Discover Cape Town, a city of adventure and culture! As a language student, you can visit Table Mountain, colourful markets and beautiful beaches. From safaris to city life, Cape Town is an unforgettable place for learning and exploration.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
Cape Town is a vibrant metropolis located at the southern tip of South Africa. Known for its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Table Mountain and beautiful beaches, it is a melting pot of cultures, offering a rich history and diverse culinary scene. From beautiful beaches and towering mountains to bustling markets and historical sites, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Climate
The climate in Cape Town is classified as Mediterranean, characterised by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Rainfall is most common from May to September. The city enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year
Money
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR).
Most shops and hotels will accept all major credit cards, although AMEX is not commonly accepted. The main banks in South Africa are ABSA, Capitec, FNB, Standard Bank, and Nedbank.
Banking hours:
Monday to Friday: 09.00 – 15.30
Saturday: 08.30 – 11.00
Students on a study visa may open a local bank account. The closest bank to EC is Standard Bank, which is opposite the Clicks Pharmacy on Long Street. You will need the following to open a bank account: valid passport with study visa, an EC confirmation of study letter, and proof of Cape Town residential address.
Telephone Country Code
The country code for South Africa is +27. When dialing locally within Cape Town, area code 021 is commonly used, so international callers dialing Cape Town would use +27 21 followed by the local number.
Electricity
220/230 volts; 50 Hz. Wall plugs are domestically manufactured and are not compatible with foreign plugs. Adaptors are widely available in major supermarkets.
Loadshedding
South Africa has a constrained electricity supply. When the electricity supply is limited, loadshedding is implemented. This means that power is switched off in certain areas at certain times. Students should download the Eskom se Push app which will inform students of loadshedding times should loadshedding be implemented at short notice.
Tap water
Tap water in Cape Town is generally safe to drink and meets health standards, although the taste may differ to what you are used to. However, bottled water is readily available if preferred. Cape Town is in a water-scarce area and is prone to drought conditions. Please use water responsibly and try to save water where possible.
Transport
Cape Town offers various transportation options, including taxis, rideshares, buses, and trains. Taxis are commonly used and convenient, especially for shorter distances or getting around the city centre. Rideshare services are popular among both locals and tourists
Public Transport Info
Public transport primarily consists of buses operated by MyCiTi, which are safe and efficient for getting around the city. This is a modern bus system with electric buses which run regularly and mostly on time. Students will need to purchase a bus card and load credit onto the card. Bus cards are available at all bus stations and selected retail stores. The closest bus station to EC Cape Town is the Adderley Street Bus Station.
E-hailing taxis such as Uber and Bolt and commonly available in Cape Town and are well-priced. Most students use e-hailing taxis to travel around the city and it can be cheaper than using the bus when sharing a taxi. An e-hailing taxi can usually arrive within a few minutes of ordering one.
It is advised not to use the train service as it is unreliable and does not run efficiently.
Medical
If you need to see a doctor, please speak to the EC staff to arrange an appointment for you. For more serious injuries or illnesses, students should visit a private hospital. The closest hospital to the school is the Netcare Christiaan Bernard Memorial Hospital.
Depending on the urgency of the situation, medical fees can either be paid directly and then claimed back from your health insurance company or the health insurance company would need to issue authorisation to the hospital to administer medical care.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 01 Jan, 21 Mar, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 28 Apr, 01 May, 16 Jun, 24 Sept, 16 Dec, 25 Dec, 26 Dec.
A visa may be required depending on your nationality and length of stay. For Visa information, please visit our Visa Requirements page
Legal Driving Age
The legal driving age in South Africa is 18 years old, although most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in South Africa.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age in South Africa is 18 years. Alcohol can be purchased at licensed outlets, bars, and restaurants, though some may have age restrictions and require proof of age for entry or purchases. It is illegal to consume alcohol in public.
Smoking Laws
South Africa has strict smoking laws, prohibiting smoking in public spaces, restaurants, bars, and areas near entrances. The legal age for smoking in South Africa is 18 years.
Insurance
Students are required to have health or travel insurance when attending an English course at EC.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
€0.50-€1.00
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
€1.35-€2.00
Fast-Food combo meal
€3.15-€5.15
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
€6.50-€13.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
€30.00-€65.00
Public transport (local transport)
€0.65-€1.40 (one-way)
Table Mountain is Cape Town’s most iconic landmark, offering gorgeous views of the city, ocean, and beyond. Adventurous visitors can hike up one of several trails, from the beginner-friendly Platteklip Gorge to the more challenging Skeleton Gorge. Reaching the summit is rewarding, and if you prefer a less strenuous option, the cable car provides a more relaxing way to enjoy the views.
Known for its brightly coloured houses and cobblestone streets, Bo-Kaap is a historic neighborhood showcasing Cape Malay culture. You can visit the Bo-Kaap Museum and learn about the area’s rich history and community traditions. Don’t miss the chance to try local Cape Malay dishes.
The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s most popular shopping and entertainment districts, located right along the harbour. With its lively mix of boutiques, restaurants, and attractions, highlights include the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the Watershed – a market filled with local crafts and unique souvenirs.
Cape Town is famous for its pristine beaches, and Clifton and Camps Bay are two of the best. Clifton Beach is known for its calm waters and white sand, making it ideal for sunbathing, while Camps Bay offers a lively atmosphere with trendy cafes and mountain views. Both beaches are perfect for unwinding, swimming, and catching a memorable sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into South Africa’s turbulent history. Once a prison where Nelson Mandela and other activists were held, the island is now a museum dedicated to preserving stories of the struggle against apartheid. Tours are led by former political prisoners who share their personal experiences.
Located near Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is home to a unique colony of African penguins. Visitors can watch these creatures waddle along the beach and swim in the ocean. The boardwalks and viewing areas provide excellent close-up views without disturbing the penguins’ habitat.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
In addition to our General English programme, EC Cape Town offers a wide variety of special courses to help you improve your English to succeed at school and in the global workplace. These include English for Work, an intensive English course that helps you develop the skills you need to advance in your career; EC x FutureLearn, which combines immersive English language lessons from EC with specialised online courses from leading universities worldwide; and IELTS exam prep.
At EC Cape Town, we offer host family or student residence/student apartment accommodations. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a family in Cape Town. This is a great option if you want an opportunity to practice your English with a local family over home-cooked meals. If you are looking for more independence, you may want to consider our student residence or apartment option.
Cape Town is a student paradise for both cultural experiences and extraordinary outdoor activities. Shop Greenmarket Square. Hike rugged Table Mountain. Visit a township. Swim with penguins and see the Big 5 on safari. Or participate in our English Plus volunteer programme. You will find so many exciting ways to interact with locals and use your English.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in Cape Town. Contact us to learn more.
Learning English in Cape Town allows you to immerse yourself in the incredible experience that is South Africa—the stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, beautiful beaches, cultural diversity and vibrant nightlife—all as part of your language learning journey. EC Cape Town offers English courses for all ages and skill levels, as well as many special programmes to help you improve English for school, work and travel.
