There’s plenty to look forward to when visiting Cape Town for the first time, but a bit of preparation will go a long way towards ensuring your trip gets off to a smooth start.
From checking whether you need a visa to working out the best way to get around, understanding the local weather and staying safe, there are a few things to know before you arrive. We’ve put together this guide to help you prepare.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Before you start dreaming of beach days, sundowners and Table Mountain, let’s take care of the paperwork. South Africa’s entry requirements depend on your nationality and the type of passport you hold, so check the latest requirements before booking your trip.
Do I need a visa?
Travellers from many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU countries, can visit South Africa without a traditional visitor visa for stays of up to 90 days, subject to the applicable entry conditions. If your passport requires a visa, you’ll need to apply before travelling. Some nationalities may also be eligible to use South Africa’s electronic visa system.
Because visa and entry rules can change, it’s always worth checking the latest requirements for your passport before travelling. Learn more.
What about the new ETA?
South Africa has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system as part of its move towards a more digital border process. The system lets eligible international travellers complete parts of the pre-travel process online, helping streamline border crossings. Read more here.
Online Traveller Declaration
Add another digital form to your pre-travel checklist. International travellers arriving in or departing from South Africa must complete the online traveller declaration via the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS). Find out more here.
Yellow fever
Are you travelling from or through a country where yellow fever is a risk? You may need to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when entering South Africa. Check the requirements before you travel, especially if South Africa is a stop on a longer African itinerary.
Travelling with children?
What to Pack for Cape Town
Cape Town’s weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your friend. Even on warm days, bring something light and warm for the evening, especially if you’re heading up the mountain or spending time near the coast. Comfortable walking shoes are essential if you plan to explore on foot or tackle hiking trails. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.
Practical Travel Essentials
Now, for the things you’ll actually wonder about when you arrive.
Staying connected
Staying connected in Cape Town is easy, with mobile networks, Wi-Fi and eSIM options widely available. If you’re using a local SIM or eSIM, ensure your phone is unlocked before you travel. Mobile data is especially useful for navigation, ride-hailing and staying in touch while exploring.
Money and payments
South Africa’s currency is the South African rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted across Cape Town, including at most restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions. It’s still wise to carry a small amount of cash for small purchases, tips or places where card facilities may not be available.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Cape Town. For restaurant service, 10 to 15% is considered appropriate for good service. You’ll also encounter tipping in other situations, such as for parking attendants, hotel staff, and tour guides.
Can you drink tap water?
Yes. Cape Town’s tap water is generally safe to drink, so there’s no need to pack bottled water before you arrive. Bring a reusable bottle instead and refill it as you go.
What types of power plugs and sockets does South Africa use?
For South Africa, pack a travel adaptor that explicitly supports Type M (the large three-round-pin outlet), and ideally one that also covers Type N (the newer compact standard). If your devices use a different plug type, bring a South African travel adaptor or a high-quality universal adaptor.
What’s the weather like?
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Summer (November to March) is generally warm and dry, although the famous Cape Doctor – Cape Town’s strong south-easterly wind – can make some days surprisingly breezy. Winter (June to August) is cooler and wetter, with plenty of beautiful green landscapes between spells of rain.
And here’s a local tip: Cape Town’s weather can change quickly. If you’re planning a day out around Table Mountain or for other outdoor activities, check the forecast before heading out.
Is Cape Town malaria-free?
Cape Town itself is not a malaria-risk area. However, if you’re combining your Cape Town trip with a visit to malaria-risk areas elsewhere in South Africa, get destination-specific medical advice before travelling.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is also strongly recommended, particularly if your plans include hiking, water-based activities or other adventures.
Arriving in Cape Town
You’ve landed! Now what? For many visitors, the easiest way to start your holiday is to arrange your airport transfer before you fly. Pre-booking gives you peace of mind, with details of who will collect you, where you’re going, and what you’ll pay. It can also spare you the hassle of negotiating transport after a long international flight.
If you prefer to arrange transport on arrival, use authorised transport providers and follow the airport’s official guidance. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers from people approaching you inside or outside the terminal. You can also visit the Cape Town Tourism information centre at the airport for assistance and advice on reaching your accommodation.
Getting Around Cape Town
Here’s the good news: you have plenty of options. The best option depends on where you’re staying, what you want to see, and how comfortable you are with driving.
MyCiTi bus: For budget-conscious travellers, the MyCiTi bus is a convenient way to get around many parts of Cape Town. It’s particularly useful for travelling between the city centre and several popular areas.
Uber and e-hailing: Ride-hailing services such as Uber are widely used in Cape Town and can be a convenient option if you don’t want to drive or use public transport.
Hiring a car: Planning to explore beyond the city? A rental car can give you much more freedom. South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, and rental cars are generally right-hand drive. Take your time, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left. If you’re driving, plan your route and avoid leaving bags or valuables visible in the car. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider using a reputable transport service rather than driving at night.
Trains and minibus taxis: Cape Town also has a rail network and minibus taxis. These can be useful for experienced travellers familiar with local transport, but first-time visitors may find MyCiTi, ride-hailing, or a rental car easier for many sightseeing trips.
Cycling and City sightseeing buses: If you’d rather explore on two wheels, there are cycling routes, bicycle rentals and guided cycling tours available across the city. The City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off buses are another easy option if you want to see the main attractions without worrying about driving or parking.
Staying Safe in Cape Town
Cape Town is a welcoming city enjoyed by millions of visitors, but as with any major international destination, it pays to stay aware of your surroundings.
For more detailed advice, download our Cape Town safety guide here: www.capetown.travel/wp-content/uploads/CCT-Travelwise-PDF-A5-V3-2025-1.pdf
