FAQs

You are looking for holiday accommodation in and around Cape Town, ideally self-catering? Just check under Holiday Homes what we offer. Or contact us via email or phone, and we will help find you the right property. For more detailed information on our booking process, please visit How we work.

Our usual check in times are between 14h00 and 18h00 unless otherwise arranged.Please call us 45 min before you arrive at the premises.  If you arrive by flight, that’s the moment you are about to leave the airport.  If you have booked airport transfer over us, our driver will do that for you. If you come by own car or taxi, please call yourself.Arrival at property and check-in.  We will be waiting for you at the property and walk you through the house.  We explain the appliances, security system and all other questions you may have.

Please note most properties require you to check out @10am. If you need or want to stay longer, please talk to us. One of our representatives will guide you through the check out.

The terms of our rental agreement(s) differ from place to place. We will provide you with all relevant documents by email. These documents outlining our services can be a rental Agreement or a booking confirmation. Our rental agreement(s) or booking confirmation(s) include the names of all parties, check-in/checkout dates, rental amounts, payment schedules, and of course, cancellation and refund policies. Some include house rules and policies around cleaning fees, pets, and smoking.Prior to making payments the cancellation fee is not applicable and you are welcome to decline the quote should you change your mind about the booking. Please note that payment constitutes acceptance of our terms. We encourage all our customers to familiarize themselves with the terms prior to making payments for bookings.

Our properties, especially the villas can be situated in quiet residential areas and we need to adhere to strict noise control measures implemented by the city council.  If you want to host a party or event, please speak to us.Most commonly the following conditions apply:

1. No loud parties of any kind are to be held at the villa.
2. No noise or music of any nature (heard by neighbors) are allowed between 10pm and 7am during the week and between 11pm and 7am on weekends.
3. No hooting or shouting in the street at any time (day and night).

Failure to comply with the above can result in the following:1.A fine for every call-out to the villa to warn (and quieten) you should we receive excessive noise complaints from neighbors.

2. Should it come to our attention that a loud party is being held, we reserve the right to evict immediately with no refund of monies paid.
3. Should immediate eviction not be possible, private security guard/s may be commissioned by us to ensure the above noise conditions are adhered to. The cost of this will be for your account. Eviction will then take place the next day.

If you’re visiting South Africa for tourism for a period of up to 90 days you won’t need a visa, if you are a passport holder of the following countries:

• African Union Laissez Passer
• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile (only ordinary passport holders)
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Ecuador
• Finland
• France
• Germany (except in diplomatic staff due to assume duty at the Embassy and Consulates of Germany in SA)
• Greece
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Liechtenstein
• Luxemburg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Namibia (only ordinary passport holders 90 days per annum)
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Panama   
• Paraguay
• Portugal
• Russian Federation
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Spain
• St Vincent & the Grenadines
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Tanzania (90 days per annum)
• Trinidad & Tobago (only ordinary passport holders)
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (only ordinary passport holders)
• British Islands Bailiwick of Guernsey and Jersey, Isle of Man. British Oversees Territories namely: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena and Dependencies (Ascension Island, Gough Island and Tristan da Cunha), Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, the Sovereign Base Areas ofCyprus South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the Turks and Caicos Island.
• United States of America (except in respect of diplomatic staff due to assume duty at the Embassy and Consulates of the USA in SA, as well as service passport holders)
• Uruguay
• Venezuela
• Zambia (90 days per annum)
• Zimbabwe

For more information on visas please visit the South African Department of Home Affairs.

Travelling with children (under 18)The new immigration rules introduced by South Africa in June 2015 relating to travelling with children remain in force. Parents travelling with children (under 18) will be asked to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. The full unabridged birth certificate should list the child’s details and both parents’ details. The abridged (short) birth certificate which only lists the child’s particulars won’t be accepted. The South African Department of Home Affairs are not accepting uncertified copies of birth certificates or copies of the parents/guardians identification.There are additional requirements if the child is travelling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or unaccompanied. Please see this statement by the South African Department of Home Affairs.

Please let us know if you need any additional services.  This could be airport transfer, baby equipment, butler, chef or fridge stocking you would like to have handled. Or you want to book an activity, be it a big 5 tour, skydiving, helicopter ride.  You name it, and we will look through our database to help you find the best provider. We offer a wide range of services and are happy to help with whatever you need to make your vacation experience perfect.

