In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However clients must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year making it an hour ahead of central European winter time, seven hours ahead of Eastern standard winter time and seven hours behind Australian central time.

Like elsewhere in South Africa, public transport leaves much to be desired, although those expats willing to brave the local minibus taxis and trains will find they're effective for going short distances in daylight. The new MiCiti bus system, which operates around the City Bowl, the Atlantic Seaboard area and the lower West Coast, is an efficient system which is becoming more popular with middle-class commuters. In general, however, most expats buy or rent a car to get around Cape Town.

By taking basic precautions Cape Town's city centre is no more dangerous than any other international city. The crime rate in the city and better-off suburbs has decreased recently in response to neighbourhood watches and proactive sector policing.