Tourist information for Cape Town

Here's some useful tourist information for Cape Town that you may need.

Use these links to jump to the information you need on this page:

Tourist Information for Cape Town

• Cape Town Airport guide
• Cape Town radio stations
• Consulates' contact details
• Crime in Cape Town
• Currency for Cape Town, South Africa
• Electricity in Cape Town
• Flight time to Cape Town?
• International Drivers Licenses
• SIM Cards and Mobile / Cell Phones
• South African Public Holidays
• South African Visa Information
• Travel Vaccinations for South Africa?
• What's the time in Cape Town?

Tourist Information for Cape Town -- our favourite Cape Town radio stations :o)

For easy listening, we tune into Kfm on 94.5 FM. It's specifically aimed at 30-somethings and we love it. It has a mixture of English and Afrikaans presenters which make it very Cape Town.

If we're looking for something more soothing, we find that Fine Music Radio meets the need on 101.3 FM. Classics and jazz are great if you're in the mood.

Dates of South African Public Holidays

South African Public Holidays



South African Visa Information

South African Visas



Travel Vaccinations for South Africa

If you are entering South Africa from a Yellow Fever zone you need a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only littlies under the age of one year are exempt. No other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

Foreign Consulate Details ++ SA Department of Home Affairs Details

British Consulate
German Consulate
Netherlands Consulate
US Consulate

SA Department of Home Affairs




Tourist Information for Cape Town -- Cape Town Airport

After what seems like years of construction Cape Town Airport now boasts way improved facilities. You can even find parking at the domestic terminal!

Unfortunately more construction is going on in preparation for the World Cup in 2010, but it is pretty well managed.

Do you need to check on flight arrival or departure times? Find out how to book a shuttle? Draw cash at the airport? Here’s your Cape Town Airport info in quick, easy-to-read format.

What currency is used in Cape Town, South Africa?

The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand.
Use this quick conversion tool to convert another currency to South African Rands (ZAR)
XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

Electricity in Cape Town

South Africa runs on 220/230 volts electricity (a link to our British colonial past!). The plug sockets accept the old British style plug with three round pins. So if you are coming from a country that uses 2 pin plugs or the square shaped 3 pin plugs, you will need an adaptor to use appliances.

Here's a photo to help you identify the adaptor you will need!

What’s the time now in Cape Town?

Cape Town’s time is GMT +2 hours (if you use the Greenwich convention), or UTC +2hours if you’re more familiar with the American terminology.

What’s the flight time from London/Europe to Cape Town?

A direct flight from London or Central Europe to Cape Town takes between 11 and 12 hours.

Is there a risk of malaria in Cape Town?

No. There is no risk of malaria in Cape Town.

BUT if your South African holiday will include destinations such as the Kruger National Park as well as Cape Town, you need to need to take malarial prophylaxis before you visit. Ask your doctor or an international travel clinic for advice about which specific drugs will be most appropriate for you.


You may find the following related pages helpful:
Weather in Cape Town
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