Travel Tips for Cape Town

Essential information and practical advice for your Cape Town adventure

💰 Money & Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). As of July 2025, typical exchange rates are approximately:

  • 1 USD = R18.50
  • 1 EUR = R20.00
  • 1 GBP = R23.00
  • 1 JPY = R0.12
  • 1 CNY = R2.60
  • 1 AUD = R12.50

Payment Methods

  • Cash: Widely used, especially at markets and small vendors
  • Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops
  • Mobile Payments: SnapScan, Zapper, and contactless payments popular
  • USD/EUR: Sometimes accepted at tourist areas, but Rand preferred

ATMs & Money Exchange

  • ATMs are widely available throughout the city
  • Daily withdrawal limits: R3,000-R10,000 depending on bank
  • Banks and authorized dealers offer currency exchange
  • Airport and V&A Waterfront have exchange facilities

South African Banknotes & Coins

Current Banknotes:

  • Notes: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 (featuring the "Big Five" animals)
  • Colors: Each denomination has distinct colors and animal designs
  • Languages: All 11 official languages appear on notes

Coins: R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c (commonly used in daily transactions)

Security Features: Watermarks, security threads, and color-changing ink on banknotes

Tipping Culture

  • Tipping is customary for good service
  • Restaurants: 10-15% if no service charge included
  • Taxis: Round up to nearest R5 or 10%
  • Hotels: R20-R50 for housekeeping, R10-R20 for porters

Practical Money Tips

  • Small Bills: Keep R10 and R20 notes for tips and small purchases
  • Large Bills: R200 notes may be difficult to break at small vendors
  • Bank Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Monday to Friday), 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Saturday)
  • Weekend ATMs: Available 24/7 at most locations
  • Transaction Fees: International ATM fees typically R50-R100

🔌 Electricity & Plugs

Power Specifications

  • Voltage: 230V
  • Frequency: 50Hz
  • Plug Types: Type M (three large round pins) - unique to South Africa

What You Need

  • Type M adapter specifically for South Africa (unique plug type)
  • Voltage converter if your devices don't support 230V
  • Most modern electronics (phones, laptops) work with 230V

Where to Buy Adapters

  • Electronics stores at Canal Walk or V&A Waterfront
  • Pick n Pay, Woolworths, or Checkers supermarkets
  • Hotels often provide Type M adapters
  • Airport shops (more expensive but convenient)

Power Reliability & Load Shedding

  • Generally reliable but subject to load shedding (planned power cuts)
  • Check load shedding schedules on EskomSePush app
  • Most hotels and malls have backup generators
  • Power banks recommended for devices during outages

📱 SIM Card & Internet

Major Mobile Operators

  • Vodacom: Best coverage nationwide, fastest speeds
  • MTN: Good network coverage, competitive data plans
  • Cell C: Budget-friendly options, decent coverage in cities

Tourist SIM Cards

  • Available at airport, CNA stores, and mobile shops
  • Prepaid options: 7-day, 30-day packages available
  • Data plans: 1GB-20GB options available
  • Price range: R50-R500 depending on data allocation

eSIM Options

  • Airalo, Holafly, and other international eSIM providers
  • Vodacom and MTN offer eSIM services
  • Can be activated before arrival
  • Usually more expensive than local SIMs

WiFi Availability

  • Free WiFi at most hotels, cafes, and restaurants
  • Shopping malls and airports have free WiFi
  • City of Cape Town offers free WiFi in some public areas
  • Coffee shops and co-working spaces great for remote work

Internet Speeds

  • 4G LTE widely available in Cape Town and suburbs
  • 5G network available in select areas (CBD, Waterfront)
  • Average speeds: 15-40 Mbps on mobile
  • Fiber internet common in hotels and businesses

🤝 Local Etiquette

Greetings & Interactions

  • Firm handshakes are standard for greetings
  • "Hello" or "Howzit" are common casual greetings
  • Address older people with respect (Sir/Ma'am)
  • Eye contact is important during conversations

Dining Etiquette

  • Wait for everyone to be served before eating
  • Use knife and fork for most meals
  • It's polite to try local dishes when offered
  • Braai (BBQ) culture is central to South African dining
  • Saying "Cheers" before drinking is customary

Churches & Religious Sites

  • Dress modestly when visiting churches
  • Remove hats when entering religious buildings
  • Respect different religious practices and beliefs
  • Speak quietly and respectfully in sacred spaces
  • Ask permission before taking photos inside

Cultural Sensitivity

  • South Africa is multicultural - respect all cultures
  • Be sensitive about apartheid history
  • Don't make assumptions based on race or language
  • Be patient with the 11 official languages
  • Don't photograph people without permission

💬 Language & Communication

Essential South African Phrases

  • Hello: Hello / Howzit (casual)
  • Thank you: Thank you / Dankie (Afrikaans)
  • Excuse me: Excuse me / Sorry
  • How much?: How much does this cost?
  • I don't understand: I don't understand
  • Where is...?: Where is...? / Where can I find...?

