Cape Town Travel Tips
Cape Town Orientation
Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the world's most beautiful cities and is filled with many reminders of its historical importance on the trade route from Europe to Asia. Situated on the southwest coast of South Africa, three hundred years have left their mark in the impressive architecture and layout of Cape Town. In the surrounding area, are many superb vineyards, originally established by the early settlers, producing some of the country's most exquisite wines.
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Arriving by Air
Cape Town International Airport serves Cape Town and the surrounding area.
Cape Town Transportation
As well as Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town has good road and rail links to other major South African cities. Travellers new to South Africa should check before travelling whether the bus or train they are about to board is a direct one.
Getting Around Cape Town
There are two types of taxi in Cape Town: ordinary and informal. Ordinary taxis are metered and you can hail them from the street. You will do better if you go to a taxi rank. Taxi ranks are situated in Greenmarket Square and the Tourist Rendezvous Travel Centre in Adderley Street. Informal minivan taxis in general follow major bus routes and pick up and set down at bus stops. Buses are somewhat cheaper but also considerably slower. Central Cape Town is quite small and you can get around perfectly well on foot. It is hard to get lost since you should always be able to see Table Mountain from which to take your bearings.
Climate
The Cape climate is unique in South Africa being affected strongly by both the Indian and Atlantic oceans. This results in a moderate rainfall throughout the year, mild to warm temperatures and often strong sea breezes.
Cape Town Tipping Advice
Tipping is expected for many services in South Africa, things that perhaps you would take for granted at home. Almost all gas stations in South Africa use attendants who expect around 2 ZAR or 3 ZAR. In restaurants, waiters usually receive about 10% according to the quality of the service, unless a gratuity is included in your bill. Bar tenders should be tipped around 10%, this applies also to hairdressers, taxi drivers and tour guides. Hotel porters expect about 3 ZAR, and maids about 20 ZAR or so per week.
Cape Town Business Hours and Banking
Normal business hours in South Africa are 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, although most offices will close at around 15:00 on Fridays. Banks operate a slightly shorter working day.
Cape Town City Facts
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Continent: Africa
National Status: Republic
National Population: 46,257,000 (2000 estimate, Source: United Nations Population Division, 1996)
City Population: 3,092,000 (2000 estimate, Source: United Nations Population Division, 1996)
National Capital: Pretoria
Local Time Zone: 2 hours from GMT, 7 hours from Eastern Standard Time and 10 hours from Pacific Standard Time.
Official Language: English,Afrikaans and assorted African languages.
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Religion: Mainly Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim minorities.
