Arriving in Johannesburg, South Africa: preparation, immigration and getting into the city

On a first trip to South Africa, the thing you dread most is arriving with your documents and your process not sorted out. This guide sets out four things clearly: preparation before you fly, the immigration process, getting from the airport into the city, and the traps to avoid.

Before you fly: nothing here can be skipped

1. Sort out your visa/ETA in advance: Chinese passport holders need a visa arranged beforehand to enter South Africa. Apply online through the official channel, one to two weeks before departure, so nothing derails the trip — never trust an agent who offers "no visa needed, just pay".
2. Have your supporting documents ready: hotel booking, travel itinerary and return ticket — print every one of them on paper; do not keep them only on your phone. Handing them over at a spot check is far less hassle.
3. Back up your passport properly: your passport must be valid for more than 6 months and undamaged; photocopy and photograph the photo page and the visa page, and keep the original and the copies in separate places, so that a loss can be fixed quickly.

The immigration process, in order

Once you land at O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB):

1. Fill in the arrival card on the plane: write the hotel address and telephone number clearly, in English, in legible handwriting.
2. Passport control: phones are strictly forbidden. The officer will ask the purpose of your visit and how long you are staying — answer honestly and hand over your documents when asked, and keep an eye on your hand luggage.
3. Customs allowances: cigarettes ≤ 200; wine ≤ 2 litres, other alcohol ≤ 1 litre; anything above that must be declared. After you clear, check the entry stamp and the permitted length of stay, and sort out any problem on the spot.
4. Yellow fever vaccination: not required on a direct flight from China; only if you transit an infected area do you need the yellow card showing vaccination 10 days beforehand.

Airport to the city: four ways

Gautrain frequencies and the last train do change, so check the official website's timetable for the day before you travel — a late flight will very likely miss it, and calling a car is the steadier choice then.

Practical local tips

• Money and tipping: the currency is the South African rand (ZAR). The airport rate is poor, so change only a small amount of cash; restaurants generally expect a 10%–15% tip, and porters 5–10 rand per bag.
• Safety first: do not go out alone at night and do not show your valuables; when driving, keep the windows up and the doors locked, and avoid isolated areas.
• Phones: buy a Vodacom or MTN SIM card at the airport — better value than international roaming, and your passport is all you need.
• Emergency numbers: police 10111; ambulance 999 or 082911; if you run into trouble you can also contact the Chinese embassy or consulates in South Africa.

Six traps you must watch out for

1. Never get into an unlicensed taxi at the airport — use official transport only.
2. Carry little cash, and lock valuables in the hotel safe.
3. Do not engage with strangers who approach you, and stay away from crowded, confusing areas.
4. Fruit, meat and seeds may not be brought in — customs checks are strict.
5. Stay in safe areas such as Sandton; do not chase a cheap price into a remote neighbourhood.
6. Fill in your ETA/visa information truthfully — false details mean refused entry.