10 Things You Must Know: Cape Town

Cape Town and Table Mountain

Cape Town, South Africa

1. Name of city in its Native Language: Kaapstad (Afrikaans) or Ikapa (Xhosa)
2. Official Languages: Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, English, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
3. Currency: South African Rand (R)
4. Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST)
5. Closest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
6. Getting Around: The city is walkable for most sights. Public transportation include Minibus Taxis, My CiTi buses, Golden Arrow Bus Services, and Metrorail Western Cape. Metered taxis are available; a hired car can be easy, quick, and affordable to get around for the day. City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off buses are an option to see the main sights.
7. Climate: Warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Winter is May-September while Summer lasts November-March (more detail)
8. Tipping: 10-15% for restaurant waiters; $1 per bag for hotel porters, $1 a night for housekeepers, and $3-5 for concierge; 10% for taxis, $25 per person per day for private drivers or guides. Authorities employ "car guards" and airport porters, so when parking a car you might be approached by a guard: if he shows identification pay him 15–20 rand when you return; pay an airport porter 20 rand per bag.
9. Entry Requirements: Valid passport required; Tourist Visa not required if visiting for 90 days or less. Valid yellow fever certificate required from those travelling from or through a World Health Organization designated yellow fever country.
10. Culture Tip: A 14% value-added tax (VAT) accompanies most purchases in Cape Town, but you can often get a refund at airport customs if you have proof of all purchases.

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!