Climate - Port Elizabeth enjoys a moderate climate, and to the delight of sunshine-seekers it is known to have the most sunshine and fewest rainy days of any of South Africa’s seaside cities. There is little difference in average temperature between summer and winter with the sea remaining warm enough for swimming all year round.
Port Elizabeth enjoys a daily average of 7 – 8 hours of sunshine annually. In Winter (from April to August) the temperatures range from 7 – 20°C and in summer the temperatures range from 16 - 26°C.
In general, Port Elizabeth’s weather is good to visitors and rarely reaches extremes. In fact, Port Elizabeth’s weather is rated as the fourth best climate of any coastal city in the world.
Credit Card - Most major credit cards are accepted, as well as travellers cheques in major currencies.
Currency - In South Africa foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and foreign exchange offices. Fast-cash machines that accept major international credit cards are available at most banks. South African currency works on the decimal system: one rand equals 100 cents.
Drinking water - Tap water at hotels, inns, lodges, and other public places is purified and safe to drink.
Language - There are 11 official languages in South Africa: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesuthu, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana and Tshivenda.
Electricity - Universal Travel plug adapter for South Africa - 3 round pin plug. Good for Grounded or Non-grounded plugs from other countries. Note: This does not convert the voltage from 110V to 220/240V. You will need a Voltage Converter for that.
Metric system - South Africa uses the metric system. Weather forecasts are given in degrees Celsius; petrol is sold by the litre, milk and wine are sold by the litre; grocery items are sold in grams and kilogams; and road speeds are posted in kilometres per hour.
Shopping - Normal trading hours are 09:00 - 17:00 on weekdays and 09:00 - 13:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Some of the bigger shopping centres trade until 17:00 on a Saturday. Large shopping centres in Port Elizabeth are: Walmer Park Shopping Centre / Baywest Mall / Greenacres Shopping Centre.
Tipping - In most restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, a gratuity is not included in the price. It is recommended that you add a 10% tip to the bill.
VAT - VAT in South Africa currently stands at 15% as of 1 April 2018. Value Added Tax (VAT) was first introduced in South Africa on 29 September 1991 at a rate of 10%.
Transportation - Uber App (Android) / Uber App (IOS)
Official Travel Agency - Sure Maritime Travel / HRG Rennies Travel
Accommodation and Sightseeing Excursions - Tripadvisor South Africa