Disabled travellers
The rights of the disabled are enshrined in the South African constitution meaning that by law all public buildings must be made accessible for the disabled. Many of the country's hotels, restaurants, museums and national parks are wheelchair-friendly.Safety in Johannesburg
Joburg can be the friendliest city but, like its summer weather which switches suddenly from sunshine to a thunderstorm, it also has a tempestuous streak. Be aware, rather than paranoid. Use your head, know where you’re going, and do not flash your cash or valuables around. Consult a local to get a head’s up. For a first encounter with the inner-city consider a guided walking tour or a trip on the City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off Red Bus to get the lay of the land.
Some safety tips:
- When driving, always keep valuables in the boot of the car rather than on the passenger seat
- Pay attention to what is going on around you, especially if you may be distracted by using your phone. Opportunistic pickpockets like to target people who pay be otherwise distracted
- Don’t show off expensive jewellery, watches or cameras. It is best to leave your jewellery in the hotel safe while you explore the city
- Opt for using an ATM inside a bank or mall and never take advice from somebody at an ATM
- Areas such as Alexandra, Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville and Joubert Park are best visited with a tour guide or experienced local
- Be wary of opportunistic ‘phone snatchers’ who are known to grab phones from people using them on the street. This is especially common at transport nodes, such as the Gautrain station, where people are using their phones to order Ubers. It is better to order your Uber while inside a building.
- At the airport avoid using unmarked transport providers. You can ask to book from a legitimate transportation company at the airport information desk or alternatively use the Gautrain or book an Uber.
- Never exchange currency on the street. Only use legitimate foreign exchanges in banks or at the airport.
- Be aware of 'staged mishaps', such as someone bumping into you or spilling your drink in a busy bar. This is a tactic often used by pickpockets to distract you while an accomplice goes through your belongings.
- When seeking directions at the airport, proceed to the indicated information counters for official advice.
- Avoid picking up strangers or hitchhikers when driving around and likewise, do not accept lifts from strangers.
- If you are renting a car always have the rental car details at hand in case you get stuck, stranded or involved in an accident.
- Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) must carry an identification card stating the member's name, rank, service number and photograph. You have the right to request members in civilian uniform to identify themselves with their identification cards.
Emergency numbers:
- Police Dial 10111 to contact a national call centre that can assign a patrol vehicle to attend to a crime incident
- Fire and ambulance Dial 10177 for emergency services
- Cell phone networks Dial 112 from any cellphone to be connected to a 24-hour emergency service operator. This is a free call
- Medical emergency Dial 082 911 to connect to Netcare 911's 24-hour operations centre or 084 124 for ER24. Both are private emergency medical services
Cellphones and internet access
The local dialling code for Johannesburg landline numbers is 011. From outside the country it is +27 11. Numbers starting with 086 can only be dialled locally. For directory information, dial 1023 from a landline. There are four major cell phone networks and each offers pay-as-you-go as well as contract call and data options. The network providers have stores in all major shopping centres, and airtime can be purchased at supermarkets and garage stores.Cell phone networks: Vodacom MTN Cell C 8.ta Telkom
How to get a SIM card RICA is not the name of a woman but the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act. All cell phone SIM cards must be registered before they are activated and able to be used. The law is aimed at assisting law enforcement agencies to identify the users of cell phone numbers. To purchase and register a South African SIM card you will need to show your passport at the store and a proof of address (the details from your hotel booking will suffice).
Internet Access An increasing number of cafes and restaurants offer free wireless along with hotels and other accommodation establishments. Look for the {WIFI} icon in our listings. Speeds are decent but can vary by provider. Pay-as-you-go data packages can be bought in conjunction with your local SIM card and allow you to surf the internet on your smartphone, although bear in mind that cellphone data is much more expensive in South Africa than in other parts of the world.
Vodacom Rentaphone International Arrivals Hall, O.R. Tambo International Airport, tel. +27 11 394 8834
Rent SIM cards, phones, GPS devices, routers, USB modems and satellite phones. Advanced bookings can be made. Open 06:00–22:00
Embassies and Consulates
Most countries are represented by embassies in South Africa. Embassies are generally located in Pretoria, a 45 minute drive from Johannesburg, while consulates of many countries can also be found in Johannesburg. Find a list of local embassies and consulates here.LGBT Joburg
South Africa has one of the world's most progressive constitutions specifically giving gays and lesbians equal rights and it was was one of the first countries in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. For citizens and foreign visitors it is the most gay-friendly country in Africa. There is no one part of the city which can be considered as a gay neighbourhood, with the city's gay bars and gay-friendly venues scattered throughout Joburg.Media
South Africa has a free press (although controversial government attempts to pass a Protection of Information Bill into law could result in restrictions) with plenty of local and national newspaper titles, public and commercial radio stations and TV channels. The country was ranked 52nd out of 179 countries in Reporters Without Borders' 2013 press freedom index.Newspapers
Business Day, the business newspaper
The Star, a crime and grime obsessed broadsheet with an events listing section
The Times, a daily upmarket tabloid
Mail & Guardian, the leader in investigative reporting, published Fridays, with daily online news
City Press, a Sunday broadsheet for news, political commentary and opinion
Sunday Times, a broadsheet for news, opinion and lifestyle-related content (online for subscribers only)
Radio & TV
There are more than 30 local radio stations.
www.702.co.za for talk radio
94.7 Highveld Stereo, Kaya FM 95.9 or 5FM are popular music radio options
SABC, the public TV broadcaster
ETV and ENews Channel Africa (ENCA), free-to-air TV channels
M-NET and DStv, satellite TV provider
