Practical travel advice for Port Elizabeth

Keep in mind this practical travel advice for Port Elizabeth:

General information

Port Elizabeth, (on the east coast of South Africa) is a holiday city of note. Long stretches of golden, sandy beaches line the “Friendly City”, and watersports enthusiasts from around the country flock there for surfing, sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The coastal climate is usually warm and the city is “relaxed”. Home to much Settler history and the gateway to the famous Garden Route, PE (Port Elizabeth) is a city of diverse riches.

Driving

The extensive road network in and around Port Elizabeth provides varied access routes to most destinations in the city and its surrounds. A GPS (eg. Garmin or Tomtom) is a worthy investment for “quick and easy” PE travel. The 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup is on our doorstep and roads all over the city are being upgraded for the grand event. You may have to be patient when on a route with “roadworks” underway.

PE is an urban centre, so it’s important to be aware when driving in it. Follow this essential travel advice for Port Elizabeth to avoid problems:

• Be attentive when approaching or leaving your car. Don’t linger in parking lots; leave without delay.
• Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times.
• Do not assist “broken down” motorists or pick up hitchhikers. Robbers and hijackers fake such incidents in order   to rob and hijack unsuspecting motorists.
• At night use busy, brightly lit roads and be vigilant in the city centre. Don’t drive in townships.
• If you have to drive in a quiet area at night, be wary at red robots (traffic lights). If people are lurking nearby or   somebody approaches your car, carefully drive through the red light. Rather pay a fine than risk a bad experience.
• Don’t give money to street children. In general, people use children to beg as a business enterprise, or the kids   use the use the money for sniffing glue. Rather give them food, or give money to the charities that feed and clothe   them.

Tipping and gratuities

How to tip is another helpful piece of travel advice for Port Elizabeth.

A tip of 10% or more (relative to the service you’ve received) is standard if a gratuity is not included on your bill. Waiting on tables is often an occupation in South Africa.

“Car guards” are abundant around the country and you’ll often find them watching over street parking and parking lots. Authentic guards should be adults and wear some kind of uniform to show they belong to a car guarding company. It is standard practice to tip the car guard for watching your car when you are returning to your vehicle. R2 is an average tip in PE.

Safety and security

Don’t spend time in quiet areas (especially at night) and do walk in groups.

Be careful in the city centre.

Like in other urban areas, don’t “broadcast” wealth in the form of cameras, cell phones and jewellery etc. Keep such items safe by storing them away from windows wherever you’re visiting. “Smash and grabs” happen even with people in the car, so keep valuables out of sight while driving.

Languages

Although 11 official languages are spoken in South Africa, business, services and tourism are all usually conducted in English.

Electricity

Bring an adapter: electricity is 230 volts and plugs are round three or two pin plugs.