The Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide

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Cape Town Travel Guide

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What to Expect

Climate
Money
Plugs
Getting Around
Sim Cards/eSims

With low humity, the summers in Cape Town are hot without the muggy feeling. In the winter, the days can still be warm, unless the chilly southeast ocean winds are blowing. It’s also when the city receives the most rainfall.

The best time to visit Cape Town is from October to April. The weather is perfect for beach days, hiking the mountain, and you’ll be in the city for festival season.

The currency in South Africa is the Rand. The majority of retailers and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard as payment. Tap-and-go payments are widely used, and SnapScan is a popular mobile payment option.

While cards are generally accepted, it’s important to carry some cash, especially for toll gates, and tips at restaurants, parking attendants, and other services.

Most plugs in South Africa are 2-prong or 3-prong in type C, D, M, and N. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection and using a converter for hairdryers.

Uber: Uber is one of the best ways to get around Cape Town. The distances are short between most of the top attraction in the City Bowl and the surrounding suburbs. You can also request a ride from the airport using the free WiFi and pick-ups are at Parkade 2. Rides cost between R200 to R500 depending on where you’re going and your car type.

My CitiBus: The My CitiBus is another budget-friendly option. Purchase a transport code at any station and top it up as needed. The free app provides timetables, fares, and route planning.

Rent a Car: Cape Town is quite spread out, so renting a car is a good idea. Just remember to drive on the left! The city offers ample parking, and traffic picks up in the summer months and during the daily commute.

You can buy a local SIM card at Cape Town International Airport or from a retailer in the city. Vodacom has a popular tourist SIM card and you will need to show your passport to purchase one.

But if you want to save time, I highly recommend buying an eSIM (if you have a comptaible phone). With an eSIM from Airalo, you can download your eSIM before arrival and have coverage as soon as your lands plane plans.