Practical Info

Cape Town is easily accessible from Europe, with most international flights arriving at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). There are direct flights from several major European cities, but connecting flights via a layover are also an option.

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Tip: Flights from neighboring airports, such as Brussels, Düsseldorf, or other regional hubs, can sometimes be significantly cheaper—up to half the price of larger airports. Depending on your location, this might require additional travel planning, but it’s worth checking if it could save you money!

For a holiday to Cape Town (and South Africa) you usually do not need a visa if you have a European passport and are staying in the country for less than 90 days. You can get a tourist visa on arrival at the airport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 30 days after your planned departure date and that you have at least two blank pages for stamps.

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Also note that you may sometimes be asked for proof of return or onward flight, so keep your flight tickets at hand. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, for example for work or an internship, you must apply for a visa at the South African embassy.

The contrast between rich and poor is painfully visible in Cape Town. There is a lot of visible poverty on the streets, with a large number of homeless people. This is a dark side of the city (and South Africa in general) that you should be aware of when travelling here. Although this is a less pleasant side of the city, it helps to be prepared.

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As in any big city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. In Cape Town, there are safe and less safe areas. A few precautions to keep in mind:

• Avoid dark streets at night

• Do not wear visible watches or jewellery

• Keep your phone in your pocket or bag as much as possible

• Always use an Uber when you are out late

• Never pick up hitchhikers

• Make sure your car doors are always locked and windows are closed, especially at traffic lights.​

Tip: can't finish your plate in a restaurant? Ask for a doggybag and make a homeless person happy!

Cape Town operates on South African Standard Time (SAST), which is UTC+2. This means there is no time difference between Cape Town and Central European Time (CET) during the European winter months. However, when Europe switches to Daylight Saving Time (CEST) in the summer, Cape Town is one hour ahead. It’s a convenient time difference for travelers from Europe, making it easy to stay connected with friends, family, or work while enjoying your trip.

A local SIM card or e-SIM is super handy when you’re in Cape Town! You can use it to navigate or order an Uber, for example.​

• e-SIM: Choose platforms such as Airalo, Saily, or GlobalESim. These options are handy because you can arrange a connection before you leave.

• Physical SIM card: Prefer a physical SIM card? When you arrive at the airport, you can go to a Vodacom store, or walk to a Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom store in a mall. They will activate your SIM card on the spot, and you can immediately choose a suitable data or calling package.

Bring your passport when you buy a physical SIM card, as this is usually required for registration.

In South Africa, it is very common to greet someone with “Hi, how are you?” (or simply “Howzit?”). It may sound like you are starting a deep conversation, but often it is just an informal way of greeting someone. Feel free to respond with a smile and a “Good, and you?” – a friendly and simple way to keep the conversation going.

In South Africa, they use type M sockets, which have three round pins. The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. Therefore, do not forget to bring a travel plug adapter. Many hotels and accommodations offer adapters, but it is always useful to have one yourself in case you need one.

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Tip: bring an extension cord from your country, so that you can plug in multiple devices via the extension cord.

Tipping is very common in South Africa and is also really appreciated. In restaurants it is normal to tip 10-15% if you are happy with the service. For taxi drivers you can round up, and for parking attendants or gas station attendants you usually give 5 to 10 rand as a token of appreciation. So make sure you have some small change on you, then you will always be fine! You can also leave a tip after the driver has dropped you off via the Uber app.

In Cape Town you pay with the South African Rand (ZAR). Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash. You can withdraw money from ATMs everywhere, but be aware of your surroundings if you withdraw money in the evening. Nowadays you can also pay contactless almost everywhere.

The official languages ​​of South Africa are a bit of a maze, but most Cape Towners speak good English. In tourist areas, you'll be able to make yourself understood just fine. The locals often speak Afrikaans and Xhosa too, so you'll hear some pleasant, different sounds here and there, but rest assured: English is the language you'll be using in most situations.

The best time to visit Cape Town is between November and March, when it is nice and warm (around 25°C) and you can enjoy the sun. The weather can be a bit more unpredictable in winter (June to August), with rainy days, but it is also less touristy, so that is also an advantage if you prefer less crowds.

What many people don’t know when visiting South Africa for the first time is that they may encounter loadshedding. This is a planned process where electricity is temporarily switched off to manage the load on the grid. It can affect your daily activities, such as lighting, heating, and WiFi.

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It is useful to use the EskomSePush app to check the loadshedding schedule in your area and plan accordingly. Also check if your hotel/AirBnb has a generator to generate electricity during loadshedding.