The Basics :

Weather & Time Zone :

  • There’s no “wrong” time to visit South Africa, but choices will depend on many things, including your interests and where you want to visit.

    Weather, however, can be key – and is substantially different in the Cape region (including Cape Town and the coast) from the east and centre of the country, including the Kgalagadi .

    From November to March, when the rest of southern Africa experiences rain, the Cape is typically hot, sunny and dry. This is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year, as it coincides with South Africa’s long school holidays.

    Between around April and August it can be beautiful and dry one moment, blustery and wet the next, with rainfall peaking around June and July. September is the start of the Cape's “spring”, when swathes of open fynbos burst into flower. As rain becomes less frequent, the sun comes out more and temperatures start to rise.

    For more details, see South Africa’s rainfall and temperatures here.

    To get notifications about Extreme Weather, follow this Facebook page.

  • There are several South African public holidays to celebrate, click on each to learn more:

    Note: the Christmas season is a very big deal in Cape Town, especially in Muizenberg where the tradition post-Apartheid for many of those living in the townships is to come and celebrate on Muizenberg Beach (especially on January 1)— so the city is packed as soon as schools let out for about a month. From around December 12 through the end of January, prepare for ministry to be limited and many shops to be closed or services to be limited

    Christmas Celebrations to Know About:

  • South Africa does not observe Daylight Savings time (the practice observed by some countries of setting the clocks forward one hour from standard time during the summer months, and back again in the fall, in order to make better use of natural daylight).

    Another consideration is that our water here is very hard, so just be aware for your hair & skin routines

  • Due to the literal wind from the Antarctic and because the buildings are not insulated (its typically colder inside than outside)— Cape Town actually can be very cold when its not summer. Some tips for getting through the winter— invest in a hot water bottle & fuzzy thermal socks (you can usually find a pair at DisChem).

  • GMT+2 (same time zone as Amsterdam if that helps visually)

Settling In :

Driving :

  • Keep Doors Locked :
    Ensure your vehicle doors are always locked and windows are rolled up, especially at intersections. 

    Avoid Displaying Valuables :
    Keep bags, cell phones, and other valuables out of sight. 

    Be Vigilant :
    Stay aware of your surroundings and note suspicious behaviour. 

    Do Not Open Windows :
    If a beggar approaches, avoid rolling down your window or engaging in conversation.

  • Due to the economic realities of this context, begging at traffic lights (called “Robots”) and street corner is very normal. That being said, it is not advised to give to them, as its actually too much of a risk. There are suppor services avaliable, so it also isnt the best way to support their access to work.

  • When approaching a car park where you can see car guards, or any other people hanging around - do NOT start hiding your valuables under the seats, etc. That is too late - they can see you are hiding things and that makes you a potential target. Drive past and hide everything while completely out of sight.

    Learn to recognise the sound of your car doors locking (as theives can use car jammers). Park, get out smartly, lock and listen. Don't give the car guard the impression that you are carrying the crown jewels and that you are off for a long lunch. Give the impression that there is nothing of value in the car and that you will be back very soon. c

  • In Cape Town, car guards provide parking assistance and security for a tip, though formal parking marshals may collect fees for street parking in some areas.

    Tip the informal, vest-wearing car guards who help you park; the recommended tip is around R5-R10 or more if they provide exceptional service.

    Always secure your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible, as tipping does not guarantee security. 

Staying Healthy :

  • I would recommend not drinking the local water just being super cautious about any rumbly tummies while you travel - so either bring a water bottle that has a filter with you, you can pick up bottled water at local grocery stores, or order “still water” at any restaurant

    Another consideration is that our water here is very hard, so just be aware for your hair & skin routines

  • Popular Pharmacies - Clicks or DisChem

Safety :

  • As with any travel, its best to be up to date with any relevant information based on your country of origin

    If you are American, you can sign up through Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Banking :

  • The unit of currency is the Rand (R), see the current rate HERE.

    For the most updated information, check HERE.

  • It is also unlikely that you will need cash other than for gratuities (but in most circumstances, that can be done with a card).

  • Banks are open from 08h30 to 15h30 on weekdays and from 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays.

    There are foreign exchange bureaus at the malls and of course, foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport on arrival.

  • Based on your personal bank, you will want to look into what fees they charge for ATM’s (to withdraw money from an international ATM) and transaction fees (for use of any cards internationally).

    If your credit card has you select a currency, choose Rand (the local currency) instead of USD, as they charge extra fees. Here’s a video on it !

