20 Travelers Tips for Cape Town Tourism

If you've never been to Cape Town before, be sure to read about Cape Town tourism and what you should know before you visit. From when to tip to what vaccines you need, it's best to have it all figured out before you depart. Here are the top 20 travel tips for Cape Town tourism guaranteed to prepare you for a fun-filled, safe trip:

1. You may be a tourist, but don't act like one! Try to blend in as much as possible, and be smart about following local customs and practices. Don't let yourself be unprepared or duped while on your vacation.

2. The official currency is Rands (R). Read up on Cape Town tourism for the latest exchange rates.

3. Although there are not required vaccinations for South Africa, immunizations against typhoid and hepatitis A are highly recommended. Consult the World Health Organization before travel to read about recent outbreaks and recommended vaccines.

4. Tipping is customary in South Africa. Cape Town tourism guides recommend tipping 10-15% in restaurants and a few rands for most services. Petrol station attendants usually receive tips of 2-3 rands, and hotel porters usually get 2-5 rands. It is customary to tip for most services including taxis (10%) and even hair dressers. If someone washes your car for you, make sure to tip at least 2 rands; this is a customary service provided in many places in Cape Town.

5. Although South Africa has a high crime rate, most tourists visit Cape Town without having any problems. The key is being smart. Listen to your gut and avoid areas that seem dangerous such as remote areas that aren't well-lit. Avoid walking alone at night. Though most tourist sections are safe, even at night, keep your guard up. It won't hurt to be overly cautious.

6. Unless you are going to take a train, avoid train stations. They're often crowded and filled with pickpockets.

7. Post offices are open all day during the week and until noon on Saturdays. So if you want to show your friends and family what a great time you're having, you'll have no problem sending a postcard.

8. Drive on the left side of the road!

9. Don't drive in remote areas at night.

10. Fill your gas tank up during the day to avoid any danger of trying to find a gas station and refuel in the dark.

11. Keep your car doors locked, even while driving. There are some Cape Town tourism stories of thieves robbing cars stuck in traffic. Don't let it happen to you.

12. Don't leave belongings in your car; it's just an invitation for a thief to break a window and take what he sees.

13. Bring an adapter. Electricity in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. (Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for hair dryers and electric shavers.

14. Bartering for arts and crafts with designer brand jeans and shoes is common. It's a strange Cape Town tourism custom, but bring a few pairs with you to exchange for goods in the craft markets.

15. You most likely won't need a visa if you're staying no longer than 30-90 days. Make sure that your passport has an empty page for endorsements and that it doesn't expire within 6 months. For more information, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs.

16. There is fantastic health care in South Africa. (The first heart transplant was successfully done in Cape Town). Since health care can be quite expensive, buy travelers insurance as an added precaution.

17. Tap water tends to be safe to drink. Cape Town tourism advises to avoid drinking from rivers and tributaries though.

18. ATMs are the most common place to be scammed out of your money. Usually, the ATM will "steal" your card. A thief who's watching will see you enter your pin. Once you go inside the bank to retrieve your card; the thief will remove your card and withdraw a few thousand rands.

19. To make an international call from Cape Town, you must first enter "09" then the country code, area code and phone number. For example if you live in the US and your phone number is (805)648-3928, You must first dial 09 1 805 648 3928.

Get a taxi from your hotel or decide on the rate before taking off. Sometimes, taxi drivers will try to scam you by just taking off and charging you an unbelievable rate.