06/01/2005
Joburg’s Many media outlets allow visitors to keep their fingers on the city’s business and entertainment pulse. The tips below, along with basic security steps, help assure an enjoyable, productive visit.
Getting Around A private car service is the best bet for safety and convenience. The hotels listed on page 84 will arrange a car service for guests, including airport pickup. If using a cab, note that there are both private and public taxi services. Public taxis tend to be in poor repair, have more accidents and may employ unscrupulous drivers. Private taxi services must be arranged in advance by phone.
Maxi Taxi, +27.11.648.1212
Rose Taxis, +27.11.403.9625
Good Hope Taxis, +27.11.725.6431
Communications Security experts caution travelers that they should
carry a mobile phone at all times. South Africa uses the GSM system common in
Europe. Americans with GSM phones should be able to use South African wireless
networks. Otherwise, the hotels listed on page 84 can obtain mobile phones for
their guests. Note that mobile phones are prone to theft, so keep them out of
sight.
Tipping A 10 percent tip is the norm. It is not necessary to tip bar staff.
Altitude Johannesburg sits on a plateau 6,500 feet above sea level. A quarter of those who visit endure altitude sickness, the symptoms of which include headaches, nausea and insomnia. Within a day or two, the body becomes accustomed to a lower concentration of oxygen. In the meantime, restrict exercise, alcohol and caffeine.
Weather For much of the year, temperatures range from highs in the 70s to lows in the 50s. From May through August, the temperatures drop 10 to 15 degrees. During warmer months, the sun in South Africa, near the Tropic of Capricorn, can be debilitating. The weather plus the altitude make sun block and sunglasses a necessity.
Health Care While South Africa has one of the world’s highest rates of
HIV and AIDS, the business community in Johannesburg is largely unaffected.
For medical services, opt for a private hospital or clinic and be prepared
to pay cash. The City of Johannesburg website lists private hospitals (www.joburg
.org.za/tourists/hospitals.stm).
The Local Beat
Television Stations
M-Net satellite service offers CNN and BBC World News
and is available in most hotels. SABC 1 is the country’s main English-language
broadcast TV channel.
Radio Stations
SAfm presents high-quality commentary and programming.
Business Resources Business Day
www.businessday.co.za
South Africa’s
leading financial newspaper, published in Johannesburg
Business Report
www.busrep.co.za
Online version of
Business Day with sector reports on mining, finance, labor, economy, property
and careers
South Africa Info
www.southafrica.info
Click on “Doing
Business” for extensive information about investing in South Africa, including
incentives, opportunities and regulations
The African National Congress News Service
www.anc.org.za/ancdocs
pubs/subs.html
Register
to subscribe to three free daily emails: ANC Today, ANC Press Statements and ANC
Daily News Briefing
Joburg
www.joburg.org.za
Johannesburg’s official
city website
Newspapers The Star
www.thestar.co.za
Johannesburg’s leading
daily
Sunday Times
www.sundaytimes.co.za
Sunday roundup
of local and international news, sports and entertainment