Public transport is, at present, largely insufficient. The mini-bus taxi industry, while not subsidized by the government, accounts for about 60% of the commuters who rely on informal public transport in the country. However, these taxis have a reputation for being unreliable and unsafe. Unlike taxis found in most other major cities, these have pre-planned routes and will not take you directly to any given destination.

The country's railway system, too, could be improved upon (at least as far as the transport of people is concerned). Trains are poorly maintained, stations in need of upgrades and the entire system far from efficient. Moreover, despite clampdowns by security and police, crime remains a problem on most trains. The bus service is on the decline, faced with stiff competition from the mini-bus taxi industry.

Car rental agencies (AVIS, Budget, Imperial, and Hertz among others) have a presence in many of the regional centers, at the airports and in the cities themselves. International driving permits can be used in South Africa, but take note that in South Africa, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road.

--

Got something to add to this section? Spotted something which should be changed? Please let us know!

Click here to return to the contents page for "South Africa - a guide for business travellers."