UncategorizedJohannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city and, for most international visitors, the first stop of the trip. If it’s your first time flying in, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a practical rundown of what to expect.
The Airport
Most international and domestic flights arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, on the eastern side of the city. It’s a large, modern airport with multiple terminals, so allow extra time to find your way between arrivals, baggage claim and ground transport, especially if you’re connecting onward. Passport control and customs queues can vary in length depending on flight schedules, so it’s sensible not to book anything too tight immediately after landing. For an overview of transfer options from the airport, see our OR Tambo airport transfers page.
Getting to Your Hotel
Arrange your onward transport before you land if you can. Whether it’s a hotel shuttle, a pre-booked private transfer, or the Gautrain, knowing exactly how you’ll get from the airport to your accommodation removes one of the biggest sources of stress for first-time visitors. A pre-booked shuttle with a name-board meet-and-greet is a common and low-effort choice, particularly after a long-haul flight. If you’re headed to Sandton specifically, our OR Tambo to Sandton guide breaks down all the options.
Currency and Payments
South Africa’s currency is the Rand (ZAR). Card payments — including tap-to-pay — are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in Johannesburg, so you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash. It’s worth having some cash on hand for smaller vendors, tips, or informal traders, but this isn’t essential for most visitor itineraries. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available at the airport.
General Safety Tips
Like any large city, Johannesburg benefits from ordinary travel common sense: keep valuables out of sight, use reputable transport rather than hailing unmarked vehicles on the street, and avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics unnecessarily in unfamiliar areas. Hotels and tour operators are generally a good source of up-to-date, area-specific guidance for wherever you’re staying. Pre-arranged transport with a known driver is one of the simplest ways to reduce uncertainty in your first day or two in the city.
Weather and Seasons
Johannesburg sits at high altitude and has a fairly temperate climate overall. Summer (roughly November to March) is warm with afternoon thunderstorms common. Winter (June to August) is dry and can get cold at night, even though days are often sunny — pack layers if you’re travelling in winter. Spring and autumn are generally mild. Conditions can vary, so it’s worth checking a short-range forecast closer to your travel dates rather than relying on general seasonal patterns alone.
Time Zone and Language
South Africa uses South African Standard Time (SAST), which is UTC+2 year-round with no daylight saving adjustments. English is widely spoken and used in business, alongside numerous other official languages, so most visitors won’t encounter a language barrier.
What Happens When You Land
For a full walkthrough of what to expect from a professional airport pickup — from the meet-and-greet through to what happens if your flight is delayed — see our airport pickup guide.
Plan Your Arrival
A2B Shuttle offers fixed-price airport transfers with meet-and-greet service and live flight tracking, so your arrival in Johannesburg starts smoothly regardless of flight delays.
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