Car Hire in JHB - 5 Quick Tips to Keep You Safe

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Driving in JHB (that's how locals refer to Johannesburg, by the way) can be quite challenging. In fact, it took me three trips to finally get the hang of the road. South Africa's biggest city has highway interchanges that resemble spaghetti, so be sure to get a trusty map along with your car hire in JHB. Here are some tips that will also come handy.

1. Get a Map - The northern suburbs are quite big, and many of the areas do not come with sign posts. Get a good road map to help you navigate. MapStudio produces reliable ones.

2. Never Take the London Offramp - On the N3 highway, the London offramp may seem like a safe shortcut for anyone who wants to go to Sandton, but it's not. It leads straight to Alexandra, a heavy-crime neighborhood where robbers, pickpockets, and car hijackers await. This brings us to the MOST IMPORTANT safety tip for tourists who are driving a car hire in JHB for the first time...

3. Never Pass by Alexandra - In Alexandra, crime is a certainty. If you don't end up dead, you will surely be robbed of everything, even your shoes, and left on the pavement in your underwear. Alexandra is JHB's poorest and most dangerous township. Locals avoid it like the plague; there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON AT ALL why you shouldn't do the same.

4. Avoid Certain Areas - Like other big cities, JHB has its share of dangerous neighborhoods. Avoid Louis Botha Avenue, Hillbrow, and the poorer parts of Soweto. If you really have to go to these places, see if you can bring a local with you.

5. Keep Your Car Doors Locked - Make sure your windows are rolled up and your doors are closed before you take your car hire in JHB out for a spin. This city has one of the highest rates of carjacking in the world. Do not let this spoil your holiday, however. Provided you take the necessary precautions, this South African destination is as safe as any other major tourist destination in the world!

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Source by Carla Jiroux Kaplan