Cape Town
Population:
3.5 million
Money:
The currency of South Africa is the Rand. Europeans will find the lifestyle in Cape Town highly affordable. ATMs are found dotted around the centre of town and accept all major cards. Credit cards are also generally accepted in larger hotels and restaurants.
Language:
English is one of the three main languages spoken in Cape Town - along with Afrikaans and Xhosa. It is the official language of trade and commerce and is therefore very widely spoken in the centre of town. However, you might find more difficulty making yourself understood in the townships where tribal languages predominate.
Dialling codes:
The dialling code for South Africa is +27 and the code for Cape Town is (0)21
Dangers:
Whilst Cape Town is relatively safe as African cities go, and much less dangerous than Johannesburg, it is still worth taking a number of precautions: Be wary of pickpockets on public transport and in busy streets, don't take the train or bus after dark and certainly don't attempt to visit the townships alone.
Entry:
Citizens of the United Kingdom are not required to have visas for entry to South Africa. Entry permits can be obtained on arrival and entitle you to up to 90 days in South Africa.