind people who stop to help.
• Drive on main roads which are well lit. Don’t drive in townships.
• If driving in a quiet area at night, be careful at red robots (traffic lights). If there are people loitering nearby or   someone walks towards your car, carefully drive through the red light. Rather pay a fine than chance a bad   experience.
• Don’t give money to street children, as it’s often given to older “entrepreneurs” who put them there or used for   sniffing glue. Rather give them food, or money to the charities that feed and clothe them.

Safety and security

Like in most cities, it’s best to avoid flaunting expensive jewellery or valuables such as cell phones, cameras and laptops. Keep such items out of sight as much as you can. Lock them in the boot (trunk) of the car when parked, and keep them away from windows at your place of accommodation.

Don’t spend time in isolated areas, especially at night, and walk in groups.

Tipping and gratuities

Another constructive bit of travel advice for Durban is how tipping works.

A tip of 10% or more (according to the service you’ve received) is common practice if a gratuity is not included on your bill. “Waitering” is often a livelihood in South Africa.

“Car guards” are a South African phenomenon and you’ll often find them watching over parking lots or street parking. Reputable guards should be adults and wear official uniforms of some kind. When you are returning to your vehicle it is customary to tip the car guard for watching your car. In Durban, R2 is an average tip.

Electricity

Electricity is 230 volts; and round three or two pin plugs are used, so you may want to bring an adapter.

Languages

There are 11 official languages in South Africa, but most business, services and tourism is conducted in English.

Remember this handy travel advice for Durban for a safe and happy visit.