Practical Information About Cape Town South Africa

Practical Information

GENERAL

Visas
There are various kinds of visas available. To get the relevant information please contact the South African embassy in your home country or contact us.

Living costs

Living costs depend on your lifestyle. Generally life in Cape Town is cheaper than in European countries. Here you can get some information about current prices:

* Shared accommodations are about 200-300 € a month.
* Car rental is about 300 € a month
* Beer is about 1,30 €
* Petrol is about 0,60 € per litre
* Movie ticket is about 2€

Money
The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand. In December 2008 1 EUR (Euro) is 12,96 ZAR (South African Rand) and 1 USD (United States Dollar) is 10,20 ZAR. Current Information about currency you get from currency converter. (www.xe.com).

The easiest way to get money is from an ATM using your EC card. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere but carry some cash just in case. But: Gasoline can not be purchased on a credit card!

Health/Malaria
In Cape Town Malaria is not an issue. But if you want to travel through the country or to other countries nearby please consult a doctor or travel agency to determine if the area you are visiting is a malaria risk.

Especially during summer you need to drink lots of water – our tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

Safety and Security
As in many cities it is useful to remain cautious. If you attend a few guidelines you shouldn’t have any problems:

-          Do not walk alone in the city after dark.
-          Do not leave anything in your car.
-          Do not hitch hike.
-          Do not get involved in arguments on the street.
-          When using an ATM don’t talk to strangers offering help
-          Don’t carry too much cash around on you
-          Keep your bags close to you
-          Don’t take your camera or any other valuable articles too obviously
-          Think smart and don’t make it easy for the criminals out there

Telephone calls
If you are planning to stay for more than a few days we would recommend that you buy a cell phone pre-paid card. Vodacom, MTN or Cell C are the three service providers in South Africa. Once you have a pre-paid number it is possible to recharge your credit in most supermarkets.

The easiest and cheapest way to make an international call from Cape Town is from a landline using a Worldcall card. This card can be purchased from most supermarkets and convenience stores.

Useful numbers you should keep nearby:
International country dialing code for SA 0027
Cape Town dialing code 021
Police 10111 - Ambulance 10177

International dialling to SA +27 (area code) (tel number)

Insurance
International insurance should be organized from your home country. Check with travel agents and local insurance for more information.
Electricity
If you plan to use electronical goods in South African you need an adapter. Either you purchase at your home country or it can be purchased at the airport and supermarket for about R30.
Climate
The seasons in Cape Town are reverse to the seasons in the northern hemisphere. The average temperature in summer (Oct – Mar) is about 28… degrees and about 13 degrees in winter (Apr – Sept).
Time differences
Cape Town is one hour ahead of GMT.

Nightlife in Cape Town

Dubliners
First authentic Irish Pub in Cape Town located on vibrant Long Street. Live music every night.
251 Long St., Cape Town. www.thedubliner.co.za
Hemisphere
The popular club is the highest club in Cape Town. Located on the 31th floor of the ABSA building is it also one of the highest clubs in the world. You have a magnificent view of the City, Table Mountain and the ocean. Be dressed anything from smart casual to glitz, glamour and bling – but don’t wear t-shirts or trainers shoes.
Mama Africa
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a taste of the superior African music and amazing industrial décor at Mama Africa, one of the funkiest spots in town.
178 Long St., Cape Town. www.mamaafricarest.net
Charma
Centrally located off trendy Long Street, this upmarket nightclub has a large dance floor and plays mainstream Top-40 and dance music aimed squarely at older clubbers and ravers.
Zula Sound Bar
This double-story club on bustling Long Street has an upstairs balcony, a great sound system and live music most night, ranging from international rock and local hip-hop to relaxed acoustic jams.
194 Long St., Cape Town. www.zulabar.co.za

Traffic

Here in South Africa we drive on the left hand-side of the road and of course our steering wheel is on the right side. Don’t worry - you will get used to it!

If you are planning on doing a lot of travelling outside of town or country trips, rent a motor car. You will require an international driver’s licence. Transport in and around town is pretty good if you use the mini bus taxis. Cabs or taxi's are available in and around the city but we recommend phoning one to collect you.

Restaurant

In South Africa it is appropriate to show your gratitude for good service. You can tip your waiter, taxi driver, hotel staff, or anyone who provides good service and who you feel deserves a gratuity. Anything from 10% of your total bill and upwards is appropriate.