Travel News

How to Save Money When You Visit Cape Town (Updated 2023)

A view overlooking the city of Cape Town, South Africa on a bright and sunny day with mountains in the distance

Posted: 5/12/2023 | May 12th, 2023

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its stunning beaches, towering mountains, and vibrant cultures, it should come as no surprise that it’s a popular hub for….well, everybody. It’s a place that sucks visitors in. I have tons of friends who have gone there and ended up staying for months.

And, though it’s a fairly inexpensive destination (I’m talking $2 USD cocktails), I always like to present people with tips and tricks on how to save money to eek out those extra savings.

To help you save money when you visit, here’s how to visit Cape Town on a budget (there’s only a few things you need to know as the city is already very affordable for visitors):

1. Visit during the off-season

Cape Town’s peak tourist season is December through February, when the city is filled with hordes of tourists looking escape the cold of the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Prices for everything from activities to accommodation are notoriously high during these months. If you can, plan your trip for the shoulder season (March through May or September through November) when prices are much more reasonable. That alone will save you a fortune!
 

2. Consider staying in a hostel

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when traveling, and Cape Town is no exception. Thankfully, there’s a wide range of accommodation styles to choose from — from guesthouses to hotels to short-term rentals. If you’re on a tight budget, hostels are the cheapest option. However, if you’re looking for something nicer, you can still find great deals on Airbnb or Booking.com if you book at least three months in advance.

Once things sell out and there are fewer options, hotel prices skyrocket, so make sure not to leave it until the last minute.
 

3. Utilize ridesharing apps

The MyCiti bus system is a popular and inexpensive way to get around, but it’s not always the safest, especially at night. Instead, use ridesharing apps like Uber or Bolt. It’s safer, faster, and still very cheap by Western standards.

The average cost for a short ride is 30-50 ZAR ($1.65–2.75 USD), and if you’re planning on using ridesharing frequently, it might be worth getting an Uber Pass for 100 ZAR ($5 USD), which gives you a 10% discount on each ride.

If you’re staying for a month or more, renting a car for about $300–500 USD per month could be a good option — but be aware that gas and parking fees may add up to be more…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Nomadic Matt's Travel Site…