Durban Outer West Guidebook

If you are not used to people asking to take your shopping trolley from the supermarket to your car and loading the shopping into your car plus helping you move in an out of the parking you might be flustered - but the people who are assigned to the supermarkets to do just that are generally friendly and reliable and the odd job they do is the income they earn. Please support them with a R 2 or R 5 coin and let them help you, as most South Africans do.

...unless you are keen for adventure and an African sense on time. Millions of people use the 'taxis', minibus carriers and you see them everywhere on the roads. In theory they take you where you want to go but if you are not well acquainted with South African culture you will find it difficult to figure out the routes and times. I do not recommend using them although backpacker friends of mine have done so and were happy. As a backpacker tourist without a car, you can use Baz Bus which takes you around the country, Greyhounds or other bus lines but NOT the trains.

South Africa is very casual on clothes, you can go to church in flip flops and you see kids barefoot and in pyjamas in the supermarkets. Buying casual clothes is easy and there's a wide range of everything at good prices in case you need something. Even in winter you are alright with one jacket and jersey and some hiking shoes, chances are that you see beautiful clothes to take home and only wear half of what you brought along.

You will find that strangers greet each other everywhere, at least with a faint smile and glance. It is easy to get into a conversation with strangers and don't be suspicious if people are friendly and offer help, most often it is genuine. Older African people might avoid looking at you when greeting you, they have been trained not to look into your eyes, it is deemed disrespectful. It is not unfriendly although confusing for you. It is deemed rude to ask for anything without at least saying hello and acknowledging the person you speak to. You might get rudeness in return.

Kids are welcome everywhere, really. People are most relaxed with kids around, in restaurants and shops, even in churches, museums and sightseeing places.

To sell Alcoholic beverage, a restaurant needs a license and not every cafe or bistro has one. Be aware of that. While some supermarkets sell wine, you will find a good choice of beer and liquor/ spirits only in designated bottle stores.There is no alcohol to be bought from Petrol stations and small 24/7 shops whatsoever, so you need to stock up at the bottle store what you want to drink or go to a licensed pub. While many supermarkets are open on a Sunday, their wine section is closed off on Sundays and bottle stores are closed