South African Travel Safety Tips
Safety has become an important issue throughout the world. The Tourism Safety Task Group of South Africa has compiled the following tips for tourists and migrants who come to the country:
In the street:
Avoid ostentatious displays of cameras and expensive jewellery, especially valuables such as necklaces that is easy to snatch.
It is definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money around (rather, we recommend using URCard, a safe, convenient prepaid debit card designed specifically for travellers)
- At night, steer clear of walking in dark, isolated areas, use taxis instead
- It’s better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets
- Plan your route beforehand
- A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to direct you if you get lost
- If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service
In a car:
- Leave nothing visible in a parked car – NOTHING, not even an empty carrier bag
- Do not pick up strangers when driving.
- Keep windows up at traffic lights.
Keep cash and documents (as flight tickets. passport etc) in your hotel’s safety deposit box.
Leave your valuables at home, your luggage may be opened and your valuables missing from your bags when you collect your luggage from the check out area.
- Do not wear expensive jewellery.
- Do not allow yourself to be separated from your hand luggage.
- Laptops, camera’s, mobile phones and handbags are targeted items.
- Do not allow yourself to be distracted by one person while another person runs off with your possessions.
If you are hiring a car and intend driving from the airport be sure you know the exact route you should take so that you need not stop to ask for directions making yourself vulnerable and an easy hijack target.
Avoid walking in deserted areas on your own during the day and particularly at night.
South Africa is not the only country where the above list applies, it applies to many destinations and innocent tourists are caught up in unpleasant situations because they are not vigilant and do not apply wisdom because they are “on holiday” and in a carefree mood.
Please also avoid giving money to beggars; you are more likely to lose your whole wallet in this type of situation. Poverty breeds crime!