Banks Barclays (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 9am-11am), with ATM; the very efficient Commercial Bank of Africa at Diani Beach Shopping Centre (Mon-Fri 8.30am-2pm); Diani Forex opposite Galu Kinondo supermarket at the southern end of the strip (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm & 2-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm).

Bicycle and motor bike rental Unfortunately, the collapse in tourism has also seen off most of the bike-rental places: try either South Fork, or arrange an informal deal with the guys at the curio kiosks. Bargain hard (you shouldn't pay more than Ksh600 a day, much less if over a week).

Car rental Glory Car Hire, Diani Beach Shopping Centre tel 0127/3392; Hertz has offices at the Jadini Beach Hotel (tel 0127/2149), Safari Beach Hotel (tel 0127/2726) and Indian Ocean Beach Club (tel 0127/3730).

Doctors Dr Rekhi, Diani Beach Hospital, recommended (tel 0127/2435-6); Dr Philip Varghese, outside Diani Sea Resort (tel 0127/2588 or tel 011/227189; Mon-Fri 9am-12.30pm & 2.30-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm); Dr Lalit D. Kotak, opposite Diani Sea Lodge (Mon-Fri 8.30am-12.30pm & 2.30-6pm, Sat 8.30am-12.30pm).

Hospital Diani Beach Hospital (tel 0127/2435-6), next to Leisure Lodge Golf Club and Diani Complex, is small and modern.

Internet access Relatively expensive compared to Mombasa or even Ukunda, but available at several places including Hot Gossip by Legend (just north of the post office), Diani Link at Diani Beach Shopping Centre, Tourist Information and Services Centre behind Tandoori Bay , and Top Africa Safaris at the Colliers Centre.

Notice boards Onjiko's Supermarket, behind Agip petrol station, has a reasonable board for buying and selling.

Pharmacy South End Pharmacy, at Diani Beach Shopping Centre.

Post office opposite the junction for Trade Winds hotel, 1.4km south of the junction. Mon-Fri 8am-12.30pm & 2-5pm, Sat 9am-noon.

Supermarkets Muthaiga Mini Market, Diani Beach Shopping Centre (expensive; Mon-Sat 9am-6.30pm); Onjiko's, behind Agip (much cheaper, but limited range); KFI, just up from Diani Beachalets with a good range; and Shan-e-Punjab, Diani Complex (Mon-Sat 8.30am-7pm), which has the best range of wines and spirits on the South Coast. Cabin at Colliers Centre (daily 9am-6pm) is small but has the advantage of being open Sundays. Galu Kinondo supermarket, at the south end of the beach, is only a basic provision store.

Taxis Most hotels have taxis in their forecourts, and there's also a stand opposite Barclays Bank. Otherwise try Call On Taxis by Tandoori Bay restaurant (tel 0127/3163 or 3459), or Malibu Taxis at Diani Beach Shopping Centre (tel 0733/857458 or 700306).

Telephones There are cardphones at the post office, and many of the internet offices also have international phone services.

Travel agents There are various safari agents by the Agip garage and in the shopping centres along the strip, which open and close frequently enough. The less reputable ones will hustle any passing tourist for business, but don't be taken in by the first one you visit: shop around.