While in Cape Town, there is much to see and experience. Naturally the question of transportation will come up.There are various to get around and the public transport system by the city of Cape Town is developing. Cape Town also houses many known rental car companies, so the choice is yours.As most of our guests are from foreign countries and may want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, we recommend them to use only licensed taxi services, in particular Uber. My Cape Town Villas has also their tried and tested chauffeur service providers.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us to help you plan your vacation.

When you are ready to book a property and make a payment, review and sign our rental agreement(s)and read it carefully as each rental typically has their own cancellation policies and house rules.For most of our properties, our clients/guest will be required to make the following payments:

1. Initial Deposit. This is an immediate 50% deposit of the total invoice amount, otherwise they won’t book it for you.    
2. Final Deposit.  The final 50% has usually to be settled one month ahead of your stay.  We will send you a timely reminder including all details.
3. Security Deposit. Our properties require also security deposits.  Depending on the owner/property manager, it can be just an imprint of your credit card or a security deposit. The deposit amount can be anything between ZAR 2,000 to ZAR 50,000.  Each property has their own deposit amount stipulated. Don’t worry, we will send that information with the booking confirmation.

You can settle conveniently and secure via bank transfer and/or credit card with My Cape Town Villas.Please note that credit card payments incur a 5% credit card processing fee.  Bank fees shall be the responsibility of the client. Meaning the client/guest pays the issuing charges/transfer fees (i.e. your own bank’s charges).

Our properties require also security deposits.  Depending on the owner/property manager, it can be just an imprint of your credit card or a security deposit.  The deposit amount can be anything between ZAR 2,000 to ZAR 50,000. Each property has their own deposit amount stipulated.  Don’t worry, we will send that information with the booking confirmation. This security deposit is usually payable 7 days beforehand or on arrival at the premises or at arrival. You will automatically receive the amount you paid for a deposit back once you have completed your stay, provided the owner or manager has not reported any damage to the property. This process can take up to 14 days for the amount you paid to be released back to you. Depending on your banking institution, it may take 5-7 working days from the refund being released to the money reaching your account.

My Cape Town Villas would like to provide our clients/guests with a list of emergency numbers, just in case. Accidents, emergencies or even an uneasy feeling happen.  Please always stay calm. You can reach us under: T: +27 21 791 0308

Armed Response Companies – Emergency Hotlines

Should any emergency regarding your personal safety occur at home, contact your Armed Response Team, either via your alarm system at home or by phone call.   One of our representatives will give you guide you through this during your check-in.

• ADT: + 27 86-12-12-301
• Chubb: +27 861-021-911
• City Bowl (CBAR): +27 860-15-15-15
• District Watch: +27 21-559-3024
• Halt Security: +27 21-975-1503
• Star Alarms: +27 21-55-66-911

Emergency Numbers

• Emergency Call Centre: 107 (You must be in the Cape Town area 021)
• Emergency Call from Cellphone: 112 or for all emergencies: +27 21-480-7700
• Police – Flying Squad: 10111
• Report a Crime/Crime Tip-Off: 08600-10111
• Police Stations: Find a listing on the SAPS website here
• Fire and Rescue: Find the Cape Town’s Fire Stations in a listing here

Cape Town Medical Emergency Numbers

Dial these numbers in case of a medical emergency, and they will send out a doctor or ambulance.

• Ambulance: 10177
• ER 24 Emergency Medical Care/Private Ambulance: +27 84-124
• Netcare Emergency Medical Care/Private Ambulance: +27 82-911
• Poison Information Centre (Afritox): +27 861-555-777
• Cape Town private hospitals

Search and Rescue Helplines

Take these Cape Town emergency numbers with you when out and about! Save them on your cell phone:

• Sea Rescue: 112 or Sea Rescue’s Craig Lambinon +27 82-380-3800 (also for after-hours emergencies!)
• Table Mountain/San Parks Hotline: Calls within South Africa: 0800 00 44 24 (toll-free) and calls outside South Africa: +27 12 543 5338
• Table Mountain National Park Hotline (Mountain Security/Crime/Wildfires): +27 86-110-6417
• Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR)/Metro Rescue Control Centre: +27 21-937-0300
• Disaster Risk Management: +27 80-911-4357 or +27 21-480-7700

Yes, it is. But like in any country a traveller should use common sense.  South Africa and Cape Town are facing crime and security issues. If you keep your eyes open and follow the below guidelines, you will greatly minimize the risks of becoming a victim of crime and instead be able to experience fully all that this warmly welcoming African country has to offer:

