Safety & Assistance
Commonly Asked Questions

What is the reality behind safety in South Africa?
Crime is, as in all countries around the world, a reality. South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder. However, most cases occur in townships and in areas away from main tourist destinations. There are a few basic precautions you should take to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and safe as possible. You could reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of crime, by eliminating the opportunity criminals are looking for. In general there is a great deal of goodwill to foreign visitors, as most South Africans realise the importance of tourism to the country's development.

What guarantee do I have that I won't get hijacked?
There is no guarantee just as there is none that you will! If you take precautions and are aware of your surroundings then you will be fine. If driving around in Joburg plan your trip and avoid certain areas such as Hillbrow and Berea. If you drive after dark, don't take unnecessary stops. Keep your car doors locked. When stopping at traffic lights, keep a safe following distance. Do not leave packages or personal items in the seat of the car. Pop it in the boot (trunk).Park in well-lit areas at night, and never pick up singles or any hitchhiker.

Is it safe to walk the streets any time of day?
It’s always safer during the day than at night, but this also depends where you are. For example, Long Street in Cape Town is a well-lit hub of activity, and walking the street at night observing the night-life is a distinctive Cape Town attraction. Whenever possible, do not walk alone. It's better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets. At night, steer clear of dark, isolated areas.
When walking in the street be observant and guard against snatchers, pick-pockets and other criminals.

What are the crime statistics and nature of crime in South Africa?
South Africa spends more than double on criminal justice than the rest of the world, however, South Africa is also against the grain internationally as crime has been reduced in most areas.According to official police stats, the murder and crime rate has dropped between 2002- 20008.
Crime trends 2002-2008 (per 100,000 of the population)

Category 2002/3 2007/8 % change Down or Up?
Contact Crimes
Murder 47.4 38.6 - 18.6% Down
Rape 85.6 75.6 - 11.7% Down
Assault with attempt to inflict GBH^ 279.2 247.3 - 11.4% Down
Attempted Murder 78.9 39.3 - 50.2% Down
Common Assault 621.6 413.9 - 33.4% Down
Common Robbery 223.4 135.8 - 39.2% Down
Aggravated Robbery 279.2 247.3 - 11.4% Down
Carjacking* 14,691 14,201 - 3.3% Down
Cash in transit robbery* 374 395 +5.6% Up
Property-related Crimes
Residential Burglary 704.0 497.1 - 29.4% Down
Business Burglary 162.8 131.7 -19.1% Down

Stats from: www.sagoodnews.co.za

How do I ensure I have a safe trip?

There is a great deal of goodwill to foreigner visitors as you bring with you positive change and growth to our country. There are some basic precautions to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and safe as possible. Use your wits in the same way you would travelling in South Africa, as you would at home. Do not carry large sums of money and jewellery. Do not walk around at night, especially alone, in dark deserted areas. It’s better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets and stay away from narrow alleys. A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to direct you if you get lost. A camera around the neck identifies you as a tourist. Rather carry it in a large shoulder bag. Beware of strangers offering to be your guide or presenting you with bargains. Always look as if you know where you are going. If you are confronted, don't fight back, give up your valuables. Inform yourself of things like using public transport, travelling, the basic need to know about South Africa so you are not overwhelmed by information when you get here.

Does being a tourist make me an easy crime target?

NO. As in any other country, when travelling take extra caution with your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Are there safe areas in SA?
Yes! The SA Police Service and security agencies from around the world are creating criminal-free zones in each 2010 FIFA World cup host city. As mentioned in staying safe in SA, keeping to cities and well lit areas is always a safer option.

Which places should I avoid?
Avoid travelling into or via crime-ridden places, such as certain informal settlements or township areas. Local authorities or your front desk personnel at your hotel/place of accommodation will be able to advise you as to which areas to steer clear of.

What if I have to travel in these areas?
Inform your family or friends as to what to do in the event of an emergency. Ensure your affairs are in order before travelling. It’s a good idea to register your travel before you leave home. It will make it easier to contact you in case of an emergency.
What areas should see at leisure and be at ease?

What do I do in an emergency?

If you are a victim of any crime, report immediately to the local police and contact your Embassy/Consulate. If injured or ill, your embassy/consulate should supply you with a list of doctors and hospitals. In all instances they will contact family or friends at your request and if necessary, help with transfer of funds. Prosecution rests solely on local authorities, but your consulate can assist you in understanding the local criminal justice process and find an attorney if needed.
If you are arrested, your embassy official will advise you as to your right and legal assistance. Under international treaties and customary international law, if you are detained, you have the right to talk to your Consul.
Emergency line in South Africa is 10111. If you've purchased our Safety & Assistance Service, you can call 021 4218787 in any emergency and we will help you and take care of everything with incredible efficiency.

What other safety factors/tips do I need to take into account?
Be careful at the airport. Most major airports are prime targets for criminals, and South Africa is no exception. Book your taxis through a reputable taxi service. Handbags and valuables should not be left unattended. Credit cards and travellers cheques are also a safer option to carrying around large amounts of cash. Make two copies of your passport, airline tickets, credit cards and driver’s license. Leave a copy with family/friends at home and keep the other separate from your originals.

How safe is public transport?

Most national and main roads in the cities are in very good condition, making travelling easy. It is not advisable to travel at night in badly lit places. Golden Arrow runs a very good bus service http://www.gabs.co.za/ . Schedules are not as by the minute as perhaps in a country like Germany, but run fairly regularly. A typically South African means of local transport is the mini-bus taxis ready to take you anywhere. Be careful with your personal belongings, as it can be a safety risk, depending on where you are. Trains are also another means of transport. Safe but pricier options are taxi-cabs and shuttles.
An efficient, comfortable and low cost transport system, called the “Bus Rapid Transit” (BRT) system, is being planned for the 2010 FIFA World Cup host cities.

How do I drive safely in South Africa?
If available, choose a car with universal locks and power windows. Thieves can snatch purses through open windows of moving cars. Wear seat belts and keep your doors locked. Avoid driving at night. Don't leave valuables in the car. Don't park your car on the street overnight. Don’t pick up hitchhikers. Drive away from suspicious looking individuals approaching.

What is the reality of Xenophobia?
Xenophobia is not unique to Africa. However, it is probably less savage elsewhere.
The attacks on immigrant and refugees in South Africa mid 2008, is still fresh in the minds of South Africa. However, as a nation, South Africans are friendly people, welcoming foreigners to our shores, and the attacks, though indefensible, has to be seen in context of the socio-economic structure of the areas in which they occurred. As a tourist, if you keep to the usual precautions when on holiday, you will have a peaceful and enjoyable stay.

What is the reality of HIV/AIDS and how does this affect me as a traveller?
South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in the world. Public awareness with regard to protection against infection is increasing. Travellers are cautioned to exercise appropriate protective measures if engaging in sexual activities, or if exposed to blood other than transfusion purposes or supplied by a hospital.

What should I avoid bringing with me when I travel?
Leave valuable or expensive-looking jewellery, objects of sentimental value, surplus cards such as extra credit cards, library cards etc. which you only need at home. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family/friends in case of an emergency. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travellers' cheques with someone at home.

What is the quality of hospitals and medical care?
Medical facilities and hospitals in the major cities and towns are world-class, but in rural areas the institutions deal only with primary health needs, thus the medical care is not as extