Cape Town Destination Guide

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Shopping
Guide to Shopping in Cape Town

The quintessential Cape Town souvenir remains elusive as the city is not known for any particular handicraft or local product. In the past prices were low and value high for tourist shoppers, but the strengthening of the Rand, coupled with an avaricious streak on the part of local traders, has meant that shopping in Cape Town is no longer the bargain it once was. Try to avoid shops that cater exclusively to tourists as much as you can - and seek out the idiosyncratic crafts and quality wares that this city does so well.

Take note of public holidays when shops may close early or have restricted opening hours.

Where to Shop

Best Areas
The best area to shop is the Waterfront complex, which has everything from luxury stores to craft markets. There are good markets at Greenmarket Square and Greenpoint stadium. The newly built Century City on the N1, and further along, the cavernous Tygervalley, are also shopping possibilities. Suburban mall Cavendish Square has everything from Armani and designer sunglass stores to itinerant pedlars selling wire sculptures from the shade of a tree.

Shopping centres
South Africans love malls and Cape Town is no different. These consumer theme parks contain representative shops of every description, as well as restaurants, cinema complexes, and often medical and police facilities. As a cultural experience it's worth visiting Cavendish Square (Cavendish St, Claremont; Tel: +27 (0)21-657-5600), an upmarket suburban über-mall.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is your best bet for an ambitious shopping trip incorporating first world merchandise and traditional arts and crafts. The Waterfront's drawing power is significantly enhanced by the numerous restaurants and bars encircling the upper tier. Connected to the lower complex is the Red Shed Craft Workshop where craftworkers make and sell ceramics, leather goods, candles and jewellery.

The Cape Quarter complex in Greenpoint is worth a visit if you are looking for up-market South African merchandise; there are no brands or chain stores here. The developers have gone for a European piazza look which for the most part is quite convincing. Corner Dixon and Waterkant Streets.

Newly built Canal Walk Shopping Centre on the outskirts of Cape Town has laid claim to being the city's biggest mall with literally thousands of shops. Local support has been a bit sluggish so discounts abound and shops are seldom crowded. A very pleasant shopping experience indeed.

Markets
In the centre of town, Greenmarket Square is a fun and interesting little market that has a bit of everything; a great place for African souvenirs and distinctive clothing. Open everyday, except Sunday. Green Point Market is a somewhat more frenetic affair with a great selection of miscellaneous wares, locally produced clothing and crafts and great Cape snacks such as seafood samoosas and lamb rotis.

What to Buy

South Africa in general is a great place to buy gold and diamond jewellery, with prices being very favourable. Although there are numerous jewellers across town, for tourists a good place to shop for jewellery is the Gold of Africa Museum; a recently opened facility encompassing a display of rare African gold objects and artefacts, a gold boutique, an exclusive shop, and a wine cellar.

Although not South African in origin, African masks made great souvenirs. They are available literally everywhere, at markets and souvenir outlets, and bargaining for them can be great fun.

The Cape produces some outstanding wines - particularly reds of the cabernet variety. Take to the wine route for tastings and tax-free case-lot purchases (these can be sent home to await your return).

A true Western Cape speciality, smoked snoek is a delicious oak-flavoured fish. Buy some in Hout Bay. Biltong might not sound appetising but this dried and salted meat is a prized delicacy. Buy some ostrich or giraffe biltong for the folks back home. Note that it is illegal to import some food items into some territories.

Opening Hours

Shops are typically open between 09h00-18h00 Mon-Sat, and until early afternoon on Sundays. In large malls, shops will stay open later, particularly on weekends.

Tax Refund

VAT is levied on most goods and services including hotel accommodation, goods and transport. The VAT rate is 14%. On departure from South Africa, tourists can apply for a tax refund at their point of international departure.

Most countries offering a tax refund specify a minimum amount that must be spent in a particular shop to claim a refund. In South Africa, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is ZAR50, spent in one store and ZAR250 in total.

To reclaim tax you need to have the original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet and your passport. You will also need to present the goods for which the refund is being claimed to the customs officials.

There is tax refund desk on the ground floor of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront where your tax refund claim can be processed before your departure and then cashed at the airport.

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