Useful travel advice for Johannesburg

Remember this useful travel advice for Johannesburg: General information Joburg (Johannesburg) is the biggest city in South Africa, although located in the smallest and wealthiest province of the country. It is the financial hub of SA (South Africa) and home to over seven million people. Prosperity and poverty live side by side. Driving South Africa has an excellent road system (particularly the national freeways) and Joburg has no shortage of routes in and around the city. A GPS (such as a Garmin) or a good map is necessary for getting around the city most quickly and efficiently due its considerable size. There are roadworks all over the city in preparation for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, so be prepared to wait every now and then. It can take up to an hour to get from one destination to another. Like in many cities around the world, it is important to be vigilant and careful when driving in Johannesburg. Some valuable travel advice for Johannesburg is: Be attentive when going to or leaving your car. Get in and leave immediately; do not wait around in parking lots. Lock doors as soon as youre in the car and keep windows up. Do not stop for hitchhikers or to help stranded motorists. Hijackers and robbers use this as a ploy to prey on kind people who stop to help. Drive on main roads which are well lit. Do not drive in the city centre at night or in townships at all unless on a tour with a reputable tour company. If driving in a quiet area at night, do not stop completely at red robots (traffic lights). Slow down well before the robot and keep moving at a slow speed. If there are people loitering nearby or someone walks towards your car, drive through the red light. Rather pay a fine than chance a bad experience. Rush hours are 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm. Common sense will give you the best opportunity for a pleasant driving experience in Joburg. Safety and security As in most cities, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewellery and keep valuables such as cameras and money out of sight as much as possible (whether on your person, in a car or at your place of accommodation). Walk in groups and dont spend time in isolated areas, especially at night. Try to steer clear of the Joburg CBD. Electricity Electricity is 230 volts. Three and two pin plugs are used, so you will probably need to bring an adapter. Languages There are 11 official languages in South Africa, but most business, services and tourism is conducted in English. Tipping and gratuities Another useful bit of travel advice for Johannesburg is knowing how, when and who to tip. Waitering is often a livelihood in South Africa. If a gratuity is not included on your bill, a tip of 10% or more (according to the service youve received) is common practice. When parking your car you will often see car guards watching over parking lots or street parking. Reputable guards will be of adult age and wear a jacket or vest identifying them as official car guards. They will often help you to find a parking or carry your shopping when you come back to your car. When you are returning to your vehicle it is customary to tip the car guard for watching your car. In Joburg, R5 is an average tip. Keep this travel advice for Johannesburg in mind for a safe and happy holiday.