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.
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