American Express -- Located in "The Vibe" East Coast Radio House, Umhlanga Rocks Drive (tel. 031/566-8650; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8:30-11am).
Area Code -- Durban's area code is 031.
Emergencies -- For an ambulance, call tel. 10177 and ask to be taken to the casualty unit at Entabeni Private Hospital (tel. 031/204-1300). Staff will also treat nonemergencies. Police: tel. 031/325-4111; Flying Squad: tel. 10111; SAP Tourist Protection Unit: tel. 031/368-4453; Fire brigade: tel. 031/361-0000; NSRI (sea rescue): tel. 031/361-8567; Rape Crisis: tel. 031/312-2323.
Pharmacy -- Late-night chemists include Medicine Chest (tel. 031/305-6151), 155 Berea Rd., and Day-Night Pharmacy (tel. 031/368-3666), 9A Nedbank Circle, corner of Point and West (the latter has free delivery).
Safety -- Malaria has not been reported in Durban for more than 50 years. If you plan to travel into northern Zululand, a course of antimalarial drugs is necessary, however. Like any large city where a large percentage of the population is poor, Durban is troubled by street crime. The display of wealth is unwise anywhere in the city or beachfront, and visitors are advised to do their explorations of these areas during the day.
Weather -- For a weather report, call tel. 082/231-1603.
