Travel tips · Johannesburg · South Africa
Johannesburg travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mark Hillary, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Johannesburg is home to people from every part of South Africa and much of the continent, and its 12 official languages can all be heard on its streets. History is close to the surface: many residents lived through apartheid, and guides often share personal stories. People are friendly and direct, and small talk before business is normal.
Key facts
- Language
- English, isiZulu, Afrikaans and Sesotho
- Currency
- ZAR
- Plugs
- Type M (large three round pins) is standard, with Type N and two-pin Type C also found; 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated and generally safe to drink; supply interruptions occur…
- Emergency
- 10111 (police), 10177 (ambulance), 112 from mobiles
Things to know
- Greet people before asking a question; a 'Hello, how are you?' is expected even in shops.
- Ask before photographing people in Soweto and other townships, and go with a local guide rather than on a drive-through bus tour.
- Tip petrol-station attendants who fill your car and clean the windscreen; it is customary.
- Informal car guards watch parked cars outside shops and restaurants and expect a small tip when you leave.
- Use 'Sawubona' (isiZulu greeting) or 'Dumela' (Sesotho) for an appreciated local touch.
- Restaurant and wine prices are low by international standards, so mid-range dining stretches far.
Tipping
Tip about 10–15% in restaurants, a small amount to petrol attendants and car guards, and round up for ride-hailing drivers. Tour guides and game rangers are usually tipped at the end of a tour.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sawubona | Hello (isiZulu) |
| Dumela | Hello (Sesotho) |
| Ngiyabonga | Thank you (isiZulu) |
| Howzit | Hi, how are you? (South African English) |
| Lekker | Nice, good, tasty |
| Robot | Traffic light |
| Just now | Some time soon, not necessarily immediately |
What to wear
Casual and practical by day; Sandton and Rosebank restaurants and bars lean smart-casual at night. Winter mornings and evenings are cold, so pack a warm jacket from May to August.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type M (large three round pins) is standard, with Type N and two-pin Type C also found; 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated and generally safe to drink; supply interruptions occur at times, so many hotels keep backup water.
- Emergency number
- 10111 (police), 10177 (ambulance), 112 from mobiles
- Phone and internet
- Vodacom and MTN sell SIM cards at OR Tambo; you must register (RICA) with your passport. Mobile data is fast in the city.
- Time zone
- Africa/Johannesburg
Street crime and smash-and-grab theft from cars at traffic lights are well-documented problems. Most visits are trouble-free if you use ride-hailing or the Gautrain, avoid walking between areas or after dark, keep valuables out of sight and visit the inner city and townships with a local guide.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check South Africa's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Johannesburg?
Tip about 10–15% in restaurants, a small amount to petrol attendants and car guards, and round up for ride-hailing drivers. Tour guides and game rangers are usually tipped at the end of a tour.
+Can you drink the tap water in Johannesburg?
Tap water is treated and generally safe to drink; supply interruptions occur at times, so many hotels keep backup water.
+What plugs are used in Johannesburg?
Type M (large three round pins) is standard, with Type N and two-pin Type C also found; 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Johannesburg?
English, isiZulu, Afrikaans and Sesotho.