FAQs
Question
***Electrical Appliances***
Answer
Everyone traveling to South Africa will need an adapter for RSA outlets as US plugs will not fit. It may be difficult to get them in the U.S but should be easy in RSA if you are unable to get one before you travel. ** Larger electrical appliances such as flat irons, electric toothbrushes and shavers etc. will NOT work unless they are dual voltage... 220 & 110 volt... you are able to buy voltage adapters but they can be expensive and do NOT work with hairdryers.** USB, USB-C etc will work fine with regards to voltage for charging personal devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops etc... but the outlet adapter is still needed.
Question
Phones & Communication
Answer
We recommend downloading WhatsApp as that is the easiest way of communicating and avoids roaming charges/international data rates. The other advantage of using WhatsApp is that you are able to register with your US number regardless of if you choose to get the option below. You can buy a pre-paid SIM card and load data bundles as well as WhatsApp bundles. If your phone has an option for multiple digital SIMs then this is a great option MTN & Vodacom (two major cell phone carriers) have shops located in the CPT airport.
Question
Vaccines
Answer
Although no vaccines are REQUIRED, there are some that are recommended depending on where in South Africa you are going. The location for our wedding and Cape Town in general is not an area where you will need to worry about the recommended vaccines, however if you have any concerns then please contact your PCP.
Question
Is It Safe?
Answer
As with most places you visit, there are always risks but if you are aware of your surroundings and your belongings then you should be good to go! Durbanville is a suburb but if you are in the CBD then treat it like NYC... it is a bustling city with all the good and the bad that comes along with one
Question
Can you Uber?
Answer
Yes, Uber is a great way to travel. Please make sure that you have allowed the passcode feature as all Uber rides in South Africa require a pin code verification.
Question
Car Rental & Driving
Answer
We suggest using: Enterprise Car Rental - Recommended Hertz Rental Europcar With regards to driving, South Africa does drive on the other side of the road so bear that in mind if you do choose to rent a car. U.S. citizens can legally drive in South Africa for up to six months using a valid U.S. driver's license, provided it is in English, features a photo, and has a signature.
Question
Payment Methods
Answer
With regards to paying for goods and services in South Africa here are a few things to note: Tax is already included in ALL prices Recommended tip at a restaurant is 10%, however the percentage amount is obviously at your discretion. Your card should never leave you! At restaurants they will bring a card machine to you and you need to enter the tip on the receipt before they swipe/tap/insert your card. The server will enter the total amount, including tip, before you pay. Tap to pay is the most commonly used method of payment anywhere… unless you choose to go to a market, then it is up to the individual seller but most will have tap to pay options. Apple or Google pay is also available but not necessarily everywhere.
Question
Cash & US Dollars
Answer
Almost all purchases will be done with a card, however if you do wish to pay with or to carry cash then it is recommended that carry no more than ZAR 1,000 (the equivalent of US$ 60 at the current exchange rate). DO NOT carry your US$ around with you, leave them in a safe place at your Air B&B or wherever you will be staying. International airports will accept US$ if you wish to pay with cash. It is not recommended to use a Bureau de Change, especially at the airport, as the fees are through the roof. You can use any ATM to withdraw money from your US account as you would in the States, be advised there may be a transaction fee that is dependent on who you bank with. You can also usually pre-order ZAR from your bank if you wish to travel with cash already in hand.
Question
Cost of Things
Answer
Most things, especially food and drink, will be cheaper than in the US & UK but it is always a good idea to know the exchange rate and to be aware that the South African Rand is strengthening.
Question
Tips
Answer
The standard tip amount for South Africa is 10% but obviously it's at your discretion. When paying you will add the desired tip amount to the paper copy of your bill, then your server will add that amount to the electronic device BEFORE you tap your card.
Question
Alcohol/Illicit Substances
Answer
The legal drinking age in South Africa is 18. Key details regarding cannabis in South Africa include: Private Use: Adults may legally possess, use, and grow cannabis in private, such as in a home. Restrictions: Public smoking, buying, or selling cannabis is still prohibited.
Question
Clothes & Weather
Answer
It is winter and it does get cold so please make sure that you bring warm clothes. It is also our rainy season so please make sure that you bring an umbrella or rain jacket. Be advised that Cape Town is known as "the windy city" of South Africa so please bring a windproof jacket if you have one or brace yourself for the wind as best you can. It can be warmish during the day but it does get very cold at night and a lot of houses do not have central heat.
Question
Will we be there after the wedding
Answer
We will be leaving for our "Familymoon" on the 29th of June so we will be there for a couple of days after the wedding... but count out the 25th as we will be recovering and wanting to spend time as a newlywed couple who now share the same name!! :)
