Johannesburg Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa)

Most people heading to Johannesburg are concerned about safety, and rightly so. Sensible precautions are always a good idea when exploring Johannesburg, and it is important to note that the majority of visitors really do enjoy a trouble-free holiday, without incident.

The media has a bad habit of always only reporting the bad things in the news, rather that the more positive aspects that Johannesburg has to offer.

Listening to local advice and acting upon it is a good way to make the very most of your time in this popular South African metropolis.

Useful Contact Details

National Arts Council of South Africa
Address: 66 Wolhuter Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 011 838 1383
Website: www.nac.org.za

Johannesburg General Hospital
Address: Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 011 488 4911

SA Students' Travel Service (SASTS)
Address: University of Witwatersrand, Student Union Building, Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 011 716 3045
Website: www.sasts.org.za

Gauteng Tourism Authority
Address: Rosebank Mall
Tel: +27 011 327 2000
Website: www.gauteng.net

South African Tourism
Address: Johannesburg International Airport, Arrivals Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 011 970 1669
Website: www.southafrica.net

Visa Information and Passports

Visitors arriving in Johannesburg from the majority of countries within Western Europe and the Commonwealth, together with Japan and the USA, will automatically be issued with free entry permits. All visitors are entitled to a 90-day visa, which will expire on the day that you fly home.

Dos and Don'ts

• Email and Internet Access - most accommodation in Johannesburg does now feature Internet access of some description. Many shopping malls also feature popular Internet cafes, although these can prove expensive
• Money - the currency of Johannesburg is the South African Rand (R), which is divided into 100 cents, with the various coins in current usage being 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as R1, R2 and R5. The Rand notes are R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. Banks tend to open Monday to Friday, from 09:30 to 15:30, and on Saturday, between 08:30 and 11:00
• Travel Agencies - popular travel agencies are to the found all over the city, with Rennies Travel and also Flight Centre being amongst the most popular and a regular fixture within many a shopping mall.
• Bookshops - Exclusive Books at the Eastgate Mall comes highly recommended and features a range of international newspapers and books, with outlets at the Hyde Park Mall and also at the Sandton City Mall
• Medical Services - do bear in mind that whilst medical services in Johannesburg are of a very high standard, they do come at a price to match, so therefore, a good travel insurance really is a necessity
• Dangers and Annoyances - whenever you are walking around Johannesburg, do make an effort to blend in and be very aware of your surroundings. Take care when withdrawing cash from ATMs, and always use the safes within hotels and hostels to store your valuables. Stay where the crowds are and avoid areas such as Braamfontein, Hillbrow and Yeoville