Cape Town

Tipping

• Restaurants: 10
• 15% of the bill if service is good
• Tour guides: ZAR 50
• 200 per person per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour
• Safari guides/trackers: ZAR 100
• 300 per person per day
• Taxi drivers: Round up the fare or 10%
• Porters: ZAR 10
• 20 per bag
• Petrol attendants: ZAR 5
• 10 for full service

Money & Payments

• ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas; it is generally safe to withdraw cash from ATMs in well
• lit, secure locations
• Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in major cities and tourist areas; however, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or rural areas
• It is better to carry some cash for small purchases, local markets, and emergencies, but rely mostly on credit cards for larger transactions
• There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

• Dress: Casual and comfortable is generally acceptable, but respectful attire is appreciated when visiting religious sites or formal establishments
• Greetings: A handshake is common, often accompanied by eye contact
• In some traditional settings, a respectful greeting involves a slight bow or a hand placed over the heart
• Politeness: Politeness and respect are highly valued
• Use "please" and "thank you" frequently
• Eating: It's common to eat with your hands at traditional gatherings; otherwise, cutlery is used
• Wait to be invited to start eating
• Personal space: South Africans generally appreciate personal space, but it can be less rigid in crowded areas
• Eye contact: Direct eye contact is generally a sign of sincerity and respect

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. South Africa has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in the world, including marriage equality and protection against discrimination. However, societal acceptance can vary, particularly in rural areas.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

• The legal drinking age is 18
• Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and use, including marijuana, despite some recent decriminalization for private use

Special Laws

• It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places
• Jaywalking is illegal and can result in fines
• It is illegal to bribe officials, and strict penalties apply
• Be aware of wildlife laws when visiting national parks and reserves