Safety Tips for Tourists

 

It is generally safe to visit South Africa as a tourist, Despite the countries horrible reputation, tourists very rarely fall victim to criminals in South Africa, and most areas frequented by tourists are safe. Just like anywhere else in the world, it is wise to follow a few basic precautions, use common sense, and avoid high risk areas.

Here are some basic safety tips that will help keep you safe while visiting South Africa. Although the list might seem long, most of these rules apply to basically anywhere in the world.

At the Airport

Airports are always going to be an area where predators will lay in wait. If you are travelling in a group, try to stay together, be alert at the airport, keep your bags and belongings in sight. Don’t leave your luggage unattended. Look around. Walk with purpose. Follow official direction signs. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

  • Never pack your valuables in checked luggage, keep valuables on you but out of sight, if possible. Don’t keep your passport, wallet or Mobile phone in your back pocket or accessible jacket pocket. Use an inside pocket or travel wallet.
  • Avoid using a handbag or a backpack. These are popular items for thieves to steal.
  • Be wary of strangers, do not accept help from any strangers, If you get hassled, a firm “no thanks” will do. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Not by your phone, and not by other people. Thieves may stage a diversion to distract you while an accomplice tries to steal your valuables. Be suspicious of someone bumping into you.
  • Always follow instructions from officials, if you are looking for information, directions or specific locations (like shuttle or bus parking) speak to persons in uniform or information desks. Never ask strangers.
  • Never get into a taxi you did not book yourself, if you are using uber, always confirm the person by asking them their name, if it feels suspicious walk away.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of Money on you, and do not exchange a large amount of foreign currency at the airport this can be done fairly easily. But we also live in a world where there is no need for Cash.
  • Be aware of people who seem to be following you or hanging around you for long periods of time. If you move to a new area and someone keeps following you, report them to an official.
  • Whilst waiting for your Transport / Shuttle / bus keep to Crowds or busy areas do not move to a quiet corner.

Drawing cash at an ATM

 

Although incidents involving ATMs are becoming increasing less common. We strongly discourage anyone from drawing money, its unnecessary, as most vendors, businesses and stores have card facilities, but if you have a need for Cash then follow the rules below:

  • Cash machines or ATM’s are available nearly everywhere including all shopping malls, Fuel stations and even corner stores. Some are in safe locations, others not. The safest ones are inside a bank or shopping mall, You can also draw cash from most supermarkets, at the till (cash register), Never draw Cash on a sidewalk or exposed street.
  • Don’t draw large sums of cash at a time.
  • Be alert. Never accept help from a stranger. Don’t even look up if someone asks you what the time is. If someone tells you the ATM is broken and you need to use another one, be suspicious and don’t draw cash there.
  • Never allow anyone close to you. Make sure nobody is looking over your shoulder. Shield the keypad when typing in your pin. Never divulge your pin to anyone no matter what happens.
  • If your becomes card is stuck in the machine, and a stranger comes to try and help you, it is almost certainly a scam. Stay at the machine, don’t enter your code again. Contact your bank immediately, and cancel your card.

While driving

  • Make sure phones, handbags, laptop bags and any other valuables are stored out of sight. If possible, keep your wallet, phone and passport on your person rather than somewhere in the car. Do not leave valuable items on the passenger or back seat.
  • Look the doors and keep windows closed when driving in high traffic or city areas.
  • At traffic lights, people may approach your window to beg for money or try and sell you something. Don’t panic, this is common in South Africa and usually harmless. A shake of the head is enough to indicate you are not interested.
  • When using a GPS, check and plan your route in advance, stick to highways and main routes, your GPS will not know which areas are unsafe and might take you through an unsafe area if the route is shorter.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers or offer lifts to a strangers.
  • Stick to the speed limit: the system is relatively easy 60km/h (37mph) in urban areas, 80km/h (50mph) on main roads and 100-120km/h (65- 75mph) on freeways unless otherwise indicated.
  • In the highly 8+unlikely event that you are robbed or hijacked, co-operate fully and do not resist. Let them take what they want. Resisting, cursing or shouting increases the chances of escalation to violence. Stay calm and don’t fight them.
  • When locking your car, listen for the click of the lock or check your doors to make sure they are locked. In some areas, remote jammers are active.

