South Africa has a free-market economy, and offers the visitor  irresistible bargains. Be it something in gold and diamond  (tax-free) at the country's top shopping "palace", the Waterfront in Cape Town, or a  small thing from a roadside hawker,  the current rend value leans heavily in your favor.

The most fascinating things one can buy are, a soapstone sculpture from the pavement hawkers, a samoosa -fragrant curry wrapped in pastry - from a food vendor, bags, belts and books from flea markets or an ostrich-skin briefcase,  crocodile skin bag, hand-woven rugs and designer jeweler from stylish suburban shopping malls. If you are interested in ethnic items, flea markets and curio shops are worth a visit.

On your shopping list you can also include pineapple beer, tablemats woven from grass, ostrich eggs, colorful bead necklaces and deeply craved calabashes. 

Shopping hours are generally 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Supermarkets and most large shopping centers are open on Sundays.