Cape Town Western Cape, South Africa Travel Guide
Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom are major mobile network providers. Vodacom and MTN offer the best coverage.
Wi-Fi is widely available and often free in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls. Public Wi-Fi is limited.
The South African Post Office (SAPO) can be slow. For important documents or valuable items, private couriers are more dependable.
South Africa has 12 the official languages. English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa are in the middle of them. English is widely spoken and understood.
English works for most interactions, but local phrases show respect and forge connections.
Operating hours vary by business type.
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00/18:00. Sat: 09:00-15:00. Sun/Public Holidays: 09:00-14:00 (larger malls often longer).
Typically 08:00-20:00/21:00. Some 24-hour stores available in larger areas.
Lunch: 12:00-14:00/15:00. Dinner: 18:00-22:00/23:00. Many cafes open earlier for breakfast.
Banks open Mon-Fri: 09:00-15:30. Sat: 08:30-11:00/12:00. Closed Sundays.
Some smaller businesses may close over Christmas/New Year holidays. Attraction hours may extend in summer, shorten in winter.
On public holidays, banks and government offices close. Some businesses operate on reduced hours. Check transport schedules.
Observe local customs for respectful interactions.
Handshakes are common upon meeting. Maintain eye contact. Use titles until invited to use first names.
Waiters often bring the bill to your table. It is not customary to go to the counter to pay in most sit-down restaurants.
Most public areas are fine for photography. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially in townships.
Apartheid history, politics, and race topics call for sensitivity. Listen more than you speak.
South Africa has itself as generally progressive. Women traveling alone simply use standard safety measures.
South Africa works on accessibility, though travelers with mobility challenges plan ahead.
Improving but inconsistent. Newer developments (V&A Waterfront, malls, MyCiTi) offer good access. Older areas and cobblestone streets pose challenges.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Zeitz MOCAA, Two Oceans Aquarium, Kirstenbosch (some paths), and V&A Waterfront facilities.
Some major attractions may offer audio guides or tactile exhibits. Sign language interpreters may be available for tours if pre-arranged.
Access 2 Africa Safaris specializes in accessible travel. Local disability organizations also provide information.
