Things I Wish I Knew Before Living in Cape Town

Let me tell you, living in Cape Town for two months was nothing short of unforgettable. The sunsets? Pure magic. The mountains? Breathtaking. The food? I’m still dreaming about the bobotie and fresh seafood.

But hey, it wasn’t all picture-perfect. There were a few curveballs I wish someone had warned me about, stuff you won’t always find on travel blogs or Instagram reels. So if you’re thinking of making Cape Town your temporary home (or even just staying a while), here’s what I wish I knew before moving in.

This isn’t just a list of tips, it’s a little survival guide from someone who learned it all the real way.

1. Load Shedding: What No One Warns You About

One of the first shocks I got while living in Cape Town? The lights suddenly going out, right in the middle of making coffee. Welcome to load shedding.

For those new to the term (I definitely was), load shedding is Cape Town’s way of conserving electricity. The government schedules rolling blackouts across different neighborhoods, and yes, they’re daily. Here’s what I learned the hard way, and what you should do instead:

• Download a load shedding app (like EskomSePush). Trust me, it’ll save you so much frustration when you’re about to reheat leftovers and boom, no power.
• Book places with a generator or inverter. Some Airbnbs say “backup power” in the listing, don’t ignore that part.
• Ask about a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply). It’s a fancy way of saying “your Wi-Fi won’t die in the middle of a Zoom call.”
• Learn your zone. Each neighborhood gets hit at different times. Once you know your area, it’s way easier to plan around the outages.
• Traffic lights go dark too, which freaked me out at first. Be cautious when driving or crossing busy streets, it gets real out there during peak hours.

Honestly, living in Cape Town is magical, but load shedding is something you’ll need to work around. Once you get into a rhythm, it’s just part of the daily groove.

2. Essential Travel Tips for Cape Town You’ll Be Glad You Knew

If you’re anything like me, your pre-trip packing list is color-coded and way too ambitious. But after living in Cape Town for two months, I quickly realized some things I thought were essential… were totally useless, and I missed a few that actually mattered.

Here are the little prep tips that made a big difference once I was on the ground:

• Pack a Type M adapter. Seriously. The regular universal adapter doesn’t fit most outlets in South Africa. I brought two that were basically fancy paperweights. (Type M adapter)
• Skip big ATM withdrawals. Most restaurants, shops, even market stalls, accept cards or tap-to-pay. Carrying wads of cash just isn’t necessary (or smart).
• Grab an eSIM before you go. Local SIM cards are surprisingly pricey and often come with weird setup hoops. I used Airalo, and it was affordable and stress-free. Worked like a charm for Google Maps and Instagram uploads.
• Stick to Uber. Cape Town’s public transport isn’t great, and renting a car wasn’t worth the stress for me. Uber is reliable, cheap, and safe, I used it daily without a hitch.
• Don’t overpack. Cape Town has everything. I’m talking full-on malls with Zara, H&M, and even local gems like Woolworths (which, by the way, is not the Woolworths you might remember, it’s way fancier).

Bottom line? A little smart prep goes a long way when you’re living in Cape Town, even if it’s just for a short stay.

3. Tipping Culture in Cape Town: Don’t Skip This

I’ll be honest, tipping in a new country always stresses me out a little. Am I tipping too much? Not enough? After living in Cape Town for two months, I finally got the hang of what’s expected (and what’s just kind).

Here’s the lowdown on how tipping works there:

• Restaurants: You’ll want to tip around 10–15%. Some touristy spots will add a service charge automatically (especially for larger groups), so double-check the bill.
• Uber drivers: Tipping through the app isn’t super common in Cape Town, so if your driver was extra helpful or waited patiently while you grabbed takeout, a small cash tip goes a long way.
• Service workers: Whether it’s the guy helping with your groceries, the hotel porter, or even someone watching your car while you grab a coffee, 5 to 10 Rand is appreciated and expected.

Locals are warm and hardworking, and tipping is one of those small gestures that shows respect for their hustle. It may not feel like much, but trust me, it matters.

4. Hiking in Cape Town: Gorgeous Views, But Don’t Wing It

I cannot stress this enough, Cape Town’s hikes are breathtaking, but they are no joke. I knew the scenery would be gorgeous, but I didn’t expect to be out of breath five minutes into what locals call the “easy” hike. Spoiler: it’s Lion’s Head.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before lacing up my sneakers:

• Lion’s Head is often called a beginner-friendly hike. And sure, it’s doable, but don’t try it in flip-flops. There are parts where you’re literally climbing metal rungs in the rock. Wear proper hiking shoes.
• Table Mountain is a beast. Beautiful? Absolutely. But the hike up is steep, rocky, and exhausting. Unless you’re super fit or ready to suffer a bit, I’d recommend hiking halfway and taking the cable car down, or up. Your knees will thank you.
• Buy your cable car ticket online. Trust me, that line gets brutal. Booking ahead online saved me close to an hour in the sun with zero shade.
• Always pack an extra layer. It can be hot at the base and freezing at the summit, windy too. A light jacket made all the difference when we stopped to take in the views.

