Although you should read the CDC’s specific advice for your intended destinations, four vaccinations are recommended for all countries in Africa: yellow fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid.
All out-of-town guests will need to rent a car. Public transportation is not an option and Uber will be extremely pricey as the venue is about an hour and 45 minutes away from CPT airport. There will be normal car hire options at the airport or if you are looking to save some money you can check out the company by clicking the button below. American guests, please remember that you will be driving on the opposite side of the road. Don't try this at home.
I would highly recommend sorting out cell coverage for your trip here. It will help ensure your safety as well as help you get around. There is an international plan with T-Mobile, but the easiest route is a prepaid sim card with a phone company here. You can go to either Cell C or Vodacom and ask for a prepaid sim card with however many gigs/data you need. It's inexpensive and non-contractual. You will also want to download the app WhatsApp to text and call, instead of buying "air time" which is separate from data. There is a Cell C store at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town that you can visit to purchase the sim card.
South Africa claims a whopping eleven official languages but the most common you’ll hear in and around Cape Town is English—the lingo of business and media—followed by Afrikaans and Xhosa on the streets.
The currency in South Africa is called a Rand. 1 USD is equivalent to 14.58 Rand. With an exchange rate that favors the dollar, you can stretch your money far in the Mother City.
Most plugs in South Africa are 2-prong or 3-prong so be sure to bring both power adapter so you’re prepared wherever you go.
Cape Town is one of the safer cities in South Africa, but there are still some petty crimes. Be sure to lock up your valuables and keep important belongings on your person.