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Cape Town Travel Guide and Activities

Famed for its unusual flora and fauna, could there be a more exotic destination than Cape Town? Its appeal lies in its diversity; a multicultural city where old and new come together to make something spectacular. Backed by rugged Table Mountain, Cape Town is blessed with awe inspiring natural beauty.

5 things to see

  • Table Mountain
  • Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
  • Robben Island
  • Penguins at Boulders Beach
  • Cape Winelands

5 things to do

  • Hike Lion's Head
  • Visit a Township
  • Whale watching
  • Weekend safari
  • Cruise Cape Town's harbour
Monthly Activities

Climate

Cape Town is beautiful in each of the four seasons. Spring, from September to the end of November. Hot, dry, lazy summer days (20 something C - to 38 C) are experienced from December to the end of February. Autumn from March to the end of May boasts a complex, colourful display of shapes and shades. Winter is in full force from June to end August when the Western Cape celebrates “the green season” due to its winter rainfall.

Money

  • Currency - South African Rand referred to as
    Rand (R)
  • Most shops and hotels will accept all major
    credit cards
  • The main banks in Cape Town are ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank.
    Banking hours:
    Monday to Friday - 09h00 15h30
    Saturday - 08h30 11h00
  • If you are staying in Cape Town for a long period of time you may want to open a bank account. The closest bank is First National Bank (FNB), on the corner of Church and Long Streets, a block away from school. Make sure that you have:
      1. Your passport with a study visa
      2. A letter from the Client Liaison Office confirming that you are an EC student
      3. Confirmation of your residential address in Cape Town

Public holidays falling on a weekday

24 September 2021, 16 and 27 December 2021, 21 Mar 2022, 15 Apr 2022, 18 Apr 2022, 27 Apr 2022, 02 May 2022, 16 Jun 2022, 09 Aug 2022, 16 Dec 2022, 26 Dec 2022

Telephone Country Code

South Africa’s Country Code is 0027.
Cape Town’s code is 021.

Electricity

220/230 volts; 50 Hz. Wall plugs are domestically manufactured and are not compatible with foreign plugs. Adaptors are widely available in major supermarkets.

Tap water

The quality of water in Cape Town is good and safe to drink. However many people prefer to drink bottled spring water or sparkling water, which is widely available too.

Transport

The cheapest and quickest way to get around is by “mini-bus taxi”. These vehicles travel along all the main routes and are inexpensive. The majority of the locals use this form of basic transport.

The less adventurous can call a private taxi.

Rikki's open taxis, operate in and around the central city and in Simon's Town. They are inexpensive and will do door-to-door.

Buses and trains operate within the city perimeters. For enquiries telephone 0800 656 463. We recommend that you always travel in groups.

Visa

For Visa information please read Applying for a Visa in South Africa

Cost of Living

Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks) €1.35-€2.00
Bottle of water/soda (0.33 litre) €0.50-€1.00
Fast-Food combo meal €3.15-€5.15
Meal, inexpensive restaurant €6.50-€13.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult) €17.00-€50.00
Public transport (local transport) €0.65-€1.40 (one-way)
Public transport (monthly pass) €17.05-€40.00

Other Useful Information

Driving Age

The legal driving age is 18 years, though car hire companies often require drivers to be at least 23.

Alcohol Age

The legal age for drinking and buying alcohol in Cape Town is 18 years.

Smoking laws

The legal age for smoking in Cape Town is 16 years.

Insurance

If you feel ill or are injured and you need to see a doctor, please contact the Student Coordinator and she will arrange for you to be attended to. You should pay the doctor directly and then claim a refund from your health insurance company (where applicable).

Useful Links