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| Johannesburg Travel |
| Johannesburg is a vibrant cosmopolitan city and is currently being rejuvenated at a rapid pace. With many trendy suburbs and provinces, there is much to explore. Suburbs such as Melville and the newly developed Melrose Arch have some excellent street cafés and superb restaurants, whilst Rosebank and Sandton offer some great shopping experiences. Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and God's Window are just some of the dramatic natural attractions of the province of Mpumalanga, and they are easily reached from Johannesburg. The previous 'Gold Capital of the World', Johannesburg and the surrounding area is rich not only in gold, but in culture and history. |
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Johannesburg Hotels Offers |
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Johannesburg Hotel Reservations - Holiday inn g.c. sandton from - £45
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Johannesburg Hotel Deals - City lodge morningside from - £28.5
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Johannesburg Hotel Reservations - Mercure inn randburg from - £17.5
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Discount Hotels in Johannesburg - Holiday inn suites sandton from - £64
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Johannesburg Hotel Deals - Protea balalaika sandton from - £37
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Johannesburg Flights Offers |
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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - £448.00 |
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Iberia - £404.00 |
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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - £451.00 |
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Johannesburg- Need to Know |
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| Airport Directions |
Johannesburg International is 45 minutes from the tourist centre. Most hotels operate shuttle services, otherwise use shuttle buses or pricier metered taxis operating from Terminal A. Buy tickets from kiosks inside the airport to avoid tangles with taxi touts. |
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| Transport |
In Jo"burg, the car is king. Public transport is not tourist-friendly. Car hire is an alternative but the knot of freeways is not for novices. Hire taxies or use reputable tour operators. Over-crowded minibus taxis are a hoot for adventurous travellers, but for short trips only. |
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| Currency |
Rand |
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| Cost of Living |
Jo"burg is rated one of the cheapest world cities |
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| Health and Hospital |
Dial 10177 for emergencies, 10111 for the flying squad. Take out private health insurance as public hospitals are overstretched. Apart from shack dwellings, tap water is safe. Jo"burg is not in a malaria area. South Africa has one of the highest HIV infection rates, so practise safe sex. Always wear sun protection. |
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| Embassy Numbers |
Most embassies are in the capital, Pretoria, a 40-minute drive away, but many countries have consulates in Jo"burg. Australia (012) 342 3740; Canada (012) 342- 3720; France (012) 429 7000; Germany (012) 427 8900; India (012) 342 5392; Ireland (012) 342 5062; Italy (012) 430 5541; Netherlands (012) 344 3910; New Zealand (012) 342 8656; UK (012) 483 1200; USA (012) 342 1048. |
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| Public Holidays |
New Year (Jan 1); Human Rights Day (Mar 21); Good Friday; Family Day (Easter Monday); Freedom Day (Apr 27); Workers" Day (May 1); Youth Day (Jun 16); Women"s Day (Aug 9); Heritage Day (Sep 24); Reconciliation Day (Dec 16); Christmas (Dec 25); Boxing Day (Dec 26). |
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| Time Zone |
GMT +2 |
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| Dial Codes |
27 (country) 011 (area) |
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| Etiquettes |
Jo"burgers are brash and welcoming. Don"t be surprised if you are invited home for a "braai" (barbeque), a bellyful of meat and laughs. But remember poverty is widespread, so tip generously. |
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| Visas |
The following countries do not require visas: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU, Singapore, Japan, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. All other passport-holders should apply for a visa. |
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| Language |
Of the eleven official languages, English is the most widely spoken |
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| Safety |
Visitors can enjoy a crime-free holiday by being sensible and vigilant. Don"t wander off the beaten track on your own. Use reputable operators and travel in groups. Do not make yourself a target with visible expensive jewellery or equipment. When travelling by car, lock the doors and windows and hide valuables from view. Before setting out, make sure you know exactly where you are going. There is one thing worse than being lost in Jo"burg - and that"s looking lost. |
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