In the last post I gave ideas for budgeting. In this post I wanted to talk about how to get hold of local currency. I think it is fair to say that Africa falls into a big broad category in many people’s minds. Having been to Zanzibar Island, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and even parts of South Africa, I am aware that getting hold of cash and banking transactions can be um, tricky.
Cape Town and most of South Africa is pretty much first world with regard to banking. Obviously the more rural and rustic the area you visit, the less likely you are to have modern means. Big cities have the usual operators like Thomas Cook and American Express. Our local banks have a bureau de change office in the bigger banks.
You should easily be able to draw cash from a hole in the wall and use your credit cards in South Africa. We call our cash machines ATMs, short for auto teller machines. Just be aware that not all petrol vendors accept plastic. And do exercise caution withdrawing large sums of money from isolated auto cash machines at night.
It’s worth a mention that South African banking systems have not been victim to the disasters that many western banks have. We have strict laws pertaining to loans and mortgages. It’s harder to owe money here. Which is a good thing if you ask me.
I have been forwarded a link for a competition for a free holiday into Africa. I am heading off in a month to do a Southern African trip from Cape Town, through Namibia, into Botswana, then Vic Falls and I end up in Gauteng or Johannesburg. Maybe you can win a trip? Here is the link competition.
I thought I would give some indication in this post as to what typical items might cost in Cape Town. This does not take into account flights to and from the city.
Firstly an airport shuttle from the airport to the inner city will cost around R350 excluding tip for driver. You can visit the Rikki webpage for their exact prices here – Rikkis taxis. I would use the new MyCiti airport shuttle bus which stops at the Civic Center in the heart of Cape Town and is only R50. From there you can catch a taxi which usually costs R10/km. Here is a taxi link – Cape Town taxi.
Accomodation varies obviously depending on what you are getting. Backpackers range from R250 to about R400 per room. B and B’s or guesthouses start at about R550 going up to R1200 per room. High end fancy hotels and funky art type places start at R1500 and they can reach big bucks. Visit this link to view accomodation – Sleeping Out.
Eating out is also an area where you can pay vast sums or not. It’s up to you. I LOVE the Kauai and Osumo fast food chains. But then I happen to prefer fresh and vegetarain food. You can get a breakfast wrap for R35 or a smoked salmon salad for just over R50. A large coffee will set you back about R16. Do have a look at their menu here – Kauai. If you want to go large then buy a copy of the local Eat Out guide or read it on-line here – Eat Out. Expect wine prices to start at around R80 a bottle at the average eatery. A main meal at a high end establishment will set you back about R150. See Savoy Cabbage menu here – Savoy Cabbage menu
Typical entrance fees to museums range from R15 to about R50. Tours start at around R500. Here is a link to what is on offer – Book Cape Town tours and you can expect to pay R170 for a return trip in the cable car on Table Mountain. A link to Table Mountain is here – Table Mountain.
It’s fair to say we don’t get the same numer of music and shows as our fellow citizens in the northern latitudes. It makes sense that the cost of hauling equipment to the southern tip of Africa for one, maybe two, shows just doesn’t make it viable. What lures many an artist to our part of the world is a visit to Cape Town, a chance to meet Nelson Mandela and a safari experience. My other half used to ferry celebrities on a private ferry to Robben Island and has a story or three.
A few weeks ago Green Point stadium aka Cape Town stadium hosted the U2 360 concert. A crowd of around 75 000 revellers rocked to old and new numbers. It was a brilliant show but the supporting bands were so so. If you are in Cape Town and want to see what shows or events will be happening try these links – Computicket or maybe the Cape Town magazine. Two more useful sites are Uncover the Cape and SA Venues.
Goldfish concert at Kirstenbosch botanical gardens
Another favorite music venue are the local botanical gardens in the major cities in South Africa. These concerts usually feature local artists but Bryan Adams and a few others have done shows there. It’s an earlier show and a lot more family oriented.
You bring a blanket, your own booze and a picnic basket. Kids play in amongst the plants and older folk relax on the grass. Beats the drink and food queues at most mega stadiums. That said, I was impressed with Green Point stadium. No loo queues and a vegetarian pita for me.
I am also pleased to say that Kirstenbosch have a strict no smoking policy. Read more here – Kirstenbosch summer concerts.
U2 photo courtesy Ragnhilde Reid
Go to – My Holidays and Trips – at the top of this page to read about other places we have visited. Or just click on – this link.
The Blue Train is our equivalent of the Orient Express. It’s a luxurious train journey where you languish in luxury while waited on hand and foot.
Meals are taken seriously. Very seriously. You book either the early sitting or late sitting. They serve many courses of incredible food, all paired with wines and liquors to match.
We did their off-season special and can only highly recommend the trip. The train runs between Pretoria and Cape Town and the other way around. There is a stop in Kimberly to visit the diamond museum. If you are travelling the other way then you get to see the historical town of Matjiesfontein. The beautiful South African landscape is the view from your cabin.
Another train trip worth taking is the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe route. The steam train no longer runs but you can drive or cycle the trip. The route makes its way through the gorges and valleys and along the coast of The Garden Route between Knysna and George.
I also mentioned the Cape Town to Simonstown train trip in a previous post. From Muizenberg the trains runs right next to the ocean. You have lovely views of False Bay. Read more in this post – Simonstown train trip.
Go to – My Holidays and Trips – at the top of this page to read about other places we have visited. Or just click on – this link.
You need maps to get about. And if you can find them free on-line, well all the better. This post has a few of the best maps I could find.
Google maps is a no brainer. They probably have the best on-line maps. Find local maps here – Google Maps. For another place to plot your route you can look at this site – Street maps. Cape Town Travel also have great maps for you. Click on this link – map city centre. You could let someone else do all the planning for your road trip. Road travel do it all for you.
Three not to be missed driving routes in the Western Cape are: – The Cederberg Spine (Cederberg), The Garden Route (Garden Route) and Route 62 (Route 62.)
Just a few rules of the road. We drive on the left hand side of the road. Do not park on a red line or a yellow line. You could find your car has been removed. Do not park on the pavement. You might think that you are keeping the roads clear but pavements are for pedestrians. Although local traffic officers aren’t always vigilant about this law, every now and again they go mad and dispense tickets. Don’t park facing oncoming traffic. Although legal in many countries, it is illegal in South Africa.
Lastly, don’t leave valuables in the car or leave anything visible to passersby. Your old jersey on the car seat might be just what a homeless person needs. For more useful tips visit the Cape Town City Council web page here – Useful tips. Another site with lots of money saving and travel and safety tips for South Africa is here – travel and safety tips in South Africa
