Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦
#209
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cape Town is a coastal city located at the southwestern tip of South Africa, known for its iconic Table Mountain and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4.5 million people reside in Cape Town. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR (South African Rand) ≈ 0.067 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Standard Bank, Absa, and FNB, with international services like Revolut accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hosts, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, StayEasy and other local rental agencies are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpackers Hostels such as The Backpack and Jambo Guest House provide affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | V&A Waterfront, known for shopping and entertainment. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Bowl and Green Point offer vibrant atmospheres with coworking spaces and cafés. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork in the CBD offers modern facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Truth Coffee Roasting is known for its conducive work environment and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and networking events are regularly hosted at venues such as the Cape Town Science Centre. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Expats in Cape Town Facebook group for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt are widely used for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Gautrain offers bike sharing options, and Citysightseeing busses provide a good way to explore. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Camps Bay Beach is the closest popular beach, about 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Mango Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and Emirates are major carriers offering international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highway access via the N1 and N2 routes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cape Town Station serves as the main transit point. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | MyCiTi bus cards can be used for public transportation. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by Greyhound and intercity trains from Metrorail connect to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Groote Schuur Hospital, renowned for its cardiac unit. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Life in the City Bowl offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active and Planet Fitness are popular gym chains. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available in many neighborhoods, including Green Point. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Mr D Food are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bunny Chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Fields of Green offers a wide range of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Creamery specializes in artisanal ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Biscuit Mill hosts weekly markets with fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Pick n Pay and Checkers offer online delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Long Street is famous for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Devil's Peak Brewing Company offers brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Cellar provides an extensive wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Food Truck Events at various locations serve a variety of cuisines. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Karen's Garden offers a mix of international dishes in a plant-rich setting. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Table Mountain and the District Six Museum are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Zeitz MOCAA Museum showcases contemporary African art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is a must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Cathedral is known for its striking architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cape Town International Jazz Festival takes place annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Bo-Kaap, with its vibrant homes and rich cultural history, is notable. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Artscape Theatre offers a range of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sunday Market at the Old Biscuit Mill is popular with locals. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is prevalent at venues like Café Roux. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Woodstock district features impressive street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with Jan offers engaging culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Goodman Gallery and the Stevenson Gallery highlight contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Company's Garden and its surrounding historic structures are noteworthy. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Cape Malay culture is an integral part of Cape Town's identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers stunning scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Table Mountain National Park is easily accessible for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Sea Point Promenade is great for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Signal Hill offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cape Point Nature Reserve is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Muizenberg Beach has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | The Tech Doctor offers various device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers host table tennis leagues. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Cape Town Language School offers diverse language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Cape Town Central Library is popular for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Cape Town Community Centre offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Data Gaming Lounge is a hotspot for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World offers gaming and leisure. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 24,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 960,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 18,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 720,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 22,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 1,320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 16,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 960,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 14,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% tax applies to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Africa has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is applicable based on the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer duty starts at 0% and scales up to 13% depending on the property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from various tax exemptions if structured correctly. |