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For local trips in and around Cape Town, we recommend using a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Bolt. Both are well-established in Cape Town, and are usually available within minutes of a ride being requested. For longer trips outside the greater Cape Town area, we recommend renting a car, or booking a tour operator. All the major car rental companies have offices in Cape Town, however, if you’re interested in a rental with a difference, try Veloce Luxury Car Rental for the best in convertibles, 4x4s and supercars. You can find more information and details in our Taxi’s & Transport page.
While crime in South Africa is more prevalent than in the USA and Europe, most areas that you will visit in Cape Town are likely to be safe. Rather than being scared, just be sure to be aware of your environment, and don’t take any unnecessary risks.
Please ensure that you lock any and all valuables away in the safe provided on your property, never leave any belongings visible in your vehicle, and avoid carrying large sums of cash on you. For more tips, please visit https://www.capetown.travel/health-safe-travel/.
Do be aware of walking around late at night, and never accept assistance at an ATM (cash machine).
South Africa has a tipping culture in bars, restaurants and other service industries such as hair salons and beauty spas. At restaurants the general rule is to tip from 10% to 20%. 10% is a standard tip for reasonable service, with exceptional service receiving 20%, however the amount is always at your discretion. For services like hairdressers and masseuses it is not a percentage, but generally just a token of thanks of R50 to R100.
If you are considering leaving a tip for your housekeeper, our general rule of thumb is to leave approximately R50 to R100 per bedroom per night. So a three day stay in a two bedroom apartment would be a tip of R300 to R600 depending on how happy you were with your service.
The City of Cape Town requests that individuals do not give money to people begging, performing, or to car guards, unless they are very clearly licensed. We understand that this can feel heartless, but by giving money to someone on the street, you are effectively making that their job, and forcing them to come back every day. Many of the children on begging on the street are also parts of syndicates, and are forced to beg by adults who exploit these children, and take any money that they collect.
Our suggestion should you want to help is to either donate directly to local charities that help the homeless, or tip generously to people that you interact with, like petrol attendants, waiters, and Uber drivers.