PRACTICAL INFORMATION

PASSPORT: A valid passport is mandatory

VISAS: Traveling to Cape Town, generally requires a visa for non-citizens, but the specific requirements vary depending on the traveler’s nationality and purpose of visit. Click here for everything you need to know about South Africa’s entry requirements. Please note that visa applications can take up to 3 months, depending on the local consulate/embassy in your region. 

LANDING IN CAPE TOWN AIRPORT: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main international gateway and one of the best airports in Africa. It’s well-organized and efficient. Customs & Immigration: As a traveler, you’ll need to fill out an immigration form on the plane. Have your passport and return ticket ready.

Airport Transfers:

• Taxi/Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are widely available at the airport. There’s a designated ride-hailing zone, and you’ll need to book via the app.
• Airport Shuttle: You can find shuttle services to major areas like V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, and Camps Bay.
• Car Rentals: Many international car rental companies have counters at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.

CURRENCY: ZAR

LOCAL TIME: Cape Town is in the South Africa Standard Time (SAST) time zone, which is UTC+2. South Africa does not observe daylight saving time, so the time stays the same year-round.

ELECTRICITY:

Voltage: 230 volts
Frequency: 50 Hz
Plug types:
Type M (large round pins, used mostly in South Africa)
Type C (European 2-pin plug, often compatible with devices from Europe)

NATIONAL DIALLING CODE: +27

SIM CARDS AND CONNECTIVITY: Upon arrival, you can purchase SIM cards from Vodacom and MTN stores located in the arrivals hall. If you miss the airport options, SIM cards are available at:

• Mobile network stores: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom outlets in shopping malls.
• Supermarkets and convenience stores: Pick n Pay, Checkers, Woolworths, and PEP.

When purchasing, ensure you have your passport for registration, as it's required by South African law.

DRIVING: In South Africa, people drive on the left-hand side of the road,

MEDICAL AID: In Cape Town have generally of a high standard, especially in the private sector, which is commonly used by both tourists

DRINKING WATER: Cape Town has high water quality standards and the tap water is treated and monitored. You can safely use it for drinking, brushing teeth, and cooking.

If you're traveling to rural areas outside the city, it’s a good idea to check local advice, as water quality can vary

CREDIT CARD AND CURRENCY FACILITIES: Major cards like Visa, MasterCard, and increasingly American Express are accepted at:

• Hotels, restaurants, shops, supermarkets
• Ride-hailing services (Uber/Bolt)
• Tourist attractions

Not Always Accepted:

• Small markets (spaza shops), roadside vendors, or informal taxis may prefer cash.
• Always carry some local currency (ZAR) for tips, small purchases, or emergencies.

Tips:

• Contactless payments ("tap to pay") are common.
• Many places do not charge card fees, but your bank might—check with your provider before traveling.
• Let your bank know you're traveling to avoid card blocks due to fraud alerts.
  

TIPPING: Tipping in Cape Town (and South Africa in general) is customary and expected in certain service sectors.

RESTAURANTS: Restaurants in Cape Town are diverse, vibrant, and offer a wide range of culinary experiences that cater to every budget and taste.

ENTERTAINMENT: Cape Town is a city bursting with diverse entertainment options, offering something for everyone, whether you're a fan of nature, nightlife, culture, or adventure. Here's an overview of what you can enjoy while you're in the city

Outdoor & Nature Activities

Table Mountain

• Hiking: If you're into nature and hiking, Table Mountain offers a range of trails with breathtaking views of Cape Town. Popular hikes include the Platteklip Gorge (a direct route to the top) and Lion's Head for stunning views at sunrise or sunset.
• Cable Car: If you'd prefer a more relaxed option, you can take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the top, where you'll get panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains.

 Beaches

• Camps Bay: Known for its trendy restaurants and bars, and its beautiful beach with white sand and clear waters.
• Clifton Beaches: Four picturesque beaches with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. Great for sunbathing and picnicking.
• Boulders Beach: Famous for its African penguin colony, where you can get close to these adorable creatures while enjoying the beach.

Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope

• A trip to the Cape Peninsula offers stunning scenery, wildlife (like baboons, antelope, and ostriches), and the chance to stand at the southern tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

• A beautiful, peaceful garden on the slopes of Table Mountain, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. It’s also a venue for summer concerts and open-air performances.

Cultural & Arts Entertainment

Robben Island

• Historical tours of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, provide a deeply educational and moving experience about South Africa's history of apartheid.

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA)

• Located at the V&A Waterfront, this museum is Africa's largest collection of contemporary African art, showcasing work from across the continent.

Theatre & Performing Arts

• Artscape Theatre Centre: The largest and most prominent performing arts venue in Cape Town, offering musicals, operas, ballets, and concerts.
• The Baxter Theatre: An iconic venue for theatre productions, live music, and comedy shows.

Street Art in Woodstock

• The Woodstock area is known for its vibrant street art and murals. You can explore the local art scene on foot, discovering works from talented local artists.
  

SHOPPING: Shopping in Cape Town is a delightful experience, offering everything from high-end fashion and designer labels to local art, handmade crafts, and authentic African souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for big malls, quirky markets, or local boutiques, Cape Town has something for every taste and budget.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Cape Town is a major, modern cosmopolitan South African city. As such, we would advise travellers to exercise the same level of vigilance they would exercise when visiting any major city in the world. For the overwhelming majority of the 1,7 million
foreign visitors to the Western Cape in 2018, a visit to Cape Town and the Western
Cape was a positive, memorable experience. 

Cape Town is continually investing in and working with initiatives such as increased
law enforcement deployment, technology expansion and safety awareness at work
to provide a safe environment for all.

To ensure a pleasurable trip, please keep in mind a few precautions that you can
employ on all your travels across the world:

• Avoid walking in deserted and dark places at night
• Never allow strangers to assist you in any way at ATMs
• At night, park in a secure and well-lit area with street guards.
• Keep photocopies and all valuable documents in a safe place