Hi All, I've been here since Monday and its great to see so many foreign fans coming in, I thought there'd be fewer of us. The ticket office I went to was in Marvonia Mall or something like that in Sowetto, they were open from 9-6pm. Been out drinking in Mellville and New Town so far, everyone seems really warm and friendly. All the scare talk seems exaggeratted at this point. Any good meet ups or plans to watch games at particular screens?
arrived early this morning, the airport was awash with so many different nationalities...saw a big South American contingent which surprised me, particularly the large amounts of Chile fans! Spent the day around Melville, grerat friendly people, nice food, cheao drink, no problems at all so far, great place!
Alright, been here 2 days finally got some internet working. Had accommodations for the first 2 days now moving down to Formula 1. I visited the place yesterday, not too impressive but quite close to Sandton. My major problem is storing valuables - I have a laptop, camera, passport, cash/cc and tickets. They have no locker. Got a car, the last one that Avis had, stick shift and no power steering but I am used to that so no trouble. Prices are crazy, will try budget tomorrow. Also and this is important unless you are picking up a car from the Airport (not recommended as you pay airport taxes extra, pretty sure - it's the same in the US) you will need to have your own GPS. Fortunatley I brought a Garmin 675T with me and had already loaded it with SA maps. Turned out to be a lifesaver. For ticketing update check the other thread for people who have picked up tickets. Who else is around? I need to find a place for tomorrow, preferably in Sandton or Melvilee, will split cost and buy beer. My number in SA is 076 195 3254. Would also love to goto the concert tomorrow if I can find a damn safe to put my stuff in. All I need is a safe and a couch to sleep on, will split costs.
is there free wifi at mug and bean? we arrive friday lunchtime. Need to get car, find hotel, collect tickets etc, then aim to be going to fanfest. Maybe to Brazen head first. How cold is it at night?
No idea about Mug and Bean but wifi at hotels has been crap so far, way too much downtime and too slow. Prebook a taxi or something for whatever place you are staying, you can collect tickets at the airport or Sandton. If you are getting them all then just goto the airport in Joburg, its on the second floor. As soon as you get out take the elevator to 2 and its right ahead. I would recommend bringing GPS. For me wifi was a show stopper so went to Vodacare in Sandton City mall (really nice) and got a modem 3.6 HSDPA - 650R and 2.3 Gig plan for 385R. You can get 7.2 for 2000R but this is fast enough. Mifi was out of stock and is usually 2800R. As far as cold goes depends on where you from, for the English this is really pleasant weather. I am from NYC so this doesn't come close to our weather either. It does get really chilly at night and early morning so bring a nice winter jacket. I would pick you up from the airport but I am going to Match one early on Friday. Ceremony is at 2, kickoff at 4 and I need to get rid of 1 extra match ticket. Feel free to call if you need any help. And, if you have a place to crash let me know. I am still exploring and would rather move around than be stuck in one place. Will split of course. Have fun, you will love it. So far everyone is very nice. Prices are jacked up as expected but I have a feeling this might be one of the best WCs in recent history.
15 min free at mug & bean and then you can pay to continue, I was just there to check email, and I didnt see how much it was for additional time Beer there is cheap, maybe 15 Rand for a bottle It was cold tonite on the deck at Brazen Head, slipped back inside after a while
Anyone have experiences in picking up a rental car? Any word on needing an international drivers license for us Americans? (have heard conflicting info)
Absolutely no need for an international drivers license. Literally walked into the Avis on Rivonia and took their last car. All you need is a passport and a driver's license from the same country. I had an Indian passport that I wasn't carrying but she let me take the car anyway because they were closing on the promise that I'd mail it asap. She wouldn't take my NYC license but fortunately I had my Indian driver's license so it wasn't an issue. I could've probably talked her into it even without that. Btw, I inquired about a GPS and she said they only do that at the airport. Fortunately I had brought my own thanks to a post on another thread. Make sure you load SA maps before you bring it.
Great report, keep posting all of you lucky people being there already! One more week to go, can't wait!!
Just a question out of interest...what did you need to get this phone? Dis you need proof of residence etc?
Am not sure about this, but if you are still at home then rather bring proof of some sort, and to be on a safe side bring details of the hotel you'll be staying at. This whole proof of res is new to SA also. I hope you all have a great stay in our beautiful country
Seriously dude, non at all. I walked with a couple of friends at night to another town (about 20km) to find a bar (about 9pm) and walked back, slightly drunk (about 00:30) on our first night. We were all a bit nervous but we just tried to look like we knew where we were going and the few people we bumped into were real friendly. Just a word of advice though, dont ask anyone for directions on the street, a criminal will mark you (for other criminals) and may even follow you and you will be robbed or worse. Ask a store worker or someone who works in the gas station. Is anyone here going to any of the fan parks to watch the opening tomorrow? If so, where are you going? Think Im going to the big screen in "New Town".
Lol...I'm a local...which is why i was asking...want to get an idea of how people experienced the cellphone requirements such as rica... I hope so many foreigners got cellphones in SA so that darn idea of rica crashes...
You are bad Emmex. And btwn you and I, I hope they scrap it too *whispering* Thought I was the only local here
My friend bought a phone at MTN today in Sandton City. Cheap ZTE phone was only 89 rand. Took 10 minutes to get up and running, they copy your passport and drivers license but no real hassle.
For those there, what country's fans are the nicest / coolest and which fans are the rudest / arrogant? Thanks and hope y'all are having a blast!
Johannesburg cold at night. Cape Town wet!. Anyone still to travel - pack waterproof coat! Only been to one game so far - Rustenburg. England were rubbish. Stadium facilities not great. Food offer poor inside. Virtually nothing outside. If you drive to stadium, ignore park and ride and follow official FIFA signs. Don't be put off by people directing traffic. Be persisitant and just before official checkpoint you can park in someones garden for R50. Bargain! 150 yards from stadium. Only 38000 inside, capacity 44,000. Tickets on sale outside below face value. All beer Budweiser and it takes an eternity for the overworked staff to unscrew the caps! Soccer City tonight. very close to V & A waterfront. Really not many people about compared to previous world cups. lets hope it picks up!
Everything according to Fifa's rules - no SA beer, no SA vendors. Usually you can buy great stuff to eat outside the stadia - no vendors allowed for KMs radius. Unusual cold front - will get even colder the next few days - sorry for you ! SA'ns don't go out if it is under 10 degrees. It is way under 10 degrees now. Durbs was 28 today - will be 17 tomorrow. You win some, you lose some. Should blow over by the weekend and hopefully the weather will improve (haha - here I am apologizing about our weather. To a Brit!!)
Gronum, 10 degrees is considered almost Summer in some parts of the World, looking forward to your wonderfull SA weather!
Well we all know what to think of FIFA. Same at Greenpoint last night. Catering hopelessly inadequate. I hate to think what it will be like on friday. Stadium not finished! Some toilets inside are portakabins! Cat 2 seats in south stand are temporary and made me feel anxious for my life thjroughout the game! From the higjhest point its a long way down! Also. Everyone in lower tiers got soaked! Not as good as Allienz Arena. Bus loads of locals shipped inm to make a noise, which they did. Not a great experience for me I"m afraid.