Climate

Hermanus enjoys a mild climate. Winter, although the rainy season, has nonetheless many sunny days and is generally mild, with high winds at times. Summer is dry and sunny, with extreme heat tempered by sea breezes. Early autumn (March) is idyllic, with balmy days and late afternoon sea mists - the so-called Hermanus "champagne air".

Electricity

220/230 volts AC at 50Hz

Local government

Overstrand Municipality
P.O.Box 20
Hermanus 7200
Telephone +27 313 8000
Fax +27 28 312 1894

Information Buro

Hermanus Tourism Buro, PO Box 117, Hermanus, 7200. telephone +27 283122629

Library

Visitors may become temporary members at a nominal fee.

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 and exported to many parts of the world.

Business hours

General shopping hours are 08:30 - 17:00 on weekdays and 08:00 - 13:00 on Saturdays, although many stores are open for limited hours on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Postal facilities

The main branch of the post office is the Hermanus Post Office in Main Road. 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 Cafe's in Hermanus offering satellite and broadband connections to the Internet.

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 10% - 15%.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

14% is levied on nearly all goods and services, meals, accommodation etc. Foreign tourists may apply fora refund of VAT on items purchased and taken out of the country, provided the value exceeds R250.

Information courtesy of The Electronic Gateway to the Overberg