Pretoria Travel Guide

South Africa

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5.0M
Population
HLA
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
75
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Pretoria

Arriving

  • Lanseria International Airport (HLA) · 37 km awayServes Johannesburg
  • Main stationsPretoria 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 Lanseria International Airport (HLA), 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 signalSome rural areas outside the city
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportUber
  • Food deliveryUberEats and Mr D Food

Pretoria at a glance

Region
Gauteng
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
Union Buildings
The official seat of the President of South Africa with beautiful gardens.
1h Free
2
Voortrekker Monument
A historical monument commemorating the Voortrekkers.
1.5h $5

Best Areas to Stay

Hatfield
Close to universities and nightlife options.
StudentsYoung professionalsNightlife
Brooklyn
Quiet area with parks and good dining options.
FamiliesBusiness

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:Greeting with a handshake is common; be respectful of local traditions.
Common Mistakes
  • Not planning for traffic delays
  • Underestimating safety in certain areas

Food & Drink

Must Try:Bobotie, Biltong, Potjiekos
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
The Capital GrillHazel Food Market

Getting Around

Public Transport:Good
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:75/100
BusTaxi

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Pretoria travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Pretoria?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Pretoria.

How much does a day in Pretoria 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 Pretoria?

Public transport includes bus and taxi and is rated good. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 75/100.

Which airport serves Pretoria?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Lanseria International Airport (HLA), about 37 km from Pretoria.

Is Pretoria safe for tourists?

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

How do I stay connected in Pretoria?

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

Is tap water safe to drink in Pretoria?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of South Africa

South Africa travel guideSouth Africa eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Pretoria.

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.