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Here are some handy, easy-to-digest tips to consider before exploring Cape Town, so you can spend less time figuring things out, and more time enjoying the Mother City.
Sort your phone out as soon as you arrive
Roaming coasts can be huge, and you don’t want your holiday to be ruined by an extortionate phone bill once you return home. We recommend getting a local SIM card as soon as you arrive. MTN has a good value package – pop into the MTN store at the Gardens Shopping Centre or the V&A Waterfront to get a card.
Don’t withdraw too much (if any) cash
South Africa is fast becoming a cashless nation, meaning that everywhere you go, you’ll be able to tap-pay with your (ideally foreign-exchange-fee-free) credit cards – best stored on your phone, so you don’t have to worry about losing them. Snapscan or Zapper – free apps that let you pay with your phone via a unique QR code – are also widely used in Cape Town, and are hugely popular. The only time you might need cash is to tip.
Talking of which…
Tipping is expected, and – in a country where average salaries are very low – much appreciated. In restaurants and bars, 10% is acceptable, but if you feel that you received excellent service, it’s a nice gesture to make it 12-15%. At petrol stations, where pump attendants fill up your tank for you, the average tip is R5-R10. The same goes for the informal car guards you’ll spot as you park your car on the road – note that their level of service differs vastly, so tip accordingly.
And if you’re happy with the service you receive during your stay, we’d highly appreciate it if you could leave a tip for your housekeeper upon departure – it’s customary to leave anything between R100 to R200 per person per day.
Drinking water
Cape Town’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink. If you leave the city to visit smaller towns, ask locally to make sure, although generally, water in the Western Cape is potable wherever you go.
The dress code: layer, layer, layer
The Mother City is a temperamental beauty, and locals often talk about experiencing four seasons in one day. No matter how pleasant the weather appears to be when you look out your window in the morning, don’t even think about leaving your villa without at least one extra layer – just in case. The weather can often change within minutes, and it can differ vastly depending on which side of Table Mountain you find yourself on.
Don’t underestimate Cape Town’s mighty mountains and oceans
Talking of mountains: when hiking up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, be prepared that the weather can change rapidly, even in summer, so bring something warm to wear. Needless to say, proper footwear is an essential, as are water and sunblock. Leave valuables in your villa, and always inform someone in your group of your intended route and your expected time of return. Even better is safety in numbers – meaning that ideally you shouldn’t hike on your own (we can recommend hiking groups to join).
Then there’s the wild and wonderful Atlantic Ocean, with powerful currents that even the strongest swimmers often underestimate – be careful, don’t swim too far out, and listen to the lifeguards when they call you back in.
Street children
As heart-breaking as it is to see beggars on the street, especially children and mothers with infants, don’t give them money. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t actually change their situation, but instead tends to keep them street-bound. If you wish to help, consider giving food (ask restaurants to pack up any leftovers for example), buying the Big Issue magazine or heart-shaped stickers from street vendors, or donating to a registered charity – we can make recommendations.
Safety first
Most crimes in central Cape Town are petty thefts, and our villas are all located in safe areas, so there’s no need to be worried. Having said that, it pays to follow these everyday tips during your stay:
- Avoid walking in deserted and dark places at night.
- Always park in a secure, well-lit area with street/car guards.
- Only tip the car guard once you’re back in your car, by rolling the window down slightly.
- Don’t walk around with your cell phone, camera, wallet etc. in plain sight, and beware of pickpockets – keep your belongings close to you at all times.
- This also goes for swimming: don’t ever leave your valuables unattended on the beach. Better yet – leave them at home.
- Save these emergency numbers:
SA Police Service: 10111
General Emergencies: 112
Ambulance: 10177
Medical & Fire: +27 (0) 21 535 1100
Table Mountain Rescue: +27 (0) 21 948 9900
The best way to get around
Uber has been a game-changer for Cape Town’s taxi scene, making getting from A to B easy, safe, and cheap. It also means that you don’t need to worry about how many drinks you’re having on a fun night out! Just make sure to double-check that the licence number corresponds, and ask the driver who he’s picking up. For longer distances, such as when you want to head out to wine farms in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, we can also organise a private driver for you, which gives you more flexibility, and means that you’ll travel in the utmost comfort – chat to us and we’ll arrange it.
Handy apps and platforms
Uber Eats: great for ordering in
Eskom se Push: download this app to stay up-to-date on load shedding schedules
https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/ & https://whatsonincapetown.com/: great guides to Cape Town restaurants, markets, events, wine farms, and more.
