Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Town
How safe is Cape Town?
By taking basic precautions Cape Town is no more dangerous than any other international city. The crime rate has decreased recently in response to neighbourhood watches and proactive sector policing. You should, however, contract a private security company to protect your property as the police service cannot always be relied upon.
What is the cost of living in Cape Town?
Expats find Cape Town to be very good value in terms of accommodation, entertainment, clothing and staff. Vehicles are comparatively expensive, as are international flights. Credit is expensive with a prime lending rate of around 14 percent. Sample costs include: three-course dinner for two with wine 500-700 ZAR; a new mid-size car 150,000 ZAR; a litre of petrol 11 ZAR; a bottle of beer in a pub 20 ZAR; packet of cigarettes 35 ZAR.
Where can I meet other expats?
There are substantial populations of British, German, French and American expats in Cape Town. Each community has vibrant sporting and social clubs to help recent arrivals get connected. Examples include the Swiss Social and Sports Club, Alliance Française, and the local branch of Hash House Harriers running club – the largest club of its kind in the world.
What is the weather like in Cape Town?
Cape Town has a mild Mediterranean climate with dry, windy summers (December to April), and rainy, cold winter months (May to October). Atlantic currents ensure the sea water is cold throughout the year.
English is widely spoken and is the lingua franca for business and government. Afrikaans, closely related to Dutch, and Xhosa are technically the two most popular languages.
Like elsewhere in South Africa, public transport leaves much to be desired, although those expats willing to brave the local minibus taxis and trains will find they're effective for going short distances in daylight. The new MiCiti bus system, which operates around the City Bowl, Sea Point and Atlantic Seaboard area, is an efficient system which is becoming more popular with middle-class commuters. In general, however, its safe to say you will need to buy or rent a car to get around Cape Town.
Government schools vary widely - some are terrible but some older parent-funded schools in the City Bowl and Southern Suburbs might suit expat tastes. International schools are useful if you want to follow a strict British, American, French or German curriculum, but in general private South African schools offer the best value for money.
What language do Captonians speak?
English is widely spoken and is the lingua franca for business and government. Afrikaans, closely related to Dutch, and Xhosa are technically the two most popular languages.
What's the public transport like? Do I need a car?
Like elsewhere in South Africa, public transport leaves much to be desired, although those expats willing to brave the local minibus taxis and trains will find they're effective for going short distances in daylight. The new MiCiti bus system, which operates around the City Bowl, Sea Point and Atlantic Seaboard area, is an efficient system which is becoming more popular with middle-class commuters. In general, however, its safe to say you will need to buy or rent a car to get around Cape Town.
Should I send my kids to a government, private, or international school?
Government schools vary widely - some are terrible but some older parent-funded schools in the City Bowl and Southern Suburbs might suit expat tastes. International schools are useful if you want to follow a strict British, American, French or German curriculum, but in general private South African schools offer the best value for money.
