Page 414 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

412 TRA VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SHOPPING IN
SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa’s principal shopping attraction is, and markets countrywide. Crafters from the
undoubtedly, its superb range of handcrafted rest of Africa, attracted by South Africa’s
goods, as well as jewellery made from locally- thriving tourism industry, frequent markets
mined gold, inlaid with precious or semi- in the larger cen tres, selling, for example, cere-
precious stones. Intricate beadwork, woven monial wooden masks and malachite bracelets.
rugs and car pets, decorative baskets, stone All manner of other handiwork can be found in
and woodcarvings, wood-and-bone spoons crafts markets, too, from wind chimes, wooden
and traditional, flowing African garments beach chairs and painted duvet covers to
with geomet ric motifs are sold at curio shops African chili sauces and leather goods.

rural villages, it is advisable to jewellery) at VAT reclaim desks
carry cash in a concealed wallet at the international airports
or pouch. After hours, most (Johannesburg, Cape Town and
banks (and many petrol stations Durban), or at border posts.
and shopping malls) have The procedure is explained on
automatic teller machines the government’s Tax Refunds
(ATMs) that allow you to make for Tourists website.
withdrawals with your credit
card or inter national ATM card.
Eye-catching works in malachite
Shopping Hours Bargaining
City shopping malls have African traders are prepared to
extended hours, staying open bargain hard, mostly because
until around 9pm for the conve- they would rather make a sale
nience of their patrons, while than lose one. Indian sales-
most small-town shops observe people also enjoy haggling over
the nine-to-five rule. Village prices and seem to expect a little
shops may even close at noon; resis tance from their customers.
siestas are still very much a part Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Cape Town
of rural South Africa. Outdoor flea
markets usually begin trading VAT Refunds
around 10am and end at sunset. Most goods (except basic food- If the merchandise you have
stuffs) are subject to 14 per cent bought is defective in any
Value Added Tax (VAT), included way, you are entitled to a
How to Pay
in the price. Any shop (though refund. If you decide that you
Credit cards such as Visa and not informal markets) can issue don’t like an item, you may have
MasterCard are readily accepted a VAT receipt. Departing tourists to settle for a credit note or an
in malls and city shops. Small can reclaim the 14 per cent on exchange. In general, the larger
shops and informal traders their purchases (very worthwhile the store, the more protected
prefer cash. In remote areas and for expensive items such as you are. If you are unhappy
with the service, talk to the
customer services department
or the manager.
Where to Shop
Large shopping malls are found
in all cities and towns, and
feature everything from giant
chain stores to small speciality
boutiques. These have not,
however, forced out the smaller
high street shops, where
specialist book, fashion and
Street vendors display their goods outside The Workshop Mall in Durban (see pp286–9) wine stores jostle with delis