Common Sense Guidelines

1. In large cities, avoid the central business districts at night.
2. Never walk around any city at night, even if you are part of a group. If you need to go anywhere after dark, ask your hotel or guesthouse to order a reliable taxi for you. Do not just hail any passing taxi on the street!
3. When out walking anywhere, avoid wearing flashy, expensive watches and jewellery and carrying large amounts of cash. Carry your camera unobtrusively in a bag, rather than slung over your shoulder. Walk purposefully as if you know where you are going and are not a “lost tourist.” Hold your bag close to your body and beware of pickpockets and other confidence tricksters on the streets and in crowded stores.
4. If driving in a car, keep the doors locked at all times in city traffic. Do not drive with the windows down. Disregard any stranger who tries to confront you at a red traffic light or stop street.
5. When parking your vehicle anywhere, do not leave any valuables or any other possessions at all in sight. Put everything in the trunk or take it with you.
6. You will find “car guards” on duty in many city streets, but they cannot guarantee the safety of your car. You will be expected to tip the guard when you return to your car—he is at least a buffer of some kind against car theft or robbery. Only use the services of a person wearing an official “bib” stating that he is a recognized car guard.
7. Distances between cities in South Africa are large and gas stations not all that plentiful, so be sure to fill your tank whenever possible and ensure that your car is in a good mechanical condition before you set out on any journey.
8. Plan your route in advance. Please always feel free to inform My Cape Town Villas about your plans, especially if you wish to hike without guide.  It is important that someone knows where you are.
9. Do not stop for any hitch-hiker or other person seemingly in trouble on the open road, in the street or at motorway off-ramps. Drive on and report the incident to the Police. Only stop at official Police-manned roadblocks. Criminal gangs have been known to set up “roadblocks” to lure motorists—either drive on past or around these or turn back and report the incident to the Police.
10. Always travel with a cell phone. The emergency number to call for the Police is 10111. A functioning cell phone is essential to carry with you at ALL times. Find out before leaving home if your phone will work in South Africa. If not, hire a cell phone when you arrive.
11. Before travelling to remote areas such as the Wild Coast, check with the locals as to the best route and the security situation in the area. In general, the country people are most welcoming and hospitable and crime less common than in cities—but it is wise to obtain recent local information before venturing out on your own to remote areas. The National Tourism Information and Safety number to call is 002783 123 2345—they will give you up-to-date information on safety in any particular area.
12. Leave your passport, air tickets and other valuables in a safety deposit box. Carry copies of your passport on you at all times. Keep photocopies of your credit and debit cards in a safe place.
13. Park only in areas which are well-lit at night.
14. Do not walk by yourself in any lonely area such as a stretch of beach, river bank, forest or the countryside without keeping other people in sight at all times. It is best to walk in a group at any time of the day. Avoid walking in lonely areas (even in groups) after dark.
15. If you wish to visit one of the African townships, only do so on an organized tour, recommended by locals or by us.
16. Be especially watchful at bus stations and atms, where criminals are known to operate.
17. Wildlife is plentiful in South Africa—confined to the numerous game parks and reserves within the country. It is not safe to alight from your vehicle when driving through a game park—except at designated rest camps and picnic spots. Remember, these are wild animals and you are a guest in their territory! Do not attempt to approach any animal too closely—if one crosses your path, stop your car immediately and remain silent. Avoid loud noises, playing the radio or other music, shouting, hanging out of the windows, pointing etc. and simply enjoy observing Nature at her best.
18. Always carry on you at all times the essential numbers of your travel and health insurance and important local phone numbers to call in case of emergency.
19. If you are a member of the AAA, find out about affiliation to the AA (Automobile Association) of South Africa—an invaluable organization for the motorist, providing all types of travel information and assistance, route maps, weather, road information, and breakdown services throughout the country.

While we strive for happy clients/guests, mistakes happen or problems occur.  Please contact us immediately with any issues, as we are otherwise helpless in rectifying them.

In order to investigate and resolve the issue, we require the following information, ideally via email:

Your name, current contact details and property name

Description of the issue, ideally documented with pictures

How you would like us to resolve the matter?

We are committed to making your stay with us a good experience, even when issues arise.  We will always ensure that reasonable adjustments are made to help you access and use our services.

Please note that The City of Cape Town will be experiencing daily Electricity Outages for the next few months. These outages are expected to last for roughly 2.5 hours each time. You can view the schedule HERE. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. This is unfortunately something that is out of our hands and governed by the South African Electricity providers. We have however taken a number of measures to ensure your greatest comfort during your stay. If you have any questions, or we can assist you in any way during this time, please do not hesitate to contact your host.

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