Cape Town Tourism
South African Tourism
All you need to know:
https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel/category/what-you-need-to-know
Visas
Visas are issued by the South African missions abroad and must be affixed in the applicant’s passport before departing for South Africa. Visas are not issued on arrival at South African ports of entry. Many nationalities do not require a visa to enter South Africa, therefore it is best to check with the South African mission or with a travel agent if a visa is required.
For further information please visit:
https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa
What you need to know about visas
Should you require a visa support letter, please contact the Conference Manager at iasen2024@tlabs.ac.za
On entry to South Africa, a visa is considered to be a visitor’s permit. The permit’s period of validity is calculated from the date of entry into the country and will be set out under the heading “conditions” on the visa label.
Please ensure that you apply for the correct visa/permit. Entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit was not correctly stated. Requirements for visitor visas differ from country to country (click here to see which countries are currently exempt), and the requirements are subject to change.
Please ensure that you apply for the correct visa/permit. Entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit was not correctly stated. Requirements for visitor visas differ from country to country (click here to see which countries are currently exempt), and the requirements are subject to change. Each application is treated individually. You should make an appointment with your nearest South African consulate. There is a fee charged for processing a visa, so you should check beforehand what this will be (it differs from country to country.) The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries.
Foreigners with work permits or permit residence) in neighbouring countries who transit through South Africa to their places of employment or residence are not subject to the transit visa, provided they are in possession of proof of their status.
MONEY MATTERS
Currency
The Rand is the official currency of South Africa and foreign currency can be exchanged at the Cape Town International Airport, at commercial banks and at any Bureaux de Change.
Use the currency converter
If you are a tourist visiting South Africa, you will need to exchange your home currency for South African Rand (ZAR) in order to make purchases and pay for services. You can exchange currency at banks, forex bureaux, and other authorized dealers, or you can use an ATM or credit card to withdraw money in local currency. It is important to be aware of the current exchange rate to get the best value for your money. The Rand is available in the following denominations: coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Rand; and banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Rand.
Financial Services
Cape Town International Airport has a 24-hour foreign exchange service, as well as various cash machines. There is an abundance of cash machines and foreign exchange outlets throughout Cape Town and the vast majority of retail outlets and service providers in the city have credit card facilities. Most banks are open between 09h00 and 15h30 on weekdays and 09h00 and 11h00 on Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Value-added Tax
South Africa charges value-added tax (VAT) of 14% on goods and services. Foreign visitors can reclaim VAT on purchases of more than R250. This can be arranged through the VAT refund offices at Cape Town International Airport. To reclaim VAT, you will need your original tax invoice/s, as well as your passport. For more information on reclaiming VAT, visit https://www.taxrefunds.co.za/
Tipping for services
While South Africa has no legislation regarding tipping, it is customary to leave a tip of at least 10% of your bill at restaurants and bars. If you are driving around, you will notice car guards patrolling streets where there is free parking. While you are under no obligation to tip these car guards, it is customary to do so if they have looked after your car for more than 30 minutes. While the amount is at your discretion, locals would normally tip an official car guard about R5. In South Africa, petrol and diesel is administered by attendants. At most service stations, attendants will offer to wash your windows, as well as check your car’s oil and tyre pressure. This is part of the service, and you are under no obligation to provide a tip unless you would like to. Social services in South Africa advise against giving money to street children and beggars. If you’re looking to make a difference, rather donate money to an organisation like The Haven (https://www.haven.org.za) that offers a network of night shelters in and around Cape Town.
TRANSPORT
Book a Shuttle service from the Airport or Rent a vehicle for a self-drive option
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The following car rental options are available: |
The following Shuttle Services are available: |
WEATHER
Typical Cape Town weather
Cape Town has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The geography of the peninsula means we have several microclimates. Locals often joke that it’s possible to experience all four seasons in one day.
SUMMER
During the summer months, Cape Town has warm, sunny weather with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Celsius. The city experiences very little rain during this time, making it the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors. The summer wind - known lo locals as "the Cape Dr" can be strong, blowing mainly from the North-East, providing a refreshing cool breeze to the hot summer days.
TEMPERATURES
The average seasonal temperatures in Cape Town can vary depending on the time of year. In the summer months, December to February, the temperature ranges from around 20-26°C (68-78°F) during the day and 13-18°C (55-64°F) during the night. In the winter months, June to August, the temperature ranges from around 12-17°C (54-62°F) during the day and 4-8°C (39-46°F) during the night.
SPRING AND AUTUMN
During the spring and autumn months, Cape Town has pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to mid-20s Celsius. The city experiences moderate rainfall during these months, with occasional clear and sunny days. It is a great time to visit Cape Town and enjoy the mild temperatures and beautiful floral displays.
SUNSHINE
The sun in Cape Town shines bright and warm for around 7.5-9.5 hours a day with around 300 days of sunshine per year, making it perfect for outdoor activities like beach trips, hikes, sports and sightseeing throughout the year. Be sure to lather on a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sunscreen and enjoy the magnificent sunshine.
WINTER
During the winter months, Cape Town has cool, wet weather with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low-20s Celsius. The city experiences frequent rain during this time, and the mountains may even receive some snow. It is a great time to visit Cape Town and enjoy indoor activities such as visiting museums and wine tasting.
SAFETY INFORMATION
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash, don’t carry cameras in plain sight and do not leave belongings unattended.
- Heed the advice of your hosts, Cape Town Tourism Visitor Centre staff, or locals on where to go after dusk. Avoid walking in deserted and dark places at night. Park in a secure, well-lit area with street guards.
- Never allow strangers to assist you in any way at ATMs or cash points.
- Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout. If you wish to help, consider giving food, donating to a registered charity or contact Cape Town Tourism for advice.
- Keep copies of all valuable documents in a safe place.
- When exploring Table Mountain National Park, take a map, comfortable walking shoes, a few friends and a charged mobile phone.
- When hiking, be prepared for weather that can change rapidly, even in summer. Bring along enough water and sunblock, as well as something warm to wear. Start heading back well before dark and don’t venture away from the demarcated paths. Tell a friend or your host where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Load the Table Mountain National Park emergency number +27(0)861 106 417 into your mobile phone before departing on a hike. Cape Town Tourism and Protection and Emergency Services run a Visitor Support Programme to assist you, should you be involved in any incident during your stay.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
Being put on the map for our world-class healthcare in 1967, with the world’s first heart transplant being performed by Christiaan Barnard, we can assure you that you that Cape Town has an excellent network of both state and private hospitals. We recommend that you travel with an insurance policy so you can receive the best private healthcare available in Cape Town. Two of the biggest private providers are Netcare and Mediclinic, who run many hospitals and clinics around the country. Those who cannot afford health insurance however, can access public healthcare in South Africa regardless of nationality, travel or immigration status.
