Roxy + Katie

April 4, 2025

Roxy + Katie

April 4, 2025

What languages are spoken?

South Africa has 11 official languages but the main ones are English, Afrikaans, IsiZulu and IsiXhosa. Everyone speaks English so you will be able to communicate easily. Here's some South African slang to get you ready for a lekker time!

What should I pack?

March/April usher in springtime in Cape Town, a beautiful season with generally pleasant weather. However, as with any springtime, a little unpredictability is part of the charm!


Sunny days are the norm, with cool evenings and a chance of rain showers. Pack layers, a light jacket, and a possible raincoat. Expect pleasant temperatures ranging from 16-25 degrees Celsius (61-77 Fahrenheit).


Feeling Adventurous?

The icy Atlantic Ocean might not be ideal for swimming, but it's perfect for a refreshing (and invigorating!) cold plunge. For the truly adventurous, there's even a local(Capetonian) tradition of timing yourself in the chilly waters!


Cape Town boasts some incredible hiking trails offering stunning views. We'll be sharing some specific recommendations closer to the date, so get your hiking boots ready!

What Currency do we use?

We use RANDS (ZAR). You will see the letter R in front of the amount.

Example:

Bottle of water- R12,

Local beer - R30,

Glass of wine - R60.


Card payments are accepted in most places so there is no need to carry around cash. Some street vendors sell souvenirs and they will accept cash only. Amex is not accepted so please bring your Visa or Mastercards.

Is it Safe?

Just like any major city, Cape Town benefits from keeping a watchful eye on your belongings. Here are some friendly tips to ensure a carefree experience:


Travel light: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. Consider using a secure crossbody bag to keep essentials close.


Dress for comfort: Flashy jewelry or expensive watches are more likely to attract unwanted attention. Pack comfortable clothing and shoes for exploring the city.


Be street smart: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your belongings and trust your instincts.

CAN I GET A SIM CARD?

No, South Africa has a weird thing around SIM cards. The best thing would be to check if your provider offers roaming services. You can also download this app and purchase an e-sim. Most newer iPhones from XS upwards have e-sim capability and it's easy to top up data using the app.

South Africa and Electricity:

You may have heard about "loadshedding" which is when the power grid experiences high demand and some areas experience rolling blackouts. The good news is that in March/April, loadshedding is minimal [based on current predictions]. On the rare chance it does occur, most venues and businesses in Cape Town have backup generators or solar power to ensure minimal disruption. So you can relax and focus on enjoying your stay!

WHAT PLUGS DO WE USE?

Here is a guide on plugs and adaptors. You can buy these at the airport or amazon. Some AirBnB's have these, but you might want to pick up one just incase. Here is a link for more info.