Johannesburg Safety Tips
Don't take your wallet or money out on the street is one of them. Carjacking is one of the biggest issues in South Africa so I don't even suggest renting a car just use an Uber. Never leave valuables in sight and do not wear flashy jewelry. Use the hotel safe in the room for your valuables.
It is not the safest country, but it is not a war zone either. There are areas that you should avoid, such as the townships, and some central business districts. Although Johannesburg and crime are almost synonymous, crimes mainly take place in townships amongst gangs.
There are just as many areas that you should avoid after the sun goes down. In general, areas with a lot of restaurants, clubs, or shops (or people) will be safer than quieter streets. Most people try to avoid spending too much time walking and opt for an Uber, even if it's only a few blocks.
The central city is not always safe for whites, however, if you travel in a group and keep all your valuables out of sight and well-hidden you may be fine.
We had no problems using Uber in Cape Town or in Johannesburg. Very safe even late at night. It's tough to offer important advice in a situation such as this.
Johannesburg taxi safety and complaints
Generally speaking, taking a taxi in Johannesburg is perfectly safe. However, there can be instances where your driver may be rude or try to scam you.
So if you're looking for a more laid back, outdoorsy holiday, Cape Town is the answer for you. But if you'd prefer to experience the fast pace and urban delights of city life then Johannesburg is definitely the place to be.
Crime can happen in and around the airport, including robbery and theft of baggage and valuables. People have been followed from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to their destinations and then robbed, often at gunpoint. You should: be careful in and around the airport.
Infectious Disease Risks. All travelers to South Africa should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and measles-mumps-rubella.
Causes. Crime levels have been attributed to poverty, problems with delivery of public services, and wealth disparity. The Institute for Security Studies also highlighted factors beyond poverty and inequality, particularly social stress from uncaring environments in early childhood and subsequent lack of guardianship.
Johannesburg overview
Johannesburg is South Africa's most diverse, progressive and energetic city, the country's best showcase for activism and optimism. There's really nowhere better if you want to see the face of modern South Africa and get a sense of how far the nation's come and where it's going next.
Johannesburg can be a safe destination for solo female travelers, but it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some safety tips for solo female travelers in Johannesburg: Johannesburg is known for its high crime rate, so it is important to avoid walking alone at night.
The vast majority of officially licensed taxi drivers servicing the airport are honest and will provide you with a comfortable and safe ride, but unfortunately there's also a handful of disreputable drivers who will try to scam you.
Yes Ubers are safe and reliable in Cape Town. There is no legal requirement for taxi drivers in South Africa to be fully vaccinated.
All Uber drivers are vetted to ensure that they have a driver's licence and pose no threat to passengers. They are also forced to periodically take a selfie before to accepting rides, to ensure that the account of a verified driver is not used by someone else.
OR Tambo International Airport is situated in Kempton Park, Gauteng, about a 30-minute drive (27 kilometers; 17 miles) from Johannesburg's CBD and 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Pretoria.
Is South Africa safe for tourists? Overall, South Africa is a safe country to travel to as long as you remain vigilant. The crime rate is high and incidents including petty theft, armed robberies and carjacking are common. Protests and political demonstrations can also become violent.
Uber is the safest and most efficient form of transport in Jo'burg – don't hesitate to use it, especially if you've been drinking. (Drink driving roadblocks are common.) The city's Uber drivers are exceedingly professional and courteous.
“Johannesburg is one of the few big cities in the world where you can drink water tap. There is no need for anyone to buy bottled water,” said Matsimela. The City also featured in the top 10 metros and local authorities awarded Green Drop certification.
From Cosmo City to Linksfield, tap water across the City of Johannesburg is safe to drink, an independent study by Outa has found. WaterCAN, an offshoot of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, recently tested the water quality at 12 public points around South Africa's largest city.
South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder. The risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is generally low. The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists and tourism police are deployed in several large towns.