Making the most of Cape of Good Hope
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This is an onboard cruise stop for admiring the Cape, rather than a landing.
Money
South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR). ATMs connected to major international networks are widely available, but use only those inside a mall or building. Make sure nobody watches you enter your PIN and stay alert for scams, including machines that appear to retain a card after the PIN is entered.
Most shops accept credit cards.
Staying connected
South Africa has 11 official languages. English is spoken by most people other than rural black Africans, though it is not often a first language; Afrikaans is also widespread, particularly among white and colored people.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1700 and Sat 0900-1400, although major tourist spots increasingly open later and throughout weekends. Shopping malls often stay open until 9PM.