Welcome to Cape Town: Travel Guide for the ASI General Assembly

Essential Travel Information

Arrival & Immigration

• Visa Requirements: Check with the South African embassy in your country.

• Airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main entry point.

• Transit: If you transit through Johannesburg Airport you will have to clear your luggage and recheck them.

• Customs & Baggage: Duty-free allowances apply; for wine it consists of maximum 2 litres and 1 litre of spirits. Cigarettes are very affordable in SA.

• Airport Taxi or Uber: Taxi are negotiable, average fare to the hotel should be R250, do not pay more than R300. They have official taxi counters. Uber fare to the hotel varies from R180 to R450 depending on the style of car. Uber/Bolt are on the Parkade-1 e-hailing zone, the parking building on the right when you exit the airport arrivals.

Local Time & Language

• Time Zone: South African Standard Time (SAST) – GMT+2.

• Official Languages: English is widely spoken.

Currency & Payments

• Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). No USD or Euro are accepted. Rand cash can be withdrawn at the ATM just outside the luggage collection area.

• Exchange Rate: Check real-time rates before departure. Average is €1=ZAR20

• Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash may be needed for small vendors. Many street dealers take card payments.

• Minimum wage is R25 per hour, and 40% are unemployed, so do not display cash.

• ATMs & Currency Exchange: Available at the airport and major shopping centers.

Power & Connectivity

• Power Plug Type: South Africa uses Type D, M, and N plugs (230V, 50Hz). Bring an adapter, the classic South African wall plug is truly local. Adaptors can be purchased at the airport (Pharmacy and Electronic Shop)

• SIM Cards & Mobile Data: Available at the airport (just after luggage collection on the right, and malls (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C). Bring an unlocked phone. Network is very good.

• E-sims are available online from companies like Saily or Airalo

• WiFi: Available in hotels, cafes, and conference venues.

Transportation

Getting Around Cape Town

• E-Taxis: Uber and Bolt are widely available.

• Car Rental: Available at the airport; international driving permits may be required. We drive on the left side of the road in South Africa.

• Public Transport: Minibus taxis are not recommended for tourists.

• MyCiTi Bus: Safe, affordable, and reliable public transport. Get a MyCiTi card at stations.

• Walking & Cycling: Safe in designated areas, but avoid walking alone or showing any valuable. Ask the hotel concierge

Safety & Security

• General Safety: Stay in well-lit areas and use registered transport services.

• Scams & Pickpocketing: Be cautious in crowded places.

• Emergency Numbers:

o Police: 10111

o Ambulance: 10177

o General Emergency (from mobile): 112

• Medical Facilities: Private hospitals offer high-quality care (e.g., Netcare Christiaan Barnard, Mediclinic Cape Town).

Weather & Packing Guide

Climate in May

• Temperature: 10°C – 25°C (cool, with possible rain).

• Clothing:

o Light jackets, warm layers, and waterproof gear.

o Comfortable walking shoes.

o Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV levels can still be high).

Food, Water & Health Precautions

Food & Dining

• Local Specialties: Try Cape Malay cuisine, seafood and South African wines.

• Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants and for service staff.

Water & Health

• Tap Water: Generally safe in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended.

• Medical Services: Pharmacies are widely available; bring essential medication with prescriptions.

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended.

Cultural Etiquette & Local Tips

Cultural Do’s & Don’ts

• Greetings: A handshake and friendly demeanour are standard.

• Photography: Ask before taking photos of locals.

• Local Customs: Respect cultural diversity; avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics.

Emergency Contacts & Useful Apps

• Embassies & Consulates: Locate your nearest embassy in Cape Town.

• Useful Apps:

o Google Maps (Navigation)

o Uber/Bolt (Transport)

o MyCiTi (Public Transport Info)

o Zapper/SnapScan (Mobile Payments)

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