Health and safety
Photo © Cape Town Tourism
Cape Town is a very well-established tourist and business destination and has world-class health and safety facilities and services, with a number of quality private hospitals.
Visitors to South Africa should arrange health and travel insurance before arriving in the country, in the event of an accident or emergency.
Health tips
Cape Town has a number of established private hospitals that are capable of delivering world-class health care in the event of an emergency or for planned medical procedures. It is advisable to avoid state hospitals, as these are generally inadequately equipped and often understaffed.
Tap water is safe to drink, unless stated otherwise by the establishment concerned.
It is advisable to wear sunscreen for outdoor events in the summer.
No special inoculations are required for adults before or after arriving in or after leaving Cape Town.
Emergency services contact numbers
Emergency police response: 10111
Ambulance and fire services: 10177
Cape Town emergency services (landline): 107
Cape Town emergency services (cellphone): +27 (0)21 480 7700
Emergency response (cellphone): 112 (the operator will redirect your call)
Private hospital contact numbers
City Park Hospital: +27 (0)21 480 6111
Claremont Hospital: +27 (0)21 670 4300
Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic: +27 (0)21 799 2911
Groote Schuur Hospital: +27 (0)21 404 9111
Kingsbury Hospital: +27 (0)21 670 4002
Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital: +27 (0)21 554 9000
Milnerton Medi-Clinic: +27 (0)21 529 9000
UCT Private Academic Hospital: +27 (0)21 442 1800
Security
Cape Town has a well-established police force, consisting of highly trained officers.
Visitors should not walk around alone at night, particularly in areas without adequate streetlights.
Visitors are also advised not to accept advice from strangers when using cash machines.
Social workers advise against giving money to beggars and street children.
Keep valuable documents locked away in a safe place.
For security emergencies, call the Flying Squad on 10111.
