Johannesburg is South Africa's financial powerhouse but suffers from a notoriously high violent crime rate. Safety here depends entirely on location and logistics. Upscale, heavily secured suburbs like Sandton, Rosebank, and Melrose Arch are relatively safe for shopping and dining. However, tourists must strictly avoid the Central Business District (CBD), Hillbrow, and Berea, which are highly dangerous. Carjacking is a severe threat; if driving, always leave enough space between you and the car ahead at traffic lights to escape, and keep all valuables in the trunk. Never hail minibus taxis; rely exclusively on Uber or the highly secure Gautrain system for transit. Do not wear flashy jewelry or display expensive cameras.