Johannesburg South Africa Travel Tips

Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips for Tourists in Johannesburg, South Africa

General Etiquette

• Respect local customs: Johannesburg is a culturally diverse city with many languages spoken. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Use formal greetings: Use formal greetings such as “Sawubona” (hello) or “Dumelang” (good morning/afternoon) when interacting with locals.
• Dress modestly: Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or other places of worship.

Safety and Security

• Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for potential safety risks such as pickpocketing or mugging.
• Avoid displaying valuables: Avoid displaying valuable items such as jewelry, watches, or large amounts of cash.
• Use reputable taxi services: Use reputable taxi services such as Uber or Bolt to ensure a safe and secure ride.

Cultural Sensitivity

• Learn about local customs: Learn about local customs and traditions to avoid unintentionally offending locals.
• Respect the apartheid era: Be respectful of the apartheid era and its impact on South African society.
• Avoid discussing sensitive topics: Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or social issues unless you are certain that your conversation partner is comfortable with the topic.

Food and Drink

• Try local cuisine: Try local cuisine such as braai (barbecue) or boerewors (sausages).
• Use local utensils: Use local utensils such as a fork or knife to eat.
• Avoid eating in public places: Avoid eating in public places such as on buses or trains.

Other Tips

• Stay hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during hot summer months.
• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses: Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Respect local animals: Respect local animals such as baboons or monkeys, and do not feed them.