Cape Town Travel Guide

South Africa

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3.8M
Population
CPT
Nearest airport
$104
Daily Budget
78
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Cape Town

Arriving

  • Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · 18 km away
  • Main stationsCape Town Station

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your South Africa eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our South Africa plans: Cell C (4G), MTN (5G), Telkom (3G) and Vodacom (5G).
  4. South Africa plans currently start at $3.50, for 100MB over 7 days. Compare all 13 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · good
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.2 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalSome remote areas in the Cape Peninsula
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportUber
  • Food deliveryUberEats and Mr D Food

Cape Town at a glance

Region
Western Cape
Population
3,776,313 (2021)
Elevation
5 m above sea level
On or near
Table Bay
Currency
rand (ZAR)
Plug types
C, D and N
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112
Drives on the
left
Official languages
Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho and Sesotho
Calling code
+27

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses Cell C, MTN, and Telkom, with 5G where available
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 13 South Africa eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
Table Mountain
Iconic flat-topped mountain offering hiking trails and stunning views.
3h $12
2
Robben Island
Historic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, accessible by ferry.
2h $25

Best Areas to Stay

City Bowl
Central area with easy access to attractions and nightlife.
TouristsNightlifeBusiness
Camps Bay
Popular beach area with stunning ocean views.
FamiliesBeach lovers

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$12
Meal
$2
Transport
$3
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $46 Tourist: $104 Family: $326

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Tipping is customary in restaurants and for taxi drivers.
Common Mistakes
  • Underestimating travel time
  • Not booking attractions in advance

Food & Drink

Must Try:Bobotie, Bunny Chow
Vegetarian:High
Tap Water:Drinkable
V&A Waterfront MarketBocca

Getting Around

Public Transport:Good
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:78/100
MetroBus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Warmest monthFeb27°C average high
Coolest monthJul7°C average low
Wettest monthJun92 mm of rain
Driest monthJan9 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan27.016.692
Feb27.316.5102
Mar26.015.0133
Apr23.612.2405
May20.610.2617
Jun18.28.19210
Jul17.97.4859
Aug18.07.9729
Sep19.69.4447
Oct22.211.5284
Nov23.713.4254
Dec25.815.6133

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Cape Town, 15 km from Cape Town).

Cape Town travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cape Town?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Cape Town. Average daytime highs range from about 18°C in July to 27°C in February.

How much does a day in Cape Town cost?

Plan from about US$46 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$104 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Cape Town?

Public transport includes metro and bus and is rated good. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 78/100.

Which airport serves Cape Town?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Cape Town International Airport (CPT), about 18 km from Cape Town.

Is Cape Town safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for overcharging by taxi drivers and fake tour guides. Areas generally considered safe include V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Cape Town?

Install a South Africa eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Our South Africa plans list Cell C (4G), MTN (5G) and Telkom (3G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Cape Town?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of South Africa

South Africa travel guideSouth Africa eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Cape Town.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.