City in Gauteng, South Africa
Johannesburg
Africa's business hub and main air gateway: great restaurants, art and nightlife, fast trains between Sandton and the airport. Crime, spread-out geography and the need for a car or Uber limit solo exploring.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$1,440–2,280Comfortable, one person · R24,000–38,000Details
- Value for money32/100Better value than 31% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Jan, 27°CDetails
- Air quality22.7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2018) · PollutedDetails
- Internet50 MbpsFixed broadband, South Africa medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTreated tap water is drinkable, but Johannesburg Water has frequent outages and dirty-water spells.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$36–72Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and tap-to-pay nearly everywhere; keep small notes for car guards, tips and some markets.Details
Where to stay in Johannesburg
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sandton | Business travelers and first stays: malls, Gautrain, hotels, security |
| Rosebank | Gautrain, markets, galleries, cafés, easy Ubers |
| Melville | Student bars and cafés; arrive and leave by Uber |
| Maboneng and Braamfontein | Art, street food and murals; go on guided or daytime visits |
| Parkhurst–Greenside | Restaurants and leafy streets, calmer than the core |
Apps that work in Johannesburg
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Widest restaurant choice |
| Mr D Food | Local app, frequent promos |
| Checkers Sixty60 | Fast grocery delivery |
- Maps: Google Maps (Waze is popular with drivers)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- EskomSePush: Power cut alerts and schedules
- SARS traveller declaration (SATMS): Mandatory customs declaration before arrival
- Taxis: Use apps even for short trips. Metered taxis are few; minibus taxis are informal and unsuited to visitors.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in South Africa.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and tap-to-pay nearly everywhere; keep small notes for car guards, tips and some markets.
- Currency: Rand (ZAR). US$1 ≈ R16.66 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside malls or banks in daylight and never accept 'help' from strangers.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; small change (R5–R20) for car guards and petrol attendants, who fill your tank; tip safari guides and trackers.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay work on most card machines; SnapScan and Zapper QR codes are common.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Since 1 July 2026 every traveller must complete the SARS online traveller (customs) declaration before arriving or leaving, on the web or SATMS app.
- Passport needs at least 2 blank pages and 30 days' validity beyond departure; airlines refuse boarding without the blank pages.
- No visas on arrival. Visa-required nationals apply through VFS Global or, for a growing list of countries, the online ETA.
Emergency numbers
Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M, N · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Vodacom and MTN counters at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports; passport and address needed for RICA registration. Data costs more than in much of Africa. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in South Africa
Going to Johannesburg solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.