Fair prices in Южная Африка — what things really cost

Prices are the same regardless of time of day, but the cableway can close due to wind or cloud with no refund guarantee for missed weather windows, so check the live status before travelling out to the base station.

Buy directly from the official ticket office at the waterfront or its website rather than a street tout, and arrive well before your ferry slot as boarding closes early.

Restaurants on the main V&A Waterfront strip charge more than similar quality options a short walk or drive into the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Rideshare apps are widely used and generally safer and more transparent than hailing an unmetered car on the street, with the fare shown before you accept.

Tasting fees vary by estate and are often waived or discounted if you buy a bottle afterwards. Ask about the policy when you arrive.

Minibus taxis are the cheapest way to travel like a local but follow informal routes and can be crowded; they are best used with a local companion or after getting clear directions first.

The official city bus network requires a prepaid smart card, which costs a small deposit but is by far the most convenient way to pay for multiple rides.

The Gautrain is the safest, most predictable way from OR Tambo airport into the northern suburbs, reaching Sandton in about fifteen minutes for roughly R200–220. Buy a Gautrain card, tap in and out, and skip the taxi touts in the arrivals hall entirely.

An Uber or Bolt from the airport to Sandton usually runs about R250–400 depending on demand — often better value than a fixed shuttle. Always book in the app, meet your driver at the official ride-hailing pickup point, and check the car and plate match before getting in.

A generous plate at an inexpensive local restaurant is around R120–180, and Johannesburg's food is superb value by world standards. Fordsburg and Mayfair are the go-to for cheap, excellent halal Indian food; Melville and Maboneng for casual cafes and bistros.

A main course at a good mid-range restaurant in Sandton, Rosebank or Parktown North is very reasonable for the quality, often R250–450 a head with a drink. South African steaks, wine and 'braai' grills are a highlight and cost far less than at home.

Johannesburg has a strong independent coffee culture, especially in Braamfontein, Maboneng and the northern suburbs, and a good cappuccino is only around R35–40. A cheap, easy pleasure and a comfortable place to plan your day.

A bottle of water from a shop is only a rand or two's worth; Johannesburg tap water is generally considered safe to drink, so a refillable bottle saves money. Stay hydrated — the high altitude and dry winter air dehydrate you faster than you expect.

Minibus taxis and the Rea Vaya bus cost only a few rand and are how most locals move, but the minibus network has no fixed stops or timetables and takes some confidence to use. For most visitors, Uber or Bolt is the safer, simpler choice for a small extra cost.