    If you are American - We just use a travel credit card (Chase Sapphire which doesnt charge for international transactions) & have a Charles Schwab ATM card (as they don’t charge fees.

  • If you are traveling with others, we recommend using the app Splitwise. You add during your travels what you individually cover, and then settle up at the end !

Eating Out :

  • I would recommend not drinking the local water just being super cautious about any rumbly tummies while you travel - so either bring a water bottle that has a filter with you, you can pick up bottled water at local grocery stores, or order “still water” at any restaurant

    Another consideration is that our water here is very hard, so just be aware for your hair & skin routines

  • Water : will be offered as still or sparkling.

    Paying Bill : It is customary that the server won't bring you your slip until you ask. They must also bring a card machine as payments are done at the table— do not let a server take your card out of your presence. If you are in a group, the slip will not be split by the server, you simply let the server know how much your portion was that you are paying, plus tip which is 10-15% (tax is included).

    Take Out Box : If you have any leftovers, ask for a “takeaway box”.

  • In South Africa, as in much of the rest of the world, tipping is always voluntary and should depend on the quality of service received. This said, we’d encourage visitors to tip in appreciation of good service, with the sum entirely at your own discretion, but please keep in mind the importance and extent of the work someone is doing for you and remunerate accordingly.

    Cash is preferred for many services, especially for lower-paid workers who may not have access to card payments.

    • Restuarants - 10-15% tip is the expected norm for standard restaurant and cafe service, while a 15-20% tip is appropriate for exceptional service.

    • Hotel Staff : Tip between 10–20% for services like housekeeping, bellhops, and valets.

    • Safari and tour guides : This varies by the type of tour.

      • Shared vehicles: Tip R100–R200 per guest per day. 

      • Private vehicles: Tip double the amount for shared vehicles. 

    • Petrol Attendants : R10–R20 is a good tip for their assistance with your vehicle. 

    • Car Guards : Tip R5–R10. 

Groceries :

    • Woolworths or Spar - $$ (if you have any food allergies or preferences, Woolies has marked packaging. They also have a great selection of premade meals)

    • Pick’n’Pay or Checkers - $

    • If you’re near the city center - I would recommend some local deli’s - Olive Branch, or Giovanni’s

    • Delivery — all of these stores have apps you can download - PicknPay, Checkers, and Woolworths

  • Cape Town is shifting away from plastic bags— reusable bags can be bought from most supermarkets.

Trouble Shooting :

Accomodation :

  • If you are staying at an Airbnb, this could be relevant but hopefully won’t be — electricity is likely on a pay as you go meter, so if the power goes out, contact your host. If they dont respond in a timely manner, you can purchase electricity at most gas stations, supermarkets, pharmacies, service stations, at major banks and ATMs. You will need to know the code on your electric box (often it can be found in your kitchen), to be able to purchase electricity (if going to a physical store), and then you plug in the code that you will receive into the electricity box. I would just purchase R100 (or $5) to reliably buy time before your host responds.

    If your have issues with the electricity box, call the 24 Hour Electrical Faults Council +27 086 010 3089, or SMS 31220 or email power@capetown.gov.za

  • Load shedding, or load reduction, is done countrywide as a controlled option to respond to unplanned events to protect the electricity power system from a total blackout. This could happen while you are here, so some tips:

    • Download the EskomPush app, and check the schedule to know when the power will be out. If needed- just drive to a nearby city that won’t be loadshedding (often times Claremont and Cavendish aren’t load shedding, so you can go to see a movie at the mall for the duration of load shedding in your city)

    • Many restaurants & cafes have a generator - so just check beforehand if they do - Instagram usually is a reliable way to message

    • Plan meals appropriately-- often it seems to happen during dinner prep, so keep a little food around that doesn’t require electricity to prepare— if you learn how to braai you can always cook, or check if your stovetop is gas

    • Charge up your electronic devices in advance

    • Premake a hot drink and put it in a thermos

    • Wifi / cell service typically goes down, so prepare accordingly

  • One more note related to electricity - “geyers” are the water heating systems found in most buildings in South Africa— which can be around 40-60% of your electricity bill to keep heated if left on all the time. So many people opt for automatic geyser timers which turns off your geyser during “off peak hours” which is helpful— other homes you have to manually turn your geyser on and off. This is helpful information to know to prevent having unwanted cold showers so just confirm with your host if this is something worth considering :)

  • Water provided by the city is clean and is filtered - but many places have old pipes which is noticeable if you take a bath. No need to be alarmed :)

Tips for Settling In :