Johannesburg, South Africa

• Johannesburg sits at nearly 6,000 feet altitude, so don't be surprised if you're a bit out of breath walking around on your first day. The city has a crime problem - that's just the reality. But plenty of people visit safely by being smart about which areas they go to and using Uber or the Gautrain instead of walking around.
• The northern suburbs like Sandton and Rosebank feel completely different from downtown, with visible security, good restaurants, and tree-lined streets. The city center areas like Hillbrow and the CBD aren't safe for tourists at all - just avoid them entirely. Maboneng is an arts district that's fine to explore but you need to stay within its specific boundaries and Uber in and out.
• Most people speak English, and the coffee and restaurant scenes are surprisingly good considering what you pay compared to other major cities. Eating alone at cafes and brunch places is normal. That said, Johannesburg isn't a walkable city. Even in safer neighborhoods, don't walk alone after dark.
• The Gautrain connects the airport to Sandton and Rosebank but only covers limited routes. For everything else you'll rely on Uber, which works well here. The contrast between safe and unsafe areas is extreme - a few blocks can make all the difference, so stick to recommended neighborhoods.

English is widely spoken as one of South Africa's 11 official languages. All emergency services (10111, 112) have English-speaking operators. Most people in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels speak fluent English.

• Casual dress is fine - jeans, t-shirts, dresses. Just avoid flashy jewelry, expensive watches, or designer items that draw attention. Practical, comfortable clothing is best.
• English is one of the official languages and widely spoken, so communication is easy. Learning a few words in Zulu ('sawubona' for hello, 'ngiyabonga' for thank you) or Afrikaans ('dankie' for thanks) is nice but not necessary.
• People are generally friendly. Don't be surprised if strangers start conversations at cafes or markets. Just be careful about sharing where you're staying or your plans with people you just met.
• Tipping is expected: 10-15% at restaurants, 10-20 ZAR for parking attendants, and rounding up for Uber drivers. Many service workers rely heavily on tips.

• The Gautrain is the safest public transport option, connecting OR Tambo Airport to Sandton and Rosebank. It's clean, has CCTV, runs on time, and costs around 30-60 ZAR per trip. Routes are limited though, so you'll need other transport for most places.
• Uber and Bolt work well in Johannesburg and you'll use them constantly, especially after dark. Always check that the driver and car match the app before getting in. Note that Uber drivers sometimes have conflicts with traditional taxi drivers at certain locations, so wait in designated Uber pickup areas when they're available.
• Don't walk alone after sunset, even in the safer neighborhoods. Johannesburg isn't a walkable city for visitors. If you do walk during the day in areas like Rosebank or Melville, stay on main streets, don't use your phone visibly, and keep valuables hidden. The altitude also makes walking more tiring than you'd expect.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Johannesburg with local guides and curated experiences.