Practical travel advice for Durban

Keep in mind this practical travel advice for Durban:

General information

Durban, South Africa, is a holiday destination par excellence. Enjoy beach holidays, country retreats, or sports vacations. Should you be keen to spot the Big Five, take a walk on the wild side with a safari trip. If you’re in Durban for a work-related visit, rest assured that there’s no shortage of business facilities. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, don’t miss Durban’s honey-hued beaches and delectable cuisine.

Driving

The extensive road network in and around Durban provides varied access routes to most destinations in the city and its surrounds. A GPS (eg. Garmin or Tomtom) is a worthy investment for “quick and easy” Durban travel. The 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup is on our doorstep and roads all over the city are being upgraded for the grand event. You may have to be patient when on a route with “roadworks” underway.

Durban is an urban centre, so it’s important to be aware when driving in it. Follow this essential travel advice for Durban to avoid problems:

• Be attentive when approaching or leaving your car. Don’t linger in parking lots; leave without delay.
• Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times.
• Do not assist “broken down” motorists or pick up hitchhikers. Robbers and hijackers fake such incidents in order   to rob and hijack unsuspecting motorists.
• At night use busy, brightly lit roads and be vigilant in the city centre. Don’t drive in townships.
• If you have to drive in a quiet area at night, be wary at red robots (traffic lights). If people are lurking nearby or   somebody approaches your car, carefully drive through the red light. Rather pay a fine than risk a bad experience.
• Don’t give money to street children. In general, people use children to beg as a business enterprise, or the kids   use the use the money for sniffing glue. Rather give them food, or give money to the charities that feed and clothe   them.

Tipping and gratuities

How to tip is another helpful piece of travel advice for Durban.

A tip of 10% or more (relative to the service you’ve received) is standard if a gratuity is not included on your bill. Waiting on tables is often an occupation in South Africa.

“Car guards” are abundant around the country and you’ll often find them watching over street parking and parking lots. Authentic guards should be adults and wear some kind of uniform to show they belong to a car guarding company. It is standard practice to tip the car guard for watching your car when you are returning to your vehicle. R2 is an average tip in Durban.

Safety and security

Don’t spend time in quiet areas (especially at night) and do walk in groups.

Be careful in the city centre.

Like in other urban areas, don’t “broadcast” wealth in the form of cameras, cell phones and jewellery etc. Keep such items safe by storing them away from windows wherever you’re visiting. “Smash and grabs” happen even with people in the car, so keep valuables out of sight while driving.

Languages

Although 11 official languages are spoken in South Africa, business, services and tourism are all usually conducted in English.

Electricity

Bring an adapter: electricity is 230 volts and plugs are round three or two pin plugs.

Remember this useful travel advice for Durban for a fun and happy holiday.