Difference between revisions of "Travel Safely in South Africa"

While South Africa has a bad reputation for crime, this reputation is somewhat inflated, and almost everywhere is safe to visit. Like many places in the world, it is about being a responsible, knowledgeable traveler rather than assuming that everywhere is dangerous. By taking a few sensible precautions, you can avoid sticky situations and possible health problems, allowing you to enjoy what is a fantastic country, seeing all you want to see with confidence.

[[Category: Travel Safety & Security]]

  South Africa does have crime problems but once you are aware of the types and location of the crime problems, you will be set for a safe journey. Reassuringly, tourists do not tend to be targeted and most tourists visit South Africa without incident.<ref name="rf1">MSNBC, Keeping safe in South Africa, at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36150559/ns/travel-tips/ </ref> The most common types of crime you might encounter will be con artists, hustlers, touts, and scam merchants.<ref name="rf2">Southern Africa Places CC, http://www.places.co.za/html/safe.html, accessed 28 May, 2010 and Lonely Planet,  ''Southern Africa'', p. 744, 4th edition, (2007), ISBN 978-1-74059-745-6 </ref>

#*Don't go into the central business areas of main cities at night.<ref name="rf3">Southern Africa Places CC, http://www.places.co.za/html/safe.html, accessed 28 May, 2010</ref>

#*Always take taxis at night. <ref name="rf4">Southern Africa Places CC, http://www.places.co.za/html/safe.html, accessed 28 May, 2010 and Lonely Planet,  ''Southern Africa'', p. 745, 4th edition, (2007), ISBN 978-1-74059-745-6 </ref>

#*Keep your PIN covered whenever using an ATM. Use ATM's that are in well-lit places and not isolated.<ref name="rf5">Sabric, https://www.sabric.co.za/?pg=Public+Awareness Public awareness - ATM fraud, retrieved 13 May 2010</ref> If people try crowding around you, leave that ATM and find another one. If there is any commotion at the ATM, leave, or suggest that people seek help from the bank - con artists can try any sort of distraction to part you from your money.

#*Don't flaunt your valuables. Leave the expensive jewellery at home, avoid accessories or bags that are too flashy. Lonely Planet even recommends not wearing watches, no matter how inexpensive.<ref name="rf6">Lonely Planet, ''Southern Africa'', p. 745, 4th edition, (2007), ISBN 978-1-74059-745-6</ref> Place all valuables and your passport in the hotel safety deposit box. Even then, place items inside sealed envelopes or lockable containers to prevent staff theft.

#*SA Places recommends that you talk to the local people before walking into the very isolated areas of Kwazulu-Natal and the the Wild Coast of Transkei on your own. <ref name="rf3" />

  Driving in any new country carries some hazards for the unfamiliar driver, and it is important to take the necessary precautions. Drunken driving is commonplace in South Africa, and although attempts are being made to address this, over 1000 people die on South African roads during the Christmas holiday season alone, giving you some idea of the need to take care.<ref name="rf7">The Rough Guide to Cape Town, Crime and Personal Safety, p.38, (2010), ISBN 978-1-84836-479-0</ref> The following steps will help you to drive safely when hiring a car in South Africa.

#*When driving through a downtown area that is crowded, keep the car windows up and all the doors locked.<ref name="rf8">The Rough Guide to Cape Town, Crime and Personal Safety, p.39, (2010), ISBN 978-1-84836-479-0</ref> This will prevent anyone from attempting to reach in when you're waiting at lights, etc.

#Try to use private hospitals over public hospitals if you need to use a hospital. You won't wait as long, the staff will be attentive and the standards are high.<ref name="rf9">The Rough Guide to Cape Town, Crime and Personal Safety, p.31, (2010), ISBN 978-1-84836-479-0</ref> Pharmacies are well stocked in major centres.

#Ask your doctor's advice for your own health needs before leaving. Unless you are coming from another African country, you won't need any specific vaccinations; tropical disease concerns are not generally an issue in South Africa. However, malaria is a major health issue in some parts of South Africa (Kruger National Park, some areas in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and northern KwaZulu-Natal),<ref name="rf10">FIFA World Cup, ''Fan Guide'', p. 85, www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/loc/01/20/26/.../fanguidelres.pdf</ref> dependent on season, climate, and location. There is no risk of malaria in the major cities. Speak to your doctor or health clinic about the necessity of taking appropriate precautions - the advice is constantly updated.<ref name="rf11">Lonely Planet, ''Southern Africa'', p. 769, 4th edition, (2007), ISBN 978-1-74059-745-6</ref> Moreover, it is standard good travel practice to have tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A shots up-to-date.<ref name="rf9" /><br><br>

#Practice safe sex measures. South Africa has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world.<ref name="rf12">FIFA World Cup, ''Fan Guide'', p. 84, www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/loc/01/20/26/.../fanguidelres.pdf</ref> Take appropriate precautions and do not share needles or injections.<br><br>

#If you are undertaking outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, be aware that there are the usual outdoor concerns:<ref name="rf8" />  

#*Water is generally safe to drink from taps except in rural or informal areas but do not drink water straight from rivers or streams, especially those downstream from cities and other human settlements<ref name="rf10" />

*Avoid catching a minibus after dark, especially if you are traveling alone, or you are a woman traveler.<ref name="rf7" />

*Lonely Planet warns of the common "jammed card in the ATM" scam. The con artist fiddles with the ATM to cause your card to get stuck, and while you go inside the bank to complain, your cash is stolen.<ref name="rf13">Lonely Planet,  ''Southern Africa'', p. 744, 4th edition, (2007), ISBN 978-1-74059-745-6 </ref>