2026 IBSC Annual Conference

2026 IBSC Annual ConferenceSt. Stithians College

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

June 29 – July 2

Travel Tips

Safety and Security

Like any other part of the world, be vigilant with personal possessions and travel documents in cities and other popular tourist destinations in South Africa.

On Foot and in Public
  • Avoid Walking Alone, Especially After Dark: Avoid walking, even in a group, in the Central Business District (CBD) and other commercial centers after business hours. Always use secure, pre-booked transportation at night.
  • Keep a Low Profile: Avoid displaying outward signs of wealth.
    • Do not wear expensive, flashy jewelry or watches.
    • Keep your phone, camera, and other electronics out of sight when not actively using them. If you must use your phone on the street, be quick and aware of your surroundings.
    • Keep your wallet in an inside pocket (not a back trouser pocket) or use a money belt.
  • Be Alert to Distractions: Pickpockets and muggers often work in teams using distractions (like spilling something on you or asking for directions) to create an opportunity to steal. Refuse assistance from strangers if you feel uncomfortable.
  • When Dining out: Store handbags and phones under tables or out of sight. While generally safe, remain alert to opportunists, particularly in open-air seating areas.
  • Townships: If visiting historic township areas like Soweto, do so only with a reputable, organized tour operator during daylight hours. Never venture into these areas alone.
Vehicle and Road Safety
  • Smash-and-Grab Risk: This is a major risk in Johannesburg, especially at traffic lights ("robots" as they are called locally), stop signs, and motorway on and off ramps.
    • Keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times.
    • Keep all valuables (bags, phones, cameras) off the seats and floor and locked in the boot (trunk) before you start driving.
    • Leave enough space between your car and the vehicle in front of you at traffic lights to allow for a quick escape if you feel threatened.
  • Parking Security: Only use secure, well-lit parking areas like hotel garages or shopping center parking lots.
  • Car Guards: You will encounter informal "car guards" in high-traffic parking areas. It is common practice to give them a small tip (R5 to R10) for watching your car, especially if they are wearing an official bib.
  • GPS Routes: Exercise caution when following GPS directions. Some apps may direct you through shorter but less-safe secondary roads or townships. Verify your route with your hotel or a trusted local source before setting off.
  • When driving: Never stop to assist someone on the road. As counterintuitive as this might seem, there are too many risks associated with this practice. If you see something concerning, call 112 from any cell phone to connect to emergency services.
Hotel Safety
  • In Your Accommodation: Utilize the in-room or hotel safety deposit box for your passport, extra cash, and other high-value items. Only carry certified photocopies of your passport and ID with you.
  • Airport Crime: Be highly vigilant upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Criminals have been known to follow tourists from the airport to their accommodation and then rob them. Use reputable, pre-arranged transfers or the secure Gautrain (high-speed rail) and then an e-hailing service from the station. The Gautrain allows passengers access via tap-and-go of a Visa or Mastercard. There are kiosks at the entrance to the airport should you require assistance.
  • E-hailing services: Bolt and Uber are the most widely used and reputable services.

Health

While South Africa has high levels of hygiene, health care, and water treatment in major urban areas, be prepared.

  • Medical Facilities: Private medical hospitals in cities and larger towns are world-class, offering specialist services by highly skilled professionals.
  • Medication: Pharmacies are well-stocked and have available equivalents to most international medicines. You should carry your own prescription if you take chronic medication.
  • Water: In urban areas, tap water is generally high-quality and safe to drink. Bottled water is readily available. In rural areas, it is safer to drink bottled or boiled water. Water on the St. Stithians campus is supplied via the on-site purification plant and safe to drink.

Money, Currency, Forex, Credit Cards

The currency unit is the Rand (R or ZAR), which is divided into cents.

  • Current Approximate Rate (November 2025): US $1 = R17.10 (Note: Exchange rates fluctuate daily.)
  • Value: With a favorable exchange rate, most visitors using major international currencies generally find South Africa an inexpensive destination.
  • Example Cost: A standard coffee in a good café or restaurant will cost approximately R35.00 - R45.00 (approximately US $2.00 – US $2.65).

Exchanging Currency: Most South Africans primarily use cards for payments. Many restaurants and shops are now cashless, accepting cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. We strongly recommend minimizing the amount of cash you carry and using your card as much as possible—even informal traders often have mobile card machines. While you should exchange a small amount of Rands before leaving the airport (or at a reputable bank/exchange agency), you can always withdraw more cash at an ATM in your hotel or a shopping center if necessary.

Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere; American Express and Diners Club are also accepted but not as widely. Ask the waiter to bring a portable card machine to your table to minimize card fraud risk.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs): ATMs are widely used and can be found almost everywhere (malls, hotels, petrol stations, banks).

  • Safety: Be extremely vigilant at ATMs.
    • Shield your PIN with your body and hand.
    • Refuse offers of assistance from bystanders; they may be working in teams to distract you and swap your card.
    • Use ATMs inside a bank or a well-lit, busy shopping center rather than isolated machines on the street.
    • If your card is retained (swallowed), call your bank's toll-free stop-card line immediately. Do not let a bystander call for you.

Major Banks in South Africa

Electricity

  • Supply: The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.
  • Plugs: Plugs have either three large round pins (most common) or two small round pins.
  • Adapters: Travel adapters are readily available for purchase.

Tipping

A 20% tip is still the norm in restaurants, but it is not obligatory. Tipping other service providers, such as porters, housekeeping, and taxi drivers, is at your own discretion and generally expected for good service. For unofficial parking attendants who "guard" your car, a small fee (R5 – R10) is customary.