Tourist information

1. Visitor Visa: Nationals of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand don’t require a visa to enter South Africa. With a valid passport, you will be given a 3-month visitor’s visa upon entry.
2. United States Consulate:  
   2 Reddam Ave, Westlake 
   +27 21 702-7300
   +27 21 421-4351
   Emergency assistance for US nationals only after hours: +27 21 421-4280
   E-mail: consularcapetown@state.gov
   Business hours: Mon-Thu 8:30-12:30
3. Travel Insurance: It is wise to review your insurance policy to cover against theft, airline loss, illness or injury during your trip. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover your possessions when you’re abroad and your medical insurance may include overseas travel. If your homeowners or medical does not cover you, consider taking out a travel insurance policy from a private company.
4. Currency: The local currency in South Africa is the Rand and notes come in R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 denominations. The exchange rate fluctuates between R7-R10 to the dollar. Check out the current exchange rate.
5. Credit cards/Cash: Credit cards are the best way to pay for most things in South Africa. Most restaurants and businesses will accept either Visa or Mastercard in South Africa. However, you will need cash for certain items such as minibus taxis, markets and smaller establishments. Cash can be drawn from any local automatic teller machine (ATM) at a fairly decent exchange rate. Just remember to have your PIN number.
6. Mobile Phones: South African cell phones operate on the GSM digital system. You can use a GSM/tri-band phone from outside the country in South Africa but you will need to arrange a roaming agreement with your service provider which can be very expensive. A cheaper alternative is to purchase  a local SIM card from any mobile store or grocery store (the 3 main networks are Vodacom, MTN and Cell C) for about R1. The SIM card will have a local South African phone number and you can purchase time on a pay-as-you-go basis. Additional time can be purchased at a mobile phone store or gas station.
7. Internet: Internet access is available at most hotels. However, Wi-Fi is not as common as it is in the US, although it is getting more popular to have Wi-Fi access in coffee shops and restaurants. You can also access the internet on your cell phone if you have a Blackberry or Iphone through the 3G network. Be warned, internet access uses the airtime on your cell phone and can be very costly for downloading large files.
8. Calling the US: From a land line or cell phone, dial 001+area code+phone number. The cheapest time to make international calls is Monday – Friday 8pm – 8am. Collect calls can be made through International Operator Service by dialing 0900 from any local phone.
9. Required Packing List: Here are some essential items for your successful trip:
   - Sunscreen 
   - Mosquito repellent
   - Hat/visor

Transportation

There is a wide variety of ways to get around South Africa. However, public transportation in Cape Town is inconsistent and not always reliable. Therefore, during your stay in Cape Town, make sure to plan for your transportation based on what activities you will be doing and where you’ll be staying.

1. Taxi: Similar to taxis everywhere else and is the best option to get from the airport to town.
2. Minibus Taxi: Unique to South Africa, these minibus taxis take the form of a white minivan that roam most of Cape Town. There are no set “bus stops”, just flag a bus down when you see one. Fares are fairly cheap but there are drawbacks. Taxis are often crowded and not roadworthy and there is no room for luggage. That being said, this is a very good option for short hops around town.
3. Rikki:  Smaller than the local minibus taxis, rikkis are an economic alternative to city taxis and many people prefer them because they’re more comfortable and less crowded. Door-to-door service is offered in the City Bowl area, along the Atlantic Seaboard and in Simon’s Town. Fares are determined by a fixed-zone system. Minimum fare is R15, maximum fare is R30 within the CBD and surrounding areas. Phone 0861-745-547. http://www.rikkis.co.za
4. Bus: South Africa has three main intercity bus companies: Greyhound, Intercape and Translux. Travel on these buses is safe and comfortable. Fares vary according to distance travelled and time of year. Baz Bus is also a very good service with a hop-on/hop-off system aimed at budget travellers and backpackers.  
5. Train: There are several good options for train travel in South Africa. Spoornet operates most of the intercity rail services. Their standard service, Shosholoza Meyl, offers Sleeper Four (first class) and Sleeper Six (second class) travel with sinks in each compartment. Sitter (third class) travel is crowded and comfortable and only for the budget conscious. Seats in the sleeper class are comfortable and convert into bunks, offering a good nights rest. Premier Class offers a bit more luxury than the standard service at a somewhat higher price. The most luxurious way to travel by train is the Blue Train, a historic and plush way to see the countryside. Travel by train is somewhat slow but very enjoyable if you have the time.
6. Car Rental: South Africa is ideal for driving due to its well-maintained network of highways and secondary roads. There are numerous car rental companies but it is recommended that you arrange your car rental before you arrive in South Africa. Renting a car is a better option than public transportation if you are traveling in a small group or plan to move around a lot and gives you more flexibility. Plan to spend about R150-R250/day ($15-$25). 