Language Landscape

  • English is widely spoken and understood
  • Afrikaans is also common, especially among older residents
  • Xhosa is the most spoken African language in Cape Town
  • Most signs, menus, and services are in English

Useful Local Terms

  • "Just now": In a little while (not immediately)
  • "Now now": Very soon
  • "Braai": Barbecue (very important culturally)
  • "Robot": Traffic light
  • "Bakkie": Pickup truck

🏥 Health & Safety

Food & Water Safety

  • Tap water is generally safe to drink in Cape Town
  • Bottled water widely available if preferred
  • Food safety standards are high at restaurants
  • Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
  • Fresh seafood is excellent and safe when properly prepared

Common Health Issues

  • Sunburn (strong UV rays - use high SPF sunscreen)
  • Dehydration (stay hydrated, especially in summer)
  • Altitude adjustment (minimal - Cape Town is at sea level)
  • Seasonal allergies (spring flowers can trigger allergies)

Medical Facilities

  • Private hospitals: Mediclinic, Netcare, Life Healthcare
  • 24/7 pharmacies (Dis-Chem, Clicks) available
  • Travel insurance highly recommended
  • Emergency number: 10177 (ambulance)

Personal Safety

  • Stay in tourist areas and well-lit streets
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in townships
  • Keep valuables in hotel safe
  • Use Uber, Bolt, or reputable taxi companies
  • Avoid displaying expensive items or large amounts of cash

🌤️ Weather & Clothing

Climate Overview

  • Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons
  • Summer: December-February (warm and dry, 20-28°C)
  • Winter: June-August (cool and wet, 8-18°C)
  • Spring/Autumn: March-May, September-November (mild, 15-23°C)
  • Low humidity, strong winds common

What to Pack

  • Layered clothing for changing weather
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm jacket for winter evenings
  • Rain jacket and umbrella (winter months)
  • High SPF sunscreen and sunglasses (strong UV)
  • Hat and windbreaker for windy conditions

Seasonal Tips

  • Summer: Strong sun, pack sunscreen and stay hydrated
  • Winter: Pack warm clothes, rain can be heavy
  • Spring: Windy season, secure loose items
  • Year-round: Weather can change quickly, layer clothing

🛍️ Shopping & Bargaining

Where to Shop

  • Fixed prices: Malls, supermarkets, branded stores
  • Limited bargaining: Craft markets, some tourist shops
  • Best markets: V&A Waterfront, Greenmarket Square, Old Biscuit Mill

Shopping Tips

  • Bargaining less common than in Asia - be respectful
  • Ask for discounts on multiple items
  • Check for authenticity certificates on expensive items
  • Compare prices at different vendors
  • Keep receipts for VAT refunds on large purchases

What to Buy

  • South African wine (world-class selections)
  • African art and crafts
  • Diamonds and jewelry
  • Rooibos tea
  • Biltong (dried meat snack)
  • African textiles and beadwork

Avoid

  • Counterfeit goods (illegal)
  • Ivory or endangered species products (strictly prohibited)
  • Unverified diamonds or jewelry
  • Overpriced items in pure tourist areas

🚗 Transportation Tips

Getting Around

  • Uber/Bolt: Most reliable and safe for tourists
  • MyCiTi Bus: Modern BRT system, safe and efficient
  • Metered taxis: Available but less common
  • Car rental: Good option for exploring wine regions

Traffic & Road Safety

  • Drive on the left side of the road
  • Traffic is generally orderly but can be heavy during rush hour
  • Always wear seatbelts (mandatory)
  • Be cautious of minibus taxis (can be unpredictable)

Airport Transport

  • Cape Town Airport to city center: 20-30 minutes
  • Uber/Bolt: R150-R250 depending on destination
  • Airport shuttle: R80-R150 per person
  • MyCiTi bus: R35 (A01 route to city center)

⏰ Time & Business Hours

Time Zone

  • UTC+2 (South Africa Standard Time)
  • No daylight saving time
  • Same time as Cairo, Helsinki (winter)

Business Hours

  • Shops: 9:00-17:00 (Mon-Fri), 9:00-14:00 (Sat)
  • Restaurants: 12:00-22:00 (varies by establishment)
  • Banks: 9:00-15:30 (Mon-Fri), 8:30-11:00 (Sat)
  • Museums: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays)
  • Markets: 9:00-16:00 (varies by market)

Public Holidays

  • New Year's Day: January 1
  • Human Rights Day: March 21
  • Freedom Day: April 27
  • Workers' Day: May 1
  • Heritage Day: September 24
  • Day of Reconciliation: December 16