Cape Town’s nature is next-level. But respect the terrain and come prepared, it’s the difference between a magical day and a mini meltdown halfway up a mountain.

5. Visiting Boulders Beach: Yes, You Can See Penguins for Free!

Seeing the African penguins at Boulders Beach was hands-down one of my favorite moments while living in Cape Town. I mean, come on, penguins waddling around a sunny beach? That’s bucket list material.

But here’s the thing they don’t always tell you…

• The official Boulders Beach entrance has an entry fee (about $10 USD), and yeah, you’ll get the closest views and access to the actual beach. But it’s also packed with tourists and can feel a little… theme-park-y.
• The free way? Walk along the wooden boardwalk near the Seaforth side. You can often spot dozens of penguins chilling in the rocks and bushes, no ticket required. Bring a zoom lens if you want those Instagram shots without the crowd elbowing you.
• Bonus tip: Go early in the morning or just before sunset. It’s quieter, the lighting is better for photos, and the penguins are more active.

If you’re living in Cape Town, you’ll probably visit more than once, so start with the free views and splurge later if you want the full beach experience.

6. Safety Tips for Cape Town

Okay, real talk, living in Cape Town was amazing, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a few “oops” moments when it came to safety.

Most of the city is totally fine if you’re smart and aware, but here are a few lessons I picked up that I wish someone told me earlier:

• Don’t walk with your phone in your back pocket. Ever. It’s basically an open invitation for someone to snatch it while you’re distracted by those gorgeous mountain views. I kept mine zipped inside my crossbody bag after a friend almost lost hers at a café.
• Avoid flashy jewelry or bags, you don’t need to look like you’re dripping in gold. Keep it casual, Cape Town-style.
• Filtered water is a safer bet. Technically, tap water in Cape Town is drinkable, and I’ve had it, but many locals prefer bottled or filtered just to be safe. I grabbed a small Brita pitcher at the local Checkers and never looked back.
• Use Uber after dark. Walking alone at night, even in trendy neighborhoods like Gardens or Sea Point, isn’t the best idea. Uber is super affordable and reliable.

Trust me, a little street smarts go a long way, and you’ll enjoy every moment living in Cape Town without the stress.

7. Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Cape Town

If you’re planning on living in Cape Town, even short-term, where you stay can seriously shape your experience. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, some are buzzy and exciting, others calm and beachy. After two months in the city, here’s my take on the best places to stay (and why I’d pick them again or skip them next time):

Central Business District (CBD)

• Great for nightlife and foodie spots
• Tons of cafes
• But… it gets loud and a bit sketchy at night. Not ideal for solo evening strolls

The Gardens

• One of my favorite “hidden gem” areas
• Quieter than CBD, but still walkable and close to everything
• Full of cool boutiques, art galleries, and leafy streets

Green Point

• Super safe and right near the stadium and waterfront
• Great for morning jogs in the park or coffee runs by the ocean
• Still central, but without the chaos of downtown

Sea Point – My Top Pick!

• If I had to choose one spot for living in Cape Town, this would be it
• You’re literally steps from the oceanfront promenade, cute cafés, gyms, and grocery stores
• Feels peaceful, but it’s just a 10–15 min Uber to all the city action

Clifton & Camps Bay

• Think: luxury villas, sunset views, and those famous beaches
• Ideal if your vibe is more “vacation mode” than “work from laptop”
• Just keep in mind: it’s pricey and a bit of a trek to nightlife or central errands

Final Thoughts: Is Cape Town Worth It?

Absolutely. Living in Cape Town, even just for a couple of months, was one of the most enriching, eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had. From its epic coastlines and world-class hikes to its buzzing food scene and rich cultural mix, Cape Town offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match.

Yes, there are quirks, like load shedding and occasional safety concerns, but with a little prep and the right mindset, they’re totally manageable.

So whether you’re planning a short stay or considering something longer-term, these tips will help you navigate the city like a local and get the most out of your experience.

Would you consider living in Cape Town? I’d love to hear your thoughts, drop a comment below!

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