Driving information

1. Driving License: Foreign driver’s licenses are valid in South Africa provided they are printed in English. If you don’t have a one of these, you will need to get an International Drivers License from our local agency before arriving in South Africa. Be sure to always carry your driver’s license with you while you are driving.
2. General Driving: In South Africa, you drive on the left side. There are no “free” left turns as in the U.S. and traffic lights are called “robots”. On single lane roads, drivers will often try to overtake. If you move to the shoulder, be aware of pedestrians or cyclists.
3. Parking Attendants: In virtually all neighborhoods, you will notice designated parking attendants with bright colored vests on who are there to help you park and keep your car secure. A small tip (R2-R5) is generally given upon return to your undisturbed car. 
4. Gas: Most rental cars will take cheaper unleaded petrol available at all filling stations. Station attendants will fill your gas, wash your windshield, check oil, water and tire pressure, all for a small tip (R2-R4). 
5. Speed Cameras: Look for speed traps around town – you’ll see other cars slowing down and notice a 2 x 1 foot yellow box mounted on a green pole on the side of the road. They capture a photo of your speeding car and you’ll receive a ticket in the mail.

Emergency information

1. Pharmacies: A good place to find all of your basic health care products, their staff can help you diagnose simple ailments and treatments for them. Check out the list of pharmacies in Cape Town.
2. Hospitals: Private hospitals or clinics are a good option for foreign travelers. Their standards are similar to hospitals in the US or Britain and you’ll get good service at a fairly affordable price. 
3. Police/Ambulance: The South African police force keeps a low profile and are extremely understaffed and will not feature in your visit to Cape Town. However, if you should need to report a crime or accident, here are some important numbers:
   - Any emergency: 107
   - Ambulance:  10177
   - Tourist Assistance Police: 021 418 2852 

Safety

1. Personal Safety: Despite the dramatized stories you hear in the media about crime, Cape Town is fairly safe and free of serious crime. However, travelers should always take precaution to ensure your personal safety and the safety of your belongings by keeping the following things in mind:
   - Dress down and try to fit in. Don’t look like a tourist.
   - Don’t carry a camera or video openly. Keep it in a bag.
   - Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches that are blatant.
   - Don’t carry excessive amounts of cash with you and don’t leave valuables unattended in any public place.
   - Be aware of the people around you and don’t let strangers get too close to you. 
2. Water Safety: The ocean water in and around Cape Town is typically swimmable from Oct-March. The Atlantic ocean side tends to be cool while the Indian ocean will be much warmer. There are some dangerous undertows and rip-tides, so be careful to swim in designated areas and always treat the ocean with respect.
3. Car Safety: 
    - Always lock your car and don’t leave anything of value in the car.
   - Keep doors locked and windows rolled up with valuables out of sight at street intersections.

Local Weather

1. When to go: Most tourists visit Cape Town during the long summer from November to February. A Mediterranean climate with little rain, 11 hours a day sunshine or more and long sunny evenings allows you to fit in many activities in one day. The infamous Southeaster blows the hardest during December-January and can put a damper into your beach plans. Just remember that mornings are usually much less windy and that certain beaches (Clifton, Boulders) are much more protected than others. Conventional local wisdom used to be that spring (September and October) and autumn (April and May) are the smart times to visit Cape Town. They are usually balmy in-between seasons, with little wind, when nature is at its showiest. If you”re into flowers or whale-watching, or seeing the vineyards at their best, these are great seasons to be in the Cape. Whatever season you have chosen to visit Cape Town, be warned of the old joke. Cape Town has four seasons – sometimes in the same day.
2. Average Temperature: Summer temperatures in December-February range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the winter months of June-August temperatures average between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Check out the Average Temperature Chart.