Sandton City

Sandton City is a large upmarket shopping centre at 83 Rivonia Road in Sandhurst, in the Sandton business district of northern Johannesburg, Gauteng province, South Africa. It is often described as the country's flagship luxury mall, with more than 300 retailers, and is directly linked by walkway to Nelson Mandela Square, one of the city's best-known dining and public spaces, and to the Sandton Gautrain station. It is open Monday to Thursday from about 09:00 to 19:00, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 20:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 18:00.

The mall's brand mix is at the higher end of South African retail. It includes international luxury and premium fashion labels, jewellery and watch boutiques, beauty and cosmetics counters, electronics stores, homeware, and major South African chains such as department stores and supermarkets. Compared with the city's markets, goods are fixed-price and authentic branded items, with little of the counterfeit or tourist-trinket trade found in informal markets. Visitors looking for South African designers and local fashion labels will also find them alongside global brands, though the emphasis is on international names.

Prices are fixed and bargaining is not part of the culture. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, with cash rarely needed. Foreign visitors can claim VAT refunds on qualifying goods at their departure point, through the South African VAT refund scheme, which requires purchases from registered vendors, original tax invoices and meeting a minimum value; asking the retailer for a proper invoice at the till is the key step.

The atmosphere is polished and busy, with international visitors, business travellers and local shoppers. The mall is laid out across multiple levels with anchor department stores at the ends and a mix of fashion, luxury and electronics on the main concourses. Eating options are extensive, ranging from food courts and fast casual chains to sit-down restaurants and cafes in the mall and around Nelson Mandela Square. Cinemas and entertainment options are also nearby. The complex is close to many Sandton hotels, and the Gautrain link makes it easy to reach from Johannesburg's airport without a car, while extensive on-site parking serves those driving.