Johannesburg Travel Guide

South Africa

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4.8M
Population
JNB
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
60
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

All POIs
Top Picks
Free Entry
Family-Friendly

Plan your arrival in Johannesburg

Arriving

  • O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · 22 km away
  • Main stationsJohannesburg Park Station

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your South Africa eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our South Africa plans: Cell C (4G), MTN (5G), Telkom (3G) and Vodacom (5G).
  4. South Africa plans currently start at $3.50, for 100MB over 7 days. Compare all 13 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · good
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalParts of Soweto and Certain rural areas
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportUber
  • Food deliveryMr D Food and UberEats

Johannesburg at a glance

Region
Gauteng
Population
4,803,262 (2022)
Elevation
1,753 m above sea level
Currency
rand (ZAR)
Plug types
C, D and N
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112
Drives on the
left
Official languages
Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho and Sesotho
Calling code
+27

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses Cell C, MTN, and Telkom, with 5G where available
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 13 South Africa eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
Apartheid Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of apartheid in South Africa.
2h $10
2
Nelson Mandela Square
A public square featuring a large statue of Nelson Mandela.
1h Free

Best Areas to Stay

Sandton
Known for its upscale shopping and dining options.
TouristsBusiness
Melrose Arch
A trendy area with vibrant nightlife and restaurants.
TouristsNightlife

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Greetings are important; a handshake is common.
Common Mistakes
  • Not negotiating taxi fares
  • Ignoring local customs

Food & Drink

Must Try:Bunny Chow, Bobotie
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
Neighbourgoods MarketThe Saxon Hotel

Getting Around

Public Transport:Fair
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:60/100
MetroBus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, October

Johannesburg travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?

March and October are usually the best months to visit Johannesburg.

How much does a day in Johannesburg cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Johannesburg?

Public transport includes metro and bus and is rated fair. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 60/100.

Which airport serves Johannesburg?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), about 22 km from Johannesburg.

Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for overcharging taxi fares. Areas generally considered safe include Melrose Arch and Sandton. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Johannesburg?

Install a South Africa eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Our South Africa plans list Cell C (4G), MTN (5G) and Telkom (3G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Johannesburg?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of South Africa

South Africa travel guideSouth Africa eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Johannesburg.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.