Useful Information for your Stay in Cape Town

WHEN BEST TO GO

Cape Town’s high season is in December and January, with summer falling broadly between November and February, and winter between June and August. Summer brings crowds and heat, while winter is certainly not cold but does at times bring rain.

Pack some rain-proof clothing, just in case.

DRESS & CUSTOMS

There are no general restrictions on dress in Cape Town; a liberal attitude prevails, and shorts and T-shirts are the order of the day during the hot summer months. Smart establishments may require jackets and ties for men and smart dresses for women.

LOCAL TIME & BUSINESS HOURS

All of South Africa is on South African Standard Time, which is two hours ahead of GMT, and has no Daylight Savings adjustment. Business hours are between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, though banks tend to close at 3.30pm on weekdays and open on Saturdays between 9am and 11am.

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LANGUAGE

South Africa has 11 official languages, three of which, Afrikaans, English and Xhosa, are official in the Western Cape. English is spoken almost universally in Cape Town, with road signs and businesses all using English.

CURRENCY & EXCHANGE RATE

Rand (ZAR), $1 = 7.24 ZAR, £1 = 11.66 ZAR, €1 = 9.79 ZAR

COUNTRY DIALLING CODE

+27

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24-HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT

107

EMBASSY CONTACT

US Consulate
2 Reddam Avenue, Westlake, Cape Town 7945
Phone: +27 21 702 7300

British Consulate General
15th Floor, Deneys Reitz House
8 Riebeek Street, Cape Town
Phone: +27 21 405 2400

POPULATION

3.4 million (2007)

Exclusive Transport

STATUS LUXURY VEHICLES

South African luxury transport experts Status Luxury Vehicles provide exclusive car services from a varied fleet that ranges from stylish Minis to opulent Ferraris. Options include chauffer services as well as self-drive rentals, airport transfers, special VIP protection, and organized tour options.

LUXURY CHAUFFEUR SERVICES

Operating in a 190-mile-radius of Cape Town, Luxury Chauffeur Services are experts on the city, with plenty of advice on where to find the best restaurants, attractions and business venues. They offer stylish, personalized executive travel services along with a team of professional, hand-picked drivers.

AVIS LUXURY CARS

Avis Luxury specialize in self-drive rentals of the most prestigious and elite vehicles, with the latest from Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and more. They will deliver and collect your vehicle from your nominated destination.