South Africa Guide
Gauteng
Arrival
Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (flight information 
086 727 7888), once known as Jan Smuts, but renamed in 2006 after the ANC's greatest leader in exile, lies 20km east of the city. The international arrivals hall has an easily located touristinformation desk (daily 7am–9pm; 0113903614) set in the middle of the terminal, offering a full range of brochures on Johannesburg and other parts of South Africa, including lists of places to stay, though it doesn't offer a booking service. There are 24-hour facilities for changing money and ATMs at various points in the terminal.
There's a range of options for getting from the airport into the city or suburbs, which you can get advice on from the public transportdesk in the arrivals terminal (daily 6am–10pm), where you can also book a taxi.
The Airport Shuttle ( 0861 748 8853; R210–290, R50 extra between 9pm and 5.30am) is another option, offering a round-the-clock pick-up and drop-off service, but bookings should be made a day in advance.
Another good bet is the Magic Bus service, which offers door-to-door transfers throughout Jo'burg (R220–350 depending on destination, R30–40 extra per additional passenger). By day, the Magic Bus also offers shuttles to major Sandton hotels (8am, 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm); 30min; R110). Get tickets at the company's kiosk ( 011 394 6902) on the ground floor of the Parkade building, just outside the domestic arrivals foyer.
Stanford Hlatshwayo ( 084 857 4967) runs Aeroway, a highly recommended taxi service from the airport (R150–250 for most parts of Johannesburg). He also offers township and general sightseeing tours, collecting and dropping off in-transit visitors at the airport. KDR Tours ( 011 3261700) also offers an in-transit Soweto cultural tour, charging R350 for the round-trip from the airport.
Taking a metered taxi from the airport is convenient and safe, though you should make certain the driver knows where you're going before you set off, and get a quote beforehand. You should pay no more than R250 to get anywhere in central Jo'burg, and no more than R350 to reach a far northern or western suburb.
If you want to prearrange a taxi, Airport Link ( 011 792 2017) charges around R275 for the first person and R50 for each additional passenger. You can also consult your hotel for more recommendations: there are many reputable tour operators who offer transfers at set prices.