General information

Crime and Safety
Cape Town has a huge crime level. Places where most tourist go to (for example V&A Waterfront) are safe to go. But area's where is it quiet, it is unsafe to go. The city centre is one of these places, especially after 5 P.M. The city centre will be taken over by homeless and drugusers who will not hesitate to rob you. The closer you get to the train station, the more change you will get to get robbed, most homeless people will gather during the night in the area of the train station.

If you want to go out during the evening or the night, don't go for a walk, take a taxi, even if it is just a small distance.

Also don't take valuebles with you, leave your pasport and most important valuebles in the hotel safe.

If you get freightening by reading this, you are probably right. But keep in mind that you are reading about Cape Town, so you can better be prepared and know what to do and what not to do. Also keep in mind that just a very small amount of the locals is using violence, so not every local you meet is a potential theif.

Emergency numbers:
In case you get in to trouble, don't panic. Stop a taxi and ask them to bring you to the police or a local hospital. If you are in the possession of a cell phone you can also call the police and ambulance services:

Police: 10111
Ambulance: 10177

For medical assistance you can also go to the emergency services of the closest hospital, ask the reception of your hotel where you can find the closest located hospital.

Time difference:
Cape Town is using the same time line as London

Currency:
In South Africa the Rand is being used as the national currency.
100 Rand is equal to €   9,50
100 Rand is equal to $ 15,20

Don't take to much money with you when you are in Cape Town. Only use ATM machines at crowdes places, where there are more tourists.

Robbed, than what?
If you are robbed, don't panic, but this is easier said than done. The robbery will happen unexpected and happens so quickly that you will know you were robbed when it's to late (we can tell you from our own experience).
After you were robbed, you need to report the robbery at the police station in order to claim the stolen goods from the insurance company. Ask a passing taxi to bring you to the police, also ask if he knows a police officer, if he knows one, you will be helped much quicker.

Tip 1:
Wright down the IMEI number of your cellphone, You can acces your IMEI number by dialing *#06#. In the case your phone gets stolen, you will need your IMEI number to report a stollen phone, without this number you cannot fill in the report.

The IMEI number is a unique number that belongs to the phone, not to the SIM card, if you want to block your SIM card, you need to call your provider, it is best to do this as soon as possible, otherwhise the thieves will be able to call on your account.

Tip 2:
If you need other help, which the police or the hotel can not help you with, call your travel agency or your insurance company, these peope are trained to provide help.
When you need help (for example, when you need a new pasport), go to your ambassy or consulat.