City in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Port Elizabeth
Officially renamed Gqeberha in 2021. Beachfront city with long beaches, a cheap cost of living and the gateway to Addo elephants and the Garden Route. Quiet for solo travelers; use Uber and watch water supply.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,080–1,680Comfortable, one person · R18,000–28,000Details
- Value for money71/100Better value than 70% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Feb, 25°CDetails
- Air quality14 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet50 MbpsFixed broadband, South Africa medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilNelson Mandela Bay had severe water shortages and quality problems; check local notices and use bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$27–54Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and tap-to-pay almost everywhere; carry small notes for car guards and tips.Details
Where to stay in Port Elizabeth
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Summerstrand | Beachfront stays, university area, restaurants and Hobie Beach |
| Walmer | Residential, cafés, quieter long stays |
| Humewood | Beach, hotels and Boardwalk; short stays |
| Richmond Hill | Restaurants and bars; use Uber at night |
Apps that work in Port Elizabeth
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Widest restaurant coverage |
| Mr D Food | Local app with promos |
| Checkers Sixty60 | Grocery delivery |
- Maps: Google Maps (Waze is popular with drivers)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- EskomSePush: Power cut alerts and schedules
- SARS traveller declaration (SATMS): Mandatory customs declaration before arrival
- Taxis: Metered taxis are few. Use apps rather than flagging taxis, and book airport transfers ahead.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in South Africa.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and tap-to-pay almost everywhere; carry small notes for car guards and tips.
- Currency: Rand (ZAR). US$1 ≈ R16.66 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside malls or banks in daylight and never accept 'help' from strangers.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; small change (R5–R20) for car guards and petrol attendants, who fill your tank; tip safari guides and trackers.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay work on most card machines; SnapScan and Zapper QR codes are common.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Since 1 July 2026 every traveller must complete the SARS online traveller (customs) declaration before arriving or leaving, on the web or SATMS app.
- Passport needs at least 2 blank pages and 30 days' validity beyond departure; airlines refuse boarding without the blank pages.
- No visas on arrival. Visa-required nationals apply through VFS Global or, for a growing list of countries, the online ETA.
Emergency numbers
Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M, N · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Vodacom and MTN counters at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports; passport and address needed for RICA registration. Data costs more than in much of Africa. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in South Africa
Going to Port Elizabeth solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.