One of Africa's leading medical and social research centres into Aids and HIV
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For visitors

  1. Where is the Perinatal HIV Research Unit?
  2. How do you get there from Johannesburg International Airport?
  3. What is South Africa's currency?
  4. What about money and banking?
  5. What type of government does South Africa have?
  6. What languages do South Africans speak?
  7. Are foreigners allowed to drive in South Africa?
  8. What's the weather in Joburg like?
  9. What should I wear?
  10. Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
  11. Where are the foreign consulates in South Africa?
  12. Do I need to tip?
  13. What are the dialing codes?
  14. Is Johannesburg safe to visit?
  15. What about health?
  16. What can I do for fun in Joburg?
  17. Where can I stay?
  18. What other useful websites should I know about?

Where is the Perinatal HIV Research Unit?


The PHRU and HIVSA offices are at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.

How do you get there from Johannesburg International Airport?

  1. Travelling from the airport, take the road signposted "R24 Johannesburg"
  2. Then take the N3 Durban/N12 Kimberley/Bloemfontein
  3. Stay on the N12 Kimberley
  4. Just after the Southgate Shopping Centre, you will see a turn-off for Soweto - the (M68) Old Potchefstroom Road
  5. At the traffic light turn right into the Old Potch Road
  6. Continue until the third traffic light
  7. Turn left into Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
After the entrance, turn left again; you will see a tall brick building. At the tennis court, turn left and follow the road until you see a parking area. Park and come through the front entrance of the brick building.

Once in the building, do not take the lift (elevator) on your left as it will take you to the wrong side of the building. Instead, walk straight down the passage and take this lift to the PHRU reception on the ninth floor.

Phone us on (011) 989-9700 if you get lost!

 

What is South Africa's currency?

South Africa's currency is the rand, which is made up of 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5; notes come in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. All currency must be declared on entry.

The southafrica.info website has more about South Africa's money.
You can find the latest exchange rates at www.x-rates.com.

 

What about money and banking?

Most banks change travellers' cheques in major currencies, usually at a commission of about 1 percent. Although First National Bank has a higher minimum charge, commission is lower, so changing money there can be cheaper if a few cheques are cashed at the same time.

Keep a few exchange receipts as you'll need them to reconvert your rands when you leave.

Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted. More and more ATMs will give cash advances; if your card belongs to the worldwide Cirrus network you should have no problem using it across the country.

 

What type of government does South Africa have?

South Africa is a constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary.

The national, provincial and local levels of government all have legislative and executive authority in their own spheres; they are defined in the constitution as "distinctive, interdependent and interrelated".

 

What languages do South Africans speak?

South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Venda, Siswati, Sesotho, Sepedi, Tsonga and Tswana. English, the language most commonly used in business and public life, is generally understood across the country.

 

Are foreigners allowed to drive in South Africa?

South Africa's national roads are tarred and in good condition. The International Driving Licence is accepted if it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English.

 

What's the weather in Joburg like?

Johannesburg, according to the city's official website, has a delightfully mild climate; neither humid nor too hot for comfort, although there are about six weeks of chill in July and August. Summer, which offers warm African sunshine followed by balmy nights, lasts from October to March.

At least, that's the general idea. The seasons are flexible: one runs into the next and summer habitually spills into spring and autumn.

The nights can be chilly, though, particularly in winter. Bring a jacket to wear on colder evenings. The rainy season, in summer, brings ferocious thunderstorms.

 

What should I wear?

South Africans are, on the whole, casual dressers; you can comfortably follow suit. In winter, which is mid-year, you should wear clothes that protect against the cold. In summer, lightweight material is better as the sun can consistently take temperatures above 30° Celsius (or 86° Fahrenheit).

 

Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?

If you have a passport from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Singapore, Japan, Switzerland or Liechtenstein you do not need a visa. If, however, you are from any other country you need a visa and should apply at least four weeks before your departure. Visit your nearest South African embassy or consulate for help.

 

Where are the foreign consulates in South Africa?

Most countries have embassies or consulates in South Africa - usually in the country's capital, Pretoria, a 45-minute drive north of Johannesburg. Johannesburg is home to many consuls and attachés.

 

Do I need to tip?

Tipping - of about 10 to 15 percent of a bill - is more or less mandatory due to low wages.

 

What are the dialing codes?

When you are in South Africa but outside Johannesburg you will need to prefix phone numbers with 011 - the area code for Johannesburg. The area code for Pretoria is 012.

From outside South Africa dial +2712 for Pretoria and +2711 for Johannesburg.

 

Is Johannesburg safe to visit?

Joburg has made a determined effort to crack down on crime, creating a local police force - the Metro Police - and installing about 200 anti-crime cameras in the inner city. The results have been encouraging and the improved security gives visitors less reason for apprehension about being in Johannesburg than they might previously have had. You should, however, take sensible precautions.

  • For more information see how to avoid crime, which includes Joburg's official security advice to visitors.

 

What about health?

Visit http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/124/52/ for information about what to do if you fall ill or have an accident while in Joburg. It also supplies tips about inoculations and other health requirements for visitors from abroad.

What can I do for fun in Joburg?

You can find a wealth of entertainment information at www.joburg.org.za/whatson, including:

 

Where can I stay?

Johannesburg offers a wide range of places to stay - from swish hotels to budget B&Bs and accommodation for backpackers.

 

What other useful websites should I know about?