Bidvest Bank is a good choice for travellers. This is because the bank has been in foreign exchange for many years. Also, it has all major currencies. And import/export foreign exchange. Additional services include trade, foreign money transfers and exchange. 

Tel: +27 27 5611012
Fax: +27 27 5611013
Fax2Email: +27 86 5354070

Email: kavi.moodley@bidvestbank.co.za
Website: www.bidvestbank.co.za

As well as ordinary banking, travellers can use:

• Foreign Exchange, or
• Travel Insurance, or
• Money Gram, or
• World Call Cards, or
• Investment Accounts, or
• Telegraphic Transfers, or
• Spot & Forward Cover Contracts, or
• Trade Services, or
• Exchange Control Services.

You can, further, change traveller's cheques and foreign currency notes at any bank. Similarly, offices of American Express and most hotels have exchange facilities.

Because American Express is the world's biggest Foreign Exchange agency it is very skilled. It also has a large branch network.

ADDRESS: 10th Floor, Nedbank Building, Durban 4001
TEL: 031 301 5541
FAX: 086 211 4544
EMAIL: rivika.maharaj@amex.co.za
WEBSITE: www.americanexpressforex.co.za

MUSGRAVE - 031 2028733
UMHLANGA -031 5661412
WESTVILLE - 031 2670797
PAVILLION - 031 2651456
PIETERMARITZBURG - 033 3945608

When it comes to using credit cards, most stores, shops, hotels and restaurants accept international credit cards. These include, for instance, American Express, VISA, Diners Club, MasterCard. 

Tax is another important know-how for travellers. Sales tax (VAT) is charged on goods and services. Foreign tourists can subsequently have this amount refunded when they leave. This is if the items are over R250. In order to qualify, visitors must have a foreign passport, tax invoices and the goods. They can then present these items at the VAT office. The office is in the International departures section at Durban International Airport. But VAT for restaurant, places to stay or car hire will not be refunded.

Along with holiday information we provide embassy numbers here:

While it is unlikely, you may just need to contact local municipal offices on holiday:

Umhlanga Municipal Office Tel: (031) 561 1101.

Also good to know is that South Africa has  good communications. On hand, for example, are international dialling, telex, fax, and email. There is also full mobile phone coverage in Umhlanga. And handsets can be hired in shopping centres. In addition, local SIM cards can be bought at shops.

Another good thing to know are the transport options for your Umhlanga holiday. Direct flights from overseas land at King Shaka International Airport. And domestic services include Kulula.com, SAA, British Airways and others. Contact King Shaka on 032 436 6758. As well as aeroplanes there are coaches and trains. These are well priced. They leave daily for different places. Finally, the People Mover is a local bus service that carries people around Durban and the suburbs. 

Tel: (031) 311-7344, or Umhlanga Tourism (031) 561 4257/6943.

Lastly, in case you need it, please make use of www.safe.kzn.org.za or use the emergency numbers below: