1. Tourists are recommended to use only bottled water for drinking. You can find it in all grocery stores and supermarkets. Tap water is not harmful to health, but the use of it can exacerbate the process of acclimatization.
2. Tourists should make excursions around the city only when accompanied with a guide or in a group. Soweto, Alexandra, Hillbrow and Kettlhong are considered the most unsafe areas for walking and sightseeing.
3. Tourists, who plan to travel around the city by car, in no case should stop in solitary places and leave their car unattended. If during your journey you see the «DO NOT STOP!» sign, this means that drivers are allowed not to stop even if there’s a red stoplight.
4. All valuable items should be stored in your guestroom’s safe. When going out, it is recommended not to wear jewelry and watches. Cellphones are advised to wear inside a bag and not in your hand. Any valuable item can attract thieves.
6. Smoking and consuming alcohol is prohibited in public areas. Violators of this rule will be charged heavy fines. Appearance on the streets of the city in a drunken state may also be the reason for a monetary penalty.
7. Travelers, who expect to dedicate much time to shopping, are recommended to pay in cash. When using a credit card, tourists are likely to become victims of fraud. It is also better to ask money in small denominations in banks and exchange offices. This way there will be no need to exchange large bills in shops and markets when you make purchases.
The most interesting place for shopping in Johannesburg is Neighbourgoods Market. This market is located in a cozy alley and is not easy to be found. They sell great products, inexpensive … Open
9. The periods from the beginning of December to the end of January and from July to September are considered the high season. At that time, prices in hotels, restaurants and shops are always increased substantially.
10. items made of precious and semi-precious stones and jewelry remain one of the most popular souvenirs with tourists. The best way to purchase jewelry is to visit specialty stores. Tourists are not recommended to buy expensive items from individuals and sellers at market.
South Africa: travelling advices
1. The Republic of South Africa is a developing country, and the quality of the water is far from ideal here. Tourists in South Africa must avoid drinking tap water. Even when brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with bottled water, take a shower so that water does not get into your mouth, order drinks without ice in cafes and restaurants. In ponds, rivers, and lakes, one can catch a parasitic disease, so swimming is not allowed.2. One shouldn't eat dairy products without ensuring that they were kept at the proper temperature.
3. South African friends should always be greeted with respect and warmth, in a group you need to greet each person separately. This applies to both the first meeting and subsequent ones. Locals often greet their friends with a handshake, hugs, patting on the shoulders and back. One should not try to avoid these gestures, as this may be regarded as unforgivable rudeness.
4. In South Africa, guests are more often invited to someone's house personally than in writing. For example, married tourists may hear a phrase like "My wife invites your wife". Those invited to South Africans are advised to bring some sweets or a bottle of wine as a symbolic gift. … Open