South Africa airport exit guides
Johannesburg JNB and Cape Town CPT airports are safe and modern. Uber and Bolt both work well. Avoid metered taxis — they're often more expensive and less reliable than ride-hailing. The Gautrain from JNB to Sandton is fast and safe.
Common exit risks
- • Aggressive 'meter taxi' touts at JNB arrivals
- • Fake Uber drivers — always check the plate and driver photo
- • ZAR 500+ metered fare when Uber is ZAR 250
Cash & card advice
- • Metered taxis exist but are pricier than Uber/Bolt. Card widely accepted. Tip 10%.
Ride-hailing status
- • Uber and Bolt at JNB, CPT, DUR. Pickup from designated zones — enforcement against non-app 'taxi' cars is strict.
AIRPORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
POPULAR ROUTES IN SOUTH AFRICA
FAQ
- Does Uber work at airports in South Africa?
- Uber and Bolt at JNB, CPT, DUR. Pickup from designated zones — enforcement against non-app 'taxi' cars is strict.
- Should I pay an airport taxi in cash or card in South Africa?
- Metered taxis exist but are pricier than Uber/Bolt. Card widely accepted. Tip 10%.
- What currency do I need for a taxi in South Africa?
- South Africa uses the ZAR (R). Card accepted for Uber/Bolt; cash for metered. Avoid changing money at airport kiosks — the rate is usually 5–15% worse than a bank ATM inside the terminal.
- Do I tip taxi drivers in South Africa?
- 10% is standard. Drivers do not rely on tips the way US drivers do, and inflated "tips" are sometimes used to justify an overcharge — pay the metered fare first, then decide.
- What airport scams are common in South Africa?
- The three most reported on arrival: Aggressive 'meter taxi' touts at JNB arrivals; Fake Uber drivers — always check the plate and driver photo; ZAR 500+ metered fare when Uber is ZAR 250. See the individual airport guides for terminal-specific details.
- Which airports in South Africa have exit guides?
- We cover 3 airports in South Africa — including CPT, DUR, JNB. Each guide has the official taxi rank location, fair fare, ride-hailing status and the scams to watch for on arrival.