Getting around

Riding a minibus taxi

How to stop one, how paying works, and what to say when you want to get off. Habits differ by city, so ask when unsure.

Minibus taxis move most of South Africa's commuters. They're cheap and they go almost everywhere. They also run on habits nobody writes down.

Stopping one

Stand where taxis stop: a rank, or a spot where people are already waiting. Hand signs tell the driver where you're going. Signs differ by city and route, so ask someone at the stop which one to use. Pointing a finger up often means somewhere nearby or in town, but don't count on it everywhere.

If you're unsure, start at a taxi rank. The marshals there know which taxi goes where.

Paying

• Have cash and try to carry small notes and coins.
• You usually pay once you're seated. Pass your money forward to the front, and say how many people you're paying for.
• Change comes back the same way, hand to hand. Count it, politely.
• If you sit in the front row, people may hand you money to count and pass on. It's normal to help.

Fares depend on the route and change over time. Ask the driver or the person next to you what it costs before you pay.

Getting off

Say where you want to stop, loud enough for the driver to hear. "Short left" or "after the robot" (a robot is a traffic light) are standard. Give a bit of warning before your stop.

Staying safe

• Keep your phone and wallet out of sight, especially by the door and at ranks.
• Travel in daylight when you can, and use routes people you trust use.
• If a taxi looks overloaded or the driver is driving badly, you can wait for the next one.
• Taxi violence does flare up on some routes. Local news and community groups usually know before anyone else.

Last updated 8 October 2026