In South Africa, shops are usually open from 09.00 to 17.00 Mondays to Fridays and from 09.00 - 13.00 on Saturdays (in the main centres and larger malls, opening hours are longer). Most South Africans shop in malls, of which there are large-examples in the cities. Traditional South African craftwork, such as bowls, clay pots, beadwork, carvings, tapestries and paintings are popular with tourists. Jewellery is also worth looking out for.

Because of the advantageous exchange rate, clothing and footwear is relatively inexpensive and of good quality. International brand stores can be found in the larger cities.

Tips/Gratuity

You can tip waiters and taxi drivers 10 - 15 percent of the bill, unless a service charge has been added in advance. Five Rand per piece of luggage is recommended for porters. Car-guards or parking-attendants are usually given R2 to R5.

Customs Allowances

No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person. No more than 250g of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person. No more than 50ml perfumery and 250ml eau de toilette per person. No more than 2 litres of wine per person. No more than 1 litre in total of spiritous and other alcoholic beverages per person. In addition to the personal effects and consumables allowances, travellers are allowed new or used goods in accompanied baggage to the value of R5 000. No person under 18 is entitled to the alcohol or tobacco allowance. Duty is levied at 20% thereafter. You can buy duty-free goods at the Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban airports.