Johannesburg’s reputation for crime precedes it, but the practical reality for tourists is more nuanced. Most visits go smoothly with basic precautions. This FAQ covers airport transport, safety, money, getting around, and the questions first-time visitors ask most often about Africa’s richest city.
Johannesburg Travel Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
OR Tambo International Airport and Arrival
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is Africa’s busiest airport, 25km east of Sandton and the northern suburbs. The Gautrain connects the airport to Sandton (15 minutes, R195/US$10.70 one way), Rosebank (18 minutes, R205/US$11.20), and Park Station in the CBD. Trains run every 12-20 minutes from 5:30am to 8:30pm. After 8:30pm, use Uber (R350-450/US$19-25 to Sandton). Official airport taxis cost R450-600/US$25-33. Buy a Gautrain Gold Card (R30/US$1.65) at the airport station and load credit. The card works on Gautrain buses connecting Sandton and Rosebank stations to surrounding suburbs.
Visa Requirements for South Africa
Citizens of 90+ countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan receive a 90-day visa-free entry stamp on arrival. Your passport must have at least two blank pages and validity of 30 days beyond your intended departure. If you are traveling from or through a yellow fever risk country (including Kenya, Uganda, and much of East Africa), you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Children under 18 traveling with only one parent need an unabridged birth certificate and a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current requirements as rules change periodically.
Safety in Johannesburg
Johannesburg’s crime statistics are real, and the city requires more vigilance than most tourist destinations. The key rules: never walk alone at night outside Sandton, Rosebank, or Maboneng’s core. Use Uber (not metered taxis or minibus taxis) for all transport after dark. Do not display phones, cameras, or jewelry while walking on streets outside designated safe zones. Do not leave valuables visible in a parked car anywhere. Avoid the CBD outside the Maboneng-Braamfontein corridor unless on a guided tour. Avoid Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville entirely. Most violent crime affects residents in townships and the inner city, not tourists in the northern suburbs. But opportunistic theft (phone snatching, car break-ins) can happen anywhere. Sandton, Rosebank, and the northern suburbs are generally safe to walk during the day with normal city awareness.
Getting Around Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a car city. Uber works reliably everywhere and is the default tourist transport. A typical Uber between Sandton and Rosebank costs R60-100 (US$3.30-5.50), Sandton to Melville R120-180 (US$6.60-9.90), Sandton to OR Tambo R350-450 (US$19-25). The Gautrain covers the airport-Sandton-Rosebank-CBD axis but does not reach most tourist attractions. The City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus runs two routes: a green route covering the northern suburbs (Rosebank Zoo, Constitution Hill, Military Museum) and a red route covering the inner city and Soweto. A one-day pass costs R225 (US$12). Buses run every 40 minutes starting at 9am. This is the best way to see Johannesburg’s spread-out attractions without a car. Do not use minibus taxis; they have a reputation for aggressive driving and routes are opaque to outsiders.
Money and Payments
The South African Rand (ZAR) trades at roughly R18 to US$1 (2026). Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere in Sandton, Rosebank, malls, and restaurants. Carry R200-500 (US$11-27) in cash for markets, small cafes in Melville, and tips. ATMs are widespread; Standard Bank and FNB have the lowest fees. Tap water is safe to drink in Johannesburg. Tipping is expected in restaurants (10-15%), for petrol attendants (R5-10), and for car guards (R5-10). Uber drivers do not expect tips.
Suggested Hotels in Johannesburg
The Michelangelo Hotel
Sandton’s most iconic luxury hotel on Nelson Mandela Square with Italian Renaissance architecture, a grand atrium, and 242 rooms with marble bathrooms. Best for luxury travelers and couples. Check rates and availability
54 on Bath
A 75-room luxury boutique hotel in Rosebank with a champagne bar, terrace with skyline views, and walking distance to art galleries. Best for couples and art-focused travelers. Check rates and availability
Once in Joburg
A converted warehouse hostel in Braamfontein with dorm beds and private rooms, industrial-chic design, co-working space, and a rooftop bar. Best for backpackers and solo travelers on a budget. Check rates and availability
