Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

All Topics about Johannesburg All Cities in South Africa

1. Gold Reef City Scam

Avoid fake tour guides offering discounted tickets at Gold Reef City. Stick to official ticket booths.

Avoid taxis offering a tour of the Johannesburg Zoo for a fee. The zoo is free to enter.

Free Entry: The Johannesburg Zoo does not charge an entry fee
Official Taxis: Only use official, licensed taxis for travel in Johannesburg
Unsolicited Assistance: Be wary of unsolicited assistance, especially around attractions

Avoid individuals claiming to offer tours inside Nelson Mandela's house for a fee. The home is not open to the public.

Public Access: Nelson Mandela's House is not open to the general public
Official Tours: Only join authorized, guided tours of Nelson Mandela's House
Unlicensed Guides: Be wary of unlicensed guides offering tours inside the house

Avoid taxis offering overpriced or non-existent tours in Soweto. Use reputable tour companies instead.

Reputable Tour Companies: Use well-known and reputable tour companies for Soweto tours
Fixed Prices: Negotiate prices before starting the tour to avoid overcharging
Unlicensed Taxis: Be wary of unlicensed taxis, especially around Soweto attractions

Avoid individuals offering to help with shopping or carrying purchases in Sandton City. Keep your belongings secure at all times.

Personal Belongings: Keep a close eye on your personal belongings while shopping
Unsolicited Assistance: Be wary of unsolicited assistance, especially in crowded areas
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to security personnel or the management

Avoid purchasing jewelry or curios from roadside vendors. Visit established markets or shops instead.

Established Markets or Shops: Purchase goods from reputable and established markets or shops
Quality Assurance: Ensure purchased items are of good quality to avoid being scammed
Bargaining Skills: Use your bargaining skills to ensure a fair price for the goods

Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized sellers outside Joburg Theatre. Purchase them only from authorized outlets.

Authorized Outlets: Purchase tickets only from authorized Joburg Theatre outlets
Counterfeit Tickets: Be wary of counterfeit tickets being sold outside the theatre
Overpriced Tickets: Avoid overpriced tickets being offered by unauthorized sellers

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods in Johannesburg's markets or from street vendors. Support local businesses instead.

Support Local Businesses: Purchase goods from reputable and established local businesses
Counterfeit Goods: Be wary of counterfeit goods, especially electronics and branded items
Bargaining Skills: Use your bargaining skills to ensure a fair price for the goods

Be cautious when using credit cards in restaurants, hotels, and ATMs. Use secure machines and protect your PIN.

Secure Machines: Use secure credit card machines to avoid skimming devices
ATM Locations: Avoid using ATMs in unlit or isolated areas
PIN Protection: Cover your PIN when entering it to protect against shoulder surfing

Avoid car rental agencies offering unusually cheap deals. Rent from reputable companies with good reviews.

Reputable Companies: Rent a car from reputable and well-reviewed car hire companies
Cheap Deals: Be wary of unusually cheap car rental deals, as they may hide fees or conditions
Inspection and Documentation: Check the vehicle for damage before renting, document any issues, and read all contracts carefully

Avoid taxi drivers offering airport transfers at inflated prices. Pre-book a transfer from your hotel or hostel.

Pre-Booked Transfers: Pre-book an airport transfer through your hotel or hostel
Inflated Prices: Be wary of taxi drivers offering airport transfers at inflated prices
Unlicensed Drivers: Only use licensed and registered taxis for airport transfers

Avoid street vendors offering currency exchange. Use reputable banks or authorized bureaux de change instead.

Reputable Exchanges: Use reputable banks or authorized bureaux de change for currency exchange
Fair Exchange Rates: Ensure you are receiving a fair exchange rate, as street vendors often overcharge
Secure Transactions: Always count your money immediately after the exchange to ensure accuracy

Avoid buying cell phones from street vendors. Purchase them only from authorized dealers or shops.

Authorized Dealers: Purchase a cell phone only from an authorized dealer or shop
Warranty and Support: Ensure you have warranty and support for your purchased device
Verified Authenticity: Ask for a verification of the phone's authenticity before purchasing

Be aware that some tour guides may expect excessive tips. Research average tipping rates before your visit.

Average Tipping Rates: Research and understand the appropriate tipping rate for a tour guide
Fair Compensation: Ensure fair compensation for your tour guide, but be cautious of excessive expectations
Included Tips: Check if tips are included in the cost of your tour beforehand

Be cautious when interacting with street performers or beggars. They may try to distract you while others pickpocket.

Personal Belongings: Keep a close eye on your personal belongings when in crowded areas
Valuables: Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables, such as large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry
Reporting Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to local authorities or your hotel/hostel staff