​

We're so excited to welcome you to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To help make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we've put together a few helpful travel tips.

​

Before You Travel

Passport & Visa

​​

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 90 days beyond your departure date from South Africa (many airlines recommend 6 months validity).

• Check whether your nationality requires a visa before travelling.

• Keep digital copies of your passport, travel insurance and important documents.

​

​

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

• Medical cover

• Flight delays/cancellations

• Lost luggage

• Personal belongings

​

​

Staying Connected

eSIM (Highly Recommended)

If your phone supports eSIM, this is the easiest option.

Popular providers include:

• Airalo

• Nomad

• Holafly

Simply purchase a data package before your trip and activate it upon arrival.

Local SIM Cards

Available at Cape Town International Airport or shopping centres.

Recommended networks:

• Vodacom (best overall coverage)

• MTN

• Telkom

You'll need your passport to register your SIM card.

​

Currency & Payments

Currency:
South African Rand (ZAR)

Good to know:

• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

• Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere.

• Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly common.

• Carry a small amount of cash for markets or small purchases.

Avoid exchanging money at airports where exchange rates are usually less favourable.

 

Getting Around Cape Town

We recommend not renting a car unless you are comfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road.

Best transport options

✔ Uber (highly recommended)

✔ Bolt

Both are safe, reliable and generally inexpensive.

For longer day tours, consider using:

• Private shuttle services (Ez Shuttle highly recommend)

• Guided tours

• Hotel transport

Avoid hailing taxis from the street.

Safety Tips

Cape Town is a wonderful city, but like many major destinations, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings.

Do

✔ Keep valuables out of sight.

✔ Use Uber or Bolt after dark.

✔ Stay in well-populated areas.

✔ Lock your hotel room and vehicle.

✔ Keep your phone secure.

✔ Carry only what you need for the day.

Don't

✘ Leave handbags or cameras unattended.

✘ Walk alone late at night.

✘ Display expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash.

✘ Leave bags visible inside parked vehicles.

​

​

Electricity

South Africa uses:

• Type M, C and N plugs

• 230V electricity supply

A universal travel adapter is highly recommended.

​

Drinking Water

Cape Town's tap water is safe to drink and is of excellent quality.

Reusable water bottles are encouraged.

 

Tipping

Tipping is customary in South Africa.

Recommended guidelines:

Restaurants:
10–15%

Tour guides:
10–15%

Hotel porters:
R20–R50 per bag

Housekeeping:
R30–R50 per day

Petrol attendants:
R10–R20

 

Weather

Cape Town's weather can change quickly—even within a single day!

We recommend packing:

• Layers

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• A light jacket

• Windbreaker

• Hat

Even during summer, evenings can become cool.

​

Wildlife

Please admire wildlife from a safe distance.

Never feed:

• Baboons

• Ostriches

• Seals

• Penguins

Baboons, in particular, are clever and may approach vehicles or bags if food is visible.

​

Beaches

The Atlantic Ocean is beautiful—but cold!

Always swim:

• Between lifeguard flags where available.

• Only on beaches that are open for swimming.

Be mindful of strong currents.

 

Food & Drink

Cape Town is famous for its incredible food scene.

Be sure to try:

• Braai (South African BBQ)

• Fresh seafood

• Cape Malay cuisine

• Biltong

• Bobotie

• Local wines

• Rooibos tea

​

Shopping

Popular shopping destinations include:

• V&A Waterfront

• Cavendish Square

• Canal Walk

• Cape Quarter

• Local artisan and weekend markets

​

Load Shedding

South Africa occasionally experiences scheduled power outages known as load shedding.

Most hotels, restaurants and wedding venues have backup power, so any disruption is usually minimal.

​

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Services: 112 (from any mobile phone)

Police: 10111

Ambulance: 10177

​

Helpful Apps to Download

Before arriving, consider downloading:

• Uber

• Bolt

• Google Maps

• WhatsApp (widely used in South Africa)

• Airalo (for eSIMs)

• Zapper or SnapScan (optional local payment apps)

​

Local Etiquette

• South Africans are warm, friendly and welcoming.

• Greeting people with a smile goes a long way.

• Queue politely and be patient.

• English is widely spoken throughout Cape Town.

• South Africans appreciate friendly conversation and hospitality.​

Wedding Weekend

Please:

• Arrive at the ceremony venue at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.

• Bring comfortable shoes if any part of the celebration takes place on grass or gravel.

• Dress according to the dress code provided with your invitation.

• Most importantly—relax, celebrate, and enjoy this unforgettable weekend with us!

A Few Final Tips

✓ Use sunscreen—even on cloudy days.

✓ Stay hydrated.

✓ Keep your phone charged.

✓ Take plenty of photos.

✓ Don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations—Cape Town is full of hidden gems!

​

We can't wait to celebrate with you in beautiful Cape Town! 🇿🇦✨