Visa requirements	If you require a visa to travel to South Africa please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.   If you need a letter of invitation, please send your request  to: iatul2013@cput.ac.za
Arrival at Cape Town International airport and transport to the city	These are a few transport agencies that we recommend for your transfer from Cape Town International Airport to the city bowl (CBD). We recommend that you book your transfer in advance and confirm the cost.  It should cost you from R200 for 1-2 people and from R250 for a group of 3 people depending on the company you choose.    Rikkis CT Shutters Airport Shuttle CT Shuttles EZ Shuttle Randy’s Day Tours   MyCity bus service operates from Cape Town International Airport into the city centre and the drop off point is within walking distance of most of the recommended hotels( It will cost you R50 for a single trip) For transport throughout Cape Town, you may make use of MyCity, which is Cape Town’s new rapid bus service. For more information see here. Hotels can also arrange taxi services if you need any.
Weather	The weather in Cape Town can be categorised into seasons. Cape Town summers bring hot weather and can be quite windy, and winters are usually cold and wet. In Cape Town the summer months are November – March with December and January being the hottest. Winter months are from June – August. March – April is a good time to visit as the temperatures are still quite warm and there is very little wind.    Month Maximum Minimum March 26°C /79°F 13°C /55°F April 25°C/77°F 11°C/52°F   3 day weather forecast
Packing for Cape Town	In Cape Town it is possible to experience the four seasons in one day, so it would be advisable to bring a long-sleeved jacket/top, hat and sunblock.  Should you forget to pack in any of these items, they are easily obtainable at shops. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink and all shops in South Africa charge extra for plastic shopping bags.
VAT and Refunds	As a visitor to South Africa, you may claim a VAT refund on movable goods where the total value exceeds R250.00. Procedures, location of VAT offices and forms may be found here to assist you in your application.
Electricity	The power supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC. Standard, three -pronged plugs are used so bring an adaptor. Adaptors can be bought at travel shops, hotels and airport shops.
Banking services	Some of the major banks in South Africa are ABSA Bank, First National Bank (FNB), Standard Bank and Nedbank.  Bureau de change and ATM’s (automated teller machines) are easily accessible.   For your convenience, see this currency converter.
Language	South Africa has eleven official languages.  They are: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swati, Tshonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. English is widely spoken throughout the country. Road signs, directions, maps, transport signs are all in English.
Safety and Security	We would advise you to take basic safety precautions as you would while travelling in any other city in the world.  All valuables such as passports, cameras, should be locked in the hotel safe. Valuables should be discreetly kept when walking around.  Gold or other seemingly valuable items sold on the street by vendors are likely to be fake or stolen property.
Travel sites, tours and insights	South Africa has much to offer, click on the links below to get a taste of what you can experience in South Africa and Cape Town.  Should you want to know what bloggers are saying, join in here.