Johannesburg Tips

Johannesburg is a large, sprawling city. Avoid paying for high-priced taxis by using hotel and airport shuttle buses and transfers whenever possible. Renting a car may be your best bet. Be sure to secure an international driver’s license before you travel.

Johannesburg has a reputation as a crime hub, but like any major city in the world, you’ll be safe if you use common sense and take a few basic precautions. Don’t flash cameras or cash around and make sure you find out where the no-go areas are. It’s also not advisable to walk around alone at night in any area.

While the numerous suburban shopping malls (and their surrounding hotels) offer up every convenience, make sure you head out to the smaller villages – Melville, Parkhurst, Norwood, Greenside – for a taste of village life away from the concrete jungle.

South Africa has 11 official languages, but don’t worry about getting your tongue tied in Joburg. English is widely spoken in most of the major urban centers.

As with many other countries, it is regulation that you have two empty pages in your passport when entering South Africa. If your passport expires in six months or less you can be denied entry. No visas are required for U.S. visitors staying for a period of three months.