Cape Town Dress Code

The South Africans on the whole are fairly casual dressers; however, there are some occasions where smart clothing is expected. For business, men and women in Cape Town tend to wear suits. A few of the more expensive restaurants request that men wear a jacket and trousers.

Greeting Someone in Cape Town

South Africans on the whole are pretty friendly and you will find that meeting new people is easy. Handshaking is the customary greeting. As a result of some of the international publicity the country received before the 1994 elections, some South Africans are quite sensitive to foreigners expressing their political views.

Cape Town Business Hours and Banking

Normal business hours in South Africa are 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, although most offices will close at around 15:00 on Fridays. Banks operate a slightly shorter working day.

Cape Town Smoking

Restaurants in Cape Town offer areas that cater for those who smoke and those who don't, with some operating complete no-smoking policies. There is a ban on smoking on public transport and the visitor should observe this even if the locals often do not. In business, it is advisable to refrain and take cues from the host.