CLIMATE
The Overberg's climate is characterised by mild rainy winters with many sunny days and seasonal high winds. Summers are mainly dry, with the heat of sunny days tempered by cooling sea breezes. Most tourists favour the idyllic days and warm evenings of early autumn (March-April).

 CURRENCY & BANKING
The South African currency unit is Rand (ZAR), with R1 being equal to 100c. Notes are issued in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes with denominations of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c in coins. Most of the major South African banks represented in the Overberg have foreign exchange facilities available with ATMs (automatic teller machines) in most business centres and towns. Most of the major credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted in South Africa.

 ELECTRICITY
220/230 volts. AC is at 50Hz.

 MEDICAL SUPPORT
Since visitors are responsible for their own medical care, tourists are advised to obtain medical insurance before leaving their countries of origin. In case of an emergency, tourists can go directly to a hospital's emergency room, but most often hospitalisation will be arranged through a medical practitioner.

 POSTAL SERVICES & TELEPHONE LINES
All the major towns in South Africa has a post office and mail may be addressed Poste Restante to any town's post office. Telkom's (South Africa's communications provider) telephone lines are fully automatic with direct dialing to most overseas countries. Please refer to a local telephone directory for correct dialing codes.

 ROADS
Access is mainly from the N2 national road. From Cape Town and the West Coast over Sir Lowry's Pass or from the east via Swellendam. Alternative access can be gained via the winding False Bay scenic route (Clarence Drive - R44) from Gordon's Bay that takes you past Rooiels, Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay and Kleinmond on to the Arabella Country Estate.

 TIPPING
As service charges are not included at most restaurants, tips can be given according to the quality of service or the accepted average of 10%-15%.

 VAT (Value Added Tax)
VAT at 14% is levied on nearly all meals, accommodation, services and goods. Foreign tourists may apply for a VAT refund on purchases exceeding R250 in total.