Safety Tips

South Africa boasts a diverse array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Tourists can safely visit most parts of the country, provided that they take basic common-sense precautions. However, as would be the case anywhere in the world, we recommend that some areas be visited in groups, or with local guides. We suggest that visitors make use of recommended tours and tour operators to visit these sites. If you are unsure of which areas you should visit with a guide, or if you would like to get information about recommended tours and tour operators, you can contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345.

• Do not leave your luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the accommodation establishment’s safety deposit box.
• Keep your room locked at all times. If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
• Do not leave room keys lying around.
• Hand the key in at the desk when you leave the accommodation establishment.

• If you choose to use public or other transport, we suggest that you consult the list of recommended taxi services and buses that are available in all hotels or call the National Tourism Information and Safety Line for advice.
• At a transport hub, keep your luggage where you can see it and never leave it unattended.

• Travel with certified photocopies of your valuable documents when possible and keep the originals in a safe place.
• Do not countersign all your traveler’s cheques.
• Write down your traveler’s cheque and credit card numbers as well as the customer service number for the issuing bank(s) and keep it in a safe place.
• Separate your cash and credit cards and don’t carry all your cash / traveler’s cheques with you. Store them in the room or hotel safe.
• Do not allow strangers to assist you in your transactions at automated tellers. If your card gets stuck, immediately call the Help Line number for assistance found at the ATM. Be alert and watch that no one steals your card when you turn your back.
• Immediately report lost or stolen travel documents to your country’s embassy or consulate and the SAPS. The National Tourism Information and Safety Line keeps a list of all embassy numbers.

It is recommended that you …

• Try to obtain a route map before you set out and plan your route beforehand.
• Keep your valuables tucked away where no one can see them. Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables.
• Carry traveler’s cheques rather than large sums of money and avoid counting money in the open.
• Try to explore in groups and stick to well-lit streets especially at night.
• Consult your hotel or nearest tourism information office about a reliable taxi service.

• Use registered, qualified tour guides.
• Do not leave valuables on chairs, under tables or on restroom hooks.
• Try to travel in groups, especially if you are visiting nightclubs, bars or shebeens that you haven’t visited before.

• Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in South Africa: remember that motorists in South Africa drives on the left hand side of the road!
• Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance. Note that bank credit cards (including Diners cards) are not accepted as payment for fuel.
• Have phone numbers of your hotel and destination on hand in case you get lost.
• Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times.
• Lock valuables in the boot / trunk of the vehicle.
• Never pick up strangers.
• Park in well-lit areas at night.
• Only stop at designated viewing or picnic sites.
• Go to the nearest business or petrol station to ask for assistance of you get lost.
• Use the SOS phones that are located along all national highways if you encounter a problem on the roads or call the National Tourism Information and Safety Line for assistance.

Note that all fines for traffic violations may only be paid at a Magistrate’s court or Traffic Department where an official receipt will be issued. If you are issued with a citation for any traffic violation, you are not required to pay over any amount of cash directly to the officer.

Although incidents against tourists in South Africa are very rare, we believe it is important for you to be aware of basic emergency procedures in the unlikely event that your are a victim of crime. If you have been victimized:

• Go to the nearest safe and public place.
• Call the police emergency number (10111) and briefly explain what happened. This call is free from any phone box or landline. If you are using a cellular phone dial 112 and your call will be tranferred to the appropriate emergency service.
• If you are injured, the call centre wil dispatch an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital or you can call the national ambulance service on 10177.
• For additional assistance, you can call the National Tourism Information and Safety Line. They will provide emotional support, practical assistance and information to help you deal with the situation. If required, they will assist you to apply for replacement documentation e.g. passport, visa and traveler’s cheques.