Lauren & Matthew

GETTING THERE

If you’re joining us from The U.S. or Europe, you will need a valid passport and sufficient funds for the length of stay and a return or onward ticket to enter South Africa (where you can stay for 90 days).

If this is your first trip to South Africa, we would suggest flying via London (which has direct flights to Cape Town) or with South African Airways, which flies direct to Johannesburg from most major airports. It’s a long flight so direct is recommended. Once in South Africa, the flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town is just under two hours.  

If you wish to maximise your stay in South Africa and explore what the other cities have to offer or go one safari, we would suggest working with a travel agent, as they will be able to tailor your trip and get you a better deal with a single airline. Flight Centre & Travel Start can assist you with this and the service is free.

Cape Town is seven hours ahead of U.S. eastern standard time.

PHONES

For those travelling from abroad, we suggest making your service provider aware of your trip, they may need to enable roaming. If you wish to use a South African sim card you will need to make sure your iPhone is not locked by your provider.

While in South Africa you can use any local sim card: Vodacom/MTN/Virgin/CellC. Vodacom has the best coverage in Cape Town. A sim cards cost about R45 which is less than $4.

MONEY

Instead of exchanging to local currency, we would suggest just drawing from ATM’s or paying with your credit card. Please contact your bank and let them know your travel arrangements so they don’t freeze your cards. It’s a precautionary measure that most banks will take.

The local currency is rands. The exchange rate on average is very favorable.

$1 = R12
Euro 1 = R14
GBP 1 = R17

When drawing money get enough to last a couple days as the bank fees may be high per transaction. However, it’s not a good idea to walk around with wads of cash.

Two thousand rand ($150) is more than enough for small purchases, tips, taxis etc for a couple days. FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank atms offer the best rates.

American Express and Diners Club are not accepted at local shops and smaller establishments. Don’t be alarmed.

WATER

The tap water in South Africa is some of the best in the world. Drink it. Love it.

GETTING AROUND

There are a number of ways to see the many attractions South Africa has to over. To make the most of your stay, we would suggest renting a car. It’s relatively inexpensive and opens up the possibilities drastically. In the city centers and surrounds, Ubers and Taxis are available. But if you wish to travel somewhere more remote for a day trip we suggest organising it with the hotel or guesthouse you are staying at. Steer clear of other forms of public transport such as buses or trains.

WHAT TO PACK

Visa

If you are an American or from the European Union travelling to RSA you don't need a visa.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear

The wedding will take place in the middle of Summer in Cape Town. The average temperature is 70F/28C. The african sun is pretty extreme so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats etc. Pack something warm in case the wind picks up and for the evenings. As there are a lot of outdoors things to do make sure you pack accordingly; a swimsuit for the beach, comfortable walking shoes for hikes. Although you are in South Africa it’s very cosmopolitan, so dress as you normally would in summer, dressing like you are on safari will only make you look more like a tourist. Cameras should not be worn around your neck while walking in the city. Be street smart with your valuables.

You will also require an adaptor to convert the plugs for U.S. and European devices. These can be bought before hand or for a premium at the airport when you arrive.
 

Luggage and bags

Lock your bags when you check them in on the flight.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies

Bring along your favorites but everything is easily available at all pharmacies. Make sure to pack insect repellant, sun protection and lip balm.