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Shopping in South Africa has
never been cheaper or offered better value for money to visitors. After the
dramatic devaluation of the South African Rand against most of the world's major
currencies at the end of 2002, a Dollar, Pound, Euro or Yen now goes even
further. There are large, world-class, air-conditioned shopping malls in all the
country's major cities and towns. They offer not only a first-class shopping
experience, but also excellent places to eat and be entertained. Most visitors
want to buy something genuinely 'African' to take home. Great buys are jewelry
made from the gold and precious stones, masks, traditional beadwork, handbags,
wallets, belts, shoes and coats crafted from the finest leathers, beautiful rugs
and wall hangings woven from wool and mohair products. It's easy to pay for and
ship purchases throughout the South African retail sector. Stores accept all
major internationally based credit cards, and every shopping center has
facilities to change travelers' checks or cash. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
accept overseas credit cards for cash withdrawals, but only if prior
arrangements have been made. Purchases from the informal sector are usually paid
for in cash, unless the item is more expensive, and many sellers are eager to
bargain. Receipts should be kept for all items bought, as VAT - the South
African Sales tax levied at 14% on most things - can be reclaimed at the airport
when passengers exit the country. Items must be available for possible
inspection so it is wise to allow extra time at check-in.
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Menlyn Park Pretoria
Menlyn Park
Shopping Center is a world-class shopping center and aspires to offer guests the
best possible service, on a par or better than that experienced at top shopping
centers worldwide. There are a huge variety of stores - over 311. Well-known
international and national brands as well as unique line stores offer guests an
extensive variety to choose from. The center boasts the first rooftop Drive-In
in the world where you can enjoy an evening out in your own vehicle, or for the
more romantic, make use of one of the six veteran vehicles which can be hired at
the Drive-In for a nominal charge.
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V&A Waterfront Cape Town
With over 400 stores the V&A Waterfront caters to all your
shopping needs in a huge range that will suit any budget or taste. It's
sumptuous blend of Victorian architecture, maritime tradition, and African
culture ensures a shopping environment that is lively and cosmopolitan. You can
browse among international and local designer boutiques, jewelry showrooms, art
galleries, craft and lifestyle stores. Choose your home essentials from a range
of established South African stores, or seek out the perfect curio or gift,
while keeping your strength up with a visit to any one of a superb range of
coffee shops, take-aways, and restaurants.
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Sandton City
Johannesburg
The ultimate shopping experience in a world of its own - at
Sandton City there is something for everyone from the adventurous to the
discriminating, the trendy to the discerning. Sandton City is the destination
where international shoppers feel at home and local shoppers get away from it
all. With more than 290 stores, Sandton City has it all under one roof. Combined
with an excellent choice of restaurants and entertainment venues, you can savor
superb cuisine, catch up on culture with some of South Africa's best theatre and
see the latest movies at the flagship Ster Kinekor cinema complex. This is one
shopping experience you will never forget!
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Gateway Mall Umhlanga/Durban
Gateway is set to revolutionize the concept of the modern
shopping mall. Whereas the traditional shopping mall’s primary purpose has been
to offer a variety of stores under one roof, it’s only half of the Gateway
experience. Catering for the demanding needs of the modern consumer, Gateway
offers a choice of over 370 stores and an incredible variety of sporting and
entertainment facilities, ensuring that it establishes a reputation as the
ultimate lifestyle destination. The latest design and styling hues have been
incorporated into the architecture of Gateway, ensuring it cuts an impressive
figure on the Umhlanga skyline.
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Bruma Flea Market
Johannesburg
Bruma is a very clean colorful, vibey
market, always full of the hustle and bustle of eager shoppers, in search of who
knows what. And with over six hundred stalls, there is a never-ending choice of
who knows what for who knows whom. Exhibitors sell a splattering of everything
and are known by 1.3 million shoppers a year as the 'Mecca' of souvenirs. Daily
market, Traders Crafting Post and Urban Park - operates on Saturdays, Sundays
and public holidays - offers a variety of goods, craft and commercial goods. The
market is alive with sights, sounds and smells. Every weekend there is
entertainment in the form of a live band, light hearted African music played on
a penny whistle and six of the most talented African musicians and dancers who
play the marimba and amongst others, do the traditional gumboot dance.
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African Craft Markets
African woodcarvings feature many of the continent's animals and birds.
Favorites include very tall giraffes, large, shiny brown hippos - ideal for
doorstops with a difference - carved from a single piece of African teak (kiaat)
and highly hand-polished; and masks - all very inexpensive. African craft
markets can be found in almost every city and town visited by tourists.
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AmaZingwe
