Travel Information for International Visitors

ABOUT SANDTON
In the heart of Sandton’s business district, is a hub identified as the vibrant, high energy cluster of global trade and thought. This hub, known as the Sandton Central Management District, is this commercial centre of South Africa and is home to three improvement districts, namely the Sandton City and Convention Centre Improvement District (SCMD), the Sandton Business Improvement District (SBID), and the Wierda Valley Management District
Please note:
To ensure your safety, you need to apply the same common sense you would anywhere.
Wherever you are, pay attention to your surroundings and report suspicious circumstances and characters to the nearest security or police officer (the South African Police (SAP) is identified by blue uniforms and white cars with blue markings)

ABOUT THE WEATHER
There’s no need to wait…here you can be young and experience your place in the sun. Year-round sunshine (average 12 hours a day) is a mega-benefit to living in Johannesburg.
Visitors be warned: Johannesburgers (people, not the edible kind) tend to live in denial of winter. Central heating as you may know it, is non-existent. Older houses may be cold; some newer homes have underfloor heating. So, pack the warm-woolly layers, especially if you plan a midwinter trip (June-Aug).
In winter, the air is also particularly dry. During the day temperatures rise (up to 16C) and drop at night.

HOW EFFICIENT IS JOHANNESBURG'S PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM?
Right now,  Johannesburg doesn’t have a public transport system that compares to other international cities.  There is a vision and things are rapidly improving with plans underway for the Gautrain.  In the meantime,  Metrobus is a good day-time option for getting around the city.  Fact remains that cars rule and give visitors the most flexibility and independence to get around day and night.  You will do best with a good roadmap and a rented car or driving service.  

JOHANNESBURG SEEMS TO BE A BIG  CITY BUT HOW MUCH IS THERE TO DO? 
Plenty.  We encourage you to spend another day in Johannesburg – what you really need is a few days to cover the highlights alone.  There is something for everyone in Johannesburg.  Explore the options in your area of interest in Tours and Attractions on this website.  If you have a specific request or need to know more,  contact the Johannesburg Tourism Company on +27 11 214 0700 or e-mail contact us
So, Johannesburg is the vibiest city ….how is the night life and is it safe to go to night clubs in the city?
Yes, Johannesburg is vibey.  It is as safe as going out in any international city.  Day or night, you need to simply observe the basic safety tips we outline in Advice to Visitors on this site.  For nightlife suggestions,  see Tours and Attractions.
What’s a braai every Johannesburger raves about?
Any South African in the world lights up at the prospect of a braai.  It is a distinctively South African al fresco barbeque – unquestionably, the most pleasurable way to spend time with friends and family.  Nothing beats a braai in the bush with the taste of a good South African wine or beer to quench your African thirst.
Which side of the road do you drive?
The left-hand side.  If you are used to driving on the right hand side, take special care at four-way stops, traffic circles or roundabouts (the first driver to stop has right-of-way).  Be warned:  In Johannesburg and Gauteng,  drivers are notoriously impatient,  don’t always respect who has right-of-way or indicate their direction clearly or in good time.

Currency:
The local currency is the South African Rand and will be the official currency used at the conference. The approximate exchange rates are: 1 EUR = R11,91 and 1 USD = R7,70 (June 2008)

. Electricity:
South Africa's electricity is standard: 220 volts, 50Hz AC. However, as plugs have three cylindrical pins, an adaptor is essential for foreign appliances.

 . Language:
The official language of the conference is English.

. Medicine:
South African pharmacies carry international prescription medicines.

. Time Zone:
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2)

 . Tipping:
Service charges are rarely included. Tipping waiters and taxi drivers is customary (approximately 10% of the bill or fare).

. Value Added Tax:
VAT is currently 14% in South Africa and is levied on all goods and services. VAT paid by a tourist on certain categories of goods is refundable on departure.

. Visa:
All visitors must have a valid passport. Please consult your nearest South African Embassy well in advance regarding visa requirements or visit the following web page: http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visa_detail.asp.