In general 1. Try not to look like a tourist. 2. Dress down. 3. Don’t carry a camera or video openly visible in cities. 4. Avoid wearing jewellery or expensive watches. 5. Designer shades are sometimes pulled off people’s faces. 6. If you are robbed, remain calm and co-operative.
On foot 1. Don’t let anyone get too close to you - especially people in groups 2. In big cities, travel around in pairs or groups. 3. Develop an awareness of what peoplearound you are doing. 4. Grasp bags firmly under your arm. 5. Don’t carry large sums of money but a small amount to satisfy a mugger. 6. Don’t put your wallet in your back trouser pocket. 7. Always know where your valuables are. 8. Don’t leave valuables exposed, while having a meal or drink.
On the beach Take only the bare essentials to the beach. Don’t leave valuables, especially cameras, unattended. Some people pin car keys to their swimming gear, or you can put them in a waterproof wallet or splash box and take them into the water with you.
On the road Lock all your car doors, and keep windows closed especially in cities. Never leave anything worth stealing in view when your car is unattended.
At Cash Machines Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are favourite targets for sophisticated conmen. Never underestimate their ability and don’t get drawn into any interaction at an ATM, no matter friendly or distressed the other person appears.
Avoid trouble by following the pointers below: Don’t help anyone who claims to be having a problem with a cash machine - suggest they contact the bank. Don’t accept help from strangers if you have a problem at a cash machine. Don’t allow people to crowd you while withdrawing money. If in doubt, go to another machine.
Never allow anyone to see you punch in your personal identification number (PIN). If your card gets swallowed, report it without delay.
Women Travellers and Safety South Africa’s extremely high incidence of rape doesn’t as a rule affect tourists. In fact you’re unlikely to need to fend off the unwanted attentions of men.
However, women should avoid travelling on their own, nor should they hitchhike or walk alone in deserted areas. This applies equally to cities, the countryside or anywhere after dark.
Minibus taxis should be ruled out as a means of transport after dark, especially if you’re not exactly sure of local geography.
Sexual harassment is rare, but you should nevertheless walk assertively in crowded areas such as minibus taxi termini in big cities. At heart the majority of the country’s males, regardless of race hold on to fairly sexist attitudes. Take care that your eagerness to be friendly is not taken as a sexual overture - always be sensitive to potential misunderstandings and unintended signals.
