General Information On Hermanus

Hermanus might be a mere town, but in many ways it is city-like in its infrastructure. For example, it has a wide choice of restaurants, shops, sporting facilities and an excellent private hospital. General shopping hours are from 08:30 till 17:00 on weekdays and 08:00 till 13:00 on Saturdays . Many stores and shops are open on Sundays. There are 2 large supermarkets who trade from 07:00 till 19:00 in the summer months.

• Banks: Most banking groups are represented in Hermanus and most of them have foreign exchange facilities. All have Automatic Teller machines, and as with most places worldwide, it is wise to be on the safe side when withdrawing cash. 
  Local currency units are Rands (R) and Cents (c). 
  R1 is equal to 100 cents. Denomonations of coins are R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 1Oc, 5c. Notes are issued in the following denominations: R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10.
• Most international credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques, provided they are in an acceptable currency.
• Electricity: 220/230 volts AC at 50Hz
• Health services: Tourists are advised to obtain medical insurance before leaving their country of origin as visitors are responsible for their own medical costs. Hospitalisation is generally arranged through a medical practitioner, but visitors can phone or go directly to the hospital in case of an emergency.
• Tap water is considered safe to drink in urban areas but may be contaminated elsewhere and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are of excellent quality.
• Postal facilities: The main branch of the post office is the Hermanus Post Office in Main Road. Postnet also offers mailing services. Mail can be addressed "Poste Restante" to any post office.
• Telephones are fully automatic with direct dialling to most countries. Hermanus falls within the Vodacom, Cell C and MTN Networks for cellular phone operations.
• Internet facilities: There are several Internet Cafes in Hermanus offering satellite and broadband connections to the Internet.
• Tourism Bureau: 
  Summer business hours are:
  Mon-Fri 08:00- 8:00; Sat 09:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-15:00.
  Public Holidays: 09:00-12:00
  Winter hours are:
  Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00. Closed on Sundays.
• Parking: Hermanus uses Parking Monitors who charge according to metered time. You can pay either when you arrive, or when you depart. The monitors also act as security for your vehicle.
• Disabled friendly: Hermanus is increasingly becoming a disabled and wheelchair-friendly town. Look for the Proudly Accessible sign: 
  
  More information can be obtained from: www.disabledtravel.co.za
  There are special parking bays available at various points in town.
• Public Holidays
  New Year's Day..................1 January
  Human Rights' Day............21 March
  Good Friday..........................5 April
  Family Day............................8 April
  Freedom Day.......................27 April
  Workers' Day........................1 May
  Youth Day..............................16 June
  National Women's Day.......9 September
  Heritage Day.........................24 September
  Day of Reconciliation...........16 December
  Christmas Day......................25 December
  Day of Goodwill.....................26 December
  When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a holiday.
• Tipping: According to service - the accepted average is 10% - 15%.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services, meals, accommodation etc. Foreign tourists may apply for a refund of VAT on items purchased and taken out of the country, provided the value exceeds R250.