At your hotel or at restaurants

  • Don’t leave your bags unattended. Keep them closed and within sight.
  • All credit card transactions should be completed in your presence. Don’t let anyone take your credit card out of sight, where it may be cloned.
  • Use the room safe. Never leave valuables in your suitcase or elsewhere in your room.
  • Keep your door locked and don’t open for strangers.
  • Ask the hotel front desk about your immediate surroundings, if there are any areas to avoid, etc. You can also get directions about where to go.

On foot and in public areas

  • Stick to areas that are well lit and frequented by tourists. Avoid empty side streets or alleyways. Avoid dodgy-looking areas.
  • Don’t wander around aimlessly. Know where you are going. If you need directions, don’t ask strangers on the street. Go into a hotel or shop and ask for directions.
  • Don’t walk around staring at your phone. Keep your phone, purse and other valuables out of sight. Be alert.
  • Don’t display valuables or excessive jewellery. Try to blend in, rather than stand out as a rich tourist.
  • Never put your bag down somewhere and turn your back, or walk away from it.
  • Be cautious when people approach you or try and distract you. Go into a nearby shop if you feel uncomfortable.
  • Walking in groups is better than walking alone.
  • Do not give money to people on the street. Rather give to registered charities. Be careful about where you take out your wallet. And don’t believe all the sad stories you hear.
  • It is not wise to carry large sums of money with you. Credit cards are widely accepted and much safer.
  • Avoid remote beaches and hiking trails. Do a bit of research beforehand. Some areas are known to be unsafe, so don’t go there.
  • Some areas like the Waterfront are very safe, even after dark. But generally, it is safer to take a cab after dark than walking somewhere.

In game reserves

  • Game reserves are generally very safe. Do not feed or touch any wild animal. Be careful of baboons and monkeys, especially around Cape Point and at picnic sites in the Kruger National Park.
  • Do not leave food or bags in an open vehicle. Do not leave valuables lying around. Before leaving your car, check that your car doors are locked.
  • In the Kruger Park, do not leave valuables in your bungalow while out on a game drive.
  • In Table Mountain National Park, avoid hiking alone on remote footpaths or hiking trails. Don’t carry valuables with you on a hike. Always hike in a group and stick to the most popular tourist routes and be careful as there has been a recent surge in crime  on this particular route.

Use common sense

No matter where you travel in the world, general common sense and basic safety precautions will help you avoid most incidents of crime. Be alert. Avoid dodgy-looking areas and known high-risk areas. In South Africa that would include the townships (slums), run-down areas, commuter taxi ranks, and certain downtown areas. Don’t carry large sums of cash on you. Don’t trust strangers. Read up about common tourist scams, and be careful where you keep your valuables. If something does happen, stay calm and control your emotions. Don’t try and fight off robbers, or try to be a hero. Rather co-operate and think of your own safety first, not about your worldly possessions. Theft or robberies can happen, but homicides or violent crimes against tourists are very rare. Report any incidents of crime to the police. You need a police case number in order to claim from insurance. You can also report incidents to the Tourism Safety Initiative. This website also has some handy safety tips and important contact numbers. If necessary, get assistance from your travel agent or tour operator, or from your country’s consulate.

Most importantly, do not let the fear of crime ruin your trip or stop you from enjoying your African safari! Even in South Africa with its reputation for being unsafe, incidents involving tourists are rare, and most tourist regions are safe to visit. The vast majority (over 99.9%) of tourists to South Africa experience no incidents of crime during their trip.

Explor Safely!