Why Cape Town? Cape Town consistently ranks among the best cities in the world for remote workers, relocators, and mid-term travellers. With world-class restaurants, fibre internet speeds that rival European capitals, a thriving coworking scene, and a cost of living that stretches your money further (especially if you earn in USD, EUR, or GBP), it is no surprise that people come for a month and stay for six. But moving somewhere for a few months is different from a holiday. You need to think about visas, connectivity, banking, health cover, and a dozen other practical details. This checklist covers everything so you can arrive prepared and hit the ground running. 1. Visas: Know Your Options Before You Fly Tourist Visa (Up to 90 Days) Citizens of many countries (including the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, the US, and most EU nations) receive a 90-day visa exemption on arrival. No application needed; just make sure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure and has two blank pages. Tourist Visa Extension If you want to stay beyond 90 days (up to 180 total), you can apply for a visa extension through the Department of Home Affairs. Apply at least 60 days before your current visa expires: do not leave this until the last minute. The process involves paperwork, proof of funds, and patience. Digital Nomad Visa South Africa officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa in March 2025, allowing remote workers to live and work legally in the country for up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. Requirements include proof of remote employment or freelance income, a minimum monthly income threshold, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. This is a game-changer for anyone planning a longer stay. Get Professional Help Visa regulations change, and getting it wrong can be costly. Working with a qualified immigration consultant can save you time and stress. Browse immigration services on roam&root to find trusted professionals who specialise in helping international tenants. 2. SIM Card & Connectivity Skip the Expensive Travel SIMs Services like Saily, Airalo, or international roaming packages might seem convenient, but they are significantly more expensive than local options and often slower. Buy a Prepaid SIM on Arrival Walk into any Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom store and buy a prepaid SIM card. You will need your passport for RICA registration (a legal requirement in South Africa). A generous data bundle costs a fraction of what you would pay for an international eSIM. Vodacom tends to have the best coverage across the country. Wi-Fi at Your Accommodation Most mid-term rentals on roam&root come with uncapped fibre internet. Cape Town has excellent fibre coverage in most residential areas, with speeds commonly between 50–200 Mbps. Always check the Wi-Fi speed listed on the listing before booking. Reliable internet is non-negotiable for remote work. 3. Banking & Money Bring a Multi-Currency Card Traditional bank cards charge steep foreign transaction fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Revolut, Wise, and similar fintech cards offer near-interbank exchange rates and low or zero conversion fees. These cards work seamlessly at South African card machines and ATMs. Cash Is Still Useful While card payments are widely accepted, some markets, tips, and smaller vendors still prefer cash. Withdraw South African Rand from ATMs using your Revolut or Wise card to get the best rate. Avoid airport exchange bureaus: the rates are terrible. Tipping Culture South Africa has a strong tipping culture. Budget for 10–15% at restaurants, and small tips for car guards (R5–R10), petrol attendants (R10–R20), and other service workers. 4. Health Insurance Do Not Skip This South Africa has excellent private healthcare, but it is expensive without cover. Travel health insurance or international health insurance is strongly recommended for your entire stay. Popular options among mid-term travellers include SafetyWing (designed for nomads and remote workers), World Nomads, and Allianz Travel. Make sure your policy covers: - Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation - Repatriation - The full duration of your stay (including any extensions) Public hospitals exist but are often overcrowded. Private hospitals and clinics in Cape Town are world-class: Netcare, Mediclinic, and Life Healthcare all have facilities across the city. 5. Getting Around Cape Town Ride-Hailing: Uber & Bolt Uber and Bolt operate extensively across Cape Town and are remarkably affordable compared to ride-hailing in Europe or the US. A 15-minute ride typically costs between R40–R80 (€2–4). Many mid-term residents do not bother with a car at all and rely entirely on ride-hailing. Renting a Car or Scooter If you want more freedom (especially for weekend trips to the Winelands, West Coast, or Garden Route), renting a car or scooter makes sense. Several local providers offer competitive monthly rates. Browse car & scooter rental services on roam&root to find trusted options. MyCiTi Bus Cape Town's MyCiTi bus network covers key routes (airport, city centre, Atlantic Seaboard). It is safe, affordable, and reliable, though the coverage is limited compared to European public transport. Important: South Africa Drives on the Left If you are renting a car, remember that South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road. If you are not used to this, take it slow for the first few days. 6. What to Pack Cape Town's weather is famously unpredictable: "four seasons in one day" is not an exaggeration. Here is what to bring: Essentials - Layers: Light jacket, hoodie, and a warmer layer for winter evenings (June–August) - Sunscreen & hat: The UV index is extremely high, even on cloudy days - Swimwear: You will want it, even in winter: there are heated pools and brave ocean swimmers year-round - Comfortable walking shoes: Cape Town is an outdoor city: hiking, walking, exploring - Universal power adapter: South Africa uses Type M (large three-prong) plugs, which are unique. Bring an adapter or buy one at the airport For Remote Workers - Laptop stand and portable keyboard: Your back will thank you - Noise-cancelling headphones: Essential for calls from cafés or coworking spaces - Portable power bank: While load shedding (planned power outages) has been minimal recently, it is wise to be prepared - Extension cord with USB ports: Many accommodations have limited plug points near desks Do Not Overpack Most mid-term rentals on roam&root are fully furnished and include linen, towels, kitchen essentials, and often a washing machine. You do not need to bring half your household: travel light and buy anything extra locally. 7. Safety: Be Smart, Not Scared Cape Town is a beautiful city, but like any major city, it requires common-sense awareness: - Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas - Do not leave valuables visible in your car, ever - Use Uber/Bolt at night rather than walking - Keep your phone in your pocket in busy public areas - Choose accommodation in well-known, safe neighbourhoods: Sea Point, Green Point, Gardens, Tamboerskloof, De Waterkant, Camps Bay, and Mouille Point are all popular and safe choices for mid-term residents. Our Cape Town safety guide compares every area in more detail. Most long-term visitors find that once you settle in and learn the rhythms of the city, Cape Town feels very liveable and welcoming. 8. Coworking Spaces & Community Working from your apartment every day gets lonely. Cape Town has a thriving coworking scene with spaces that cater to remote workers and digital nomads: - Workshop17 (V&A Waterfront, Kloof Street): premium spaces with stunning views - Ideas Cartel: stylish spaces across multiple locations - Spin Street House: boutique coworking in the CBD - Neighbourgood: community-focused spaces Many offer day passes if you do not want a monthly commitment. Explore coworking spaces on roam&root to find one that suits your style and location. 9. Load Shedding: What You Need to Know Load shedding refers to planned rolling power outages implemented by Eskom, South Africa's national electricity provider, to prevent the grid from collapsing. While load shedding has been largely suspended since early 2024, it is worth understanding in case it returns: - Check the schedule using the EskomSePush app (essential download) - Many residential buildings and coworking spaces have backup generators or inverters - When booking accommodation, check if the property has backup power, many listings on roam&root specify this 10. Find Your Home Base The single most important decision for your stay is where you live. A well-located, well-equipped rental makes everything easier: your commute to coworking, your evening walks, your weekend adventures. On roam&root, every home is built for stays of one to twelve months, fully furnished and reviewed before it goes live. Browse listings with fast Wi-Fi, backup power, and all the amenities that make a rental feel like home.