Valuable information you need to know before visiting Cape Town and South Africa
If you are a first time traveler to our country, I’m sure you have a few questions before visiting Cape Town or other parts of South Africa. I have compiled a set of travel guides to help you out as much as possible. Should something be missing or you are still unsure, please contact me.
If you would like to be taken to some great sights and viewpoints in Cape Town, then have a look at my half day photo tours, that run daily
Its difficult to say when the best time to visit Cape Town is, as it all depends on what type of experience you are looking for. If you prefer the summer vibe with lots of people, then summer is perfect, if you prefer less congestion and lower rates, then winter is the one for you. But read the rest of my article to get all the details.
My photo tours and walks are for everyone, so you certainly don’t need an expensive DSLR camera to come and join in the fun. Your phone camera will do just fine. In fact I will show you great tips and apps that you can use to make to take even better pictures.
For those of you who do want to buy into a DSLR, here are some links to different levels of photographic gear.
Here you will find lots of great information and tips about South Africa and Cape Town, such as its seasons, sunrise and sunset, temperatures, time differences, languages, cellular providers, provinces and internet access. Otherwise, come and enjoy our world class food, wine, accommodations and my photo tours and walks
Most tourists are allowed to stay for a 30 to 90 days in South Africa, without requiring a visa, but make sure to check the links provided and contact the relevant department, just to make sure. To enter South Africa, a passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure. One blank Passport page is required for entry to South Africa.
Your first stop will be that of customs, please make sure to read all the information so that you know what you can and cannot bring into or leave with from the country. South Africa does allow duty free allowances and uses a 14% VAT system that can also be claimed back on all movable goods, excluding any services such as food, transport and accommodation.
Remember to be vigilant with you money and cards, just like anywhere else in the world. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted almost everywhere, but Diners Club and Discover are not. South Africa has a modern banking system, with branches throughout the country and ubiquitous ATMs, especially at tourist attractions, in gas stations, and in shopping malls.
Cape Town in particular, is a first world run province, with high end drinking water and food. It has world class private medical facilities should anything happen. Remember to get comprehensive medial insurance though. HIV/AIDS is a big problem but can easily be avoided. Malaria can happen in warmer summer months in rural or game park areas such as the Kruger Park.
South Africa does pose crime unfortunately, but can be avoided in most cases by staying alert and using common sense, in order to keep yourself and your valuables safe. Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area or on an official organised tour. UBER is very well run in Cape Town and is the suggested mode of transport if you don’t have a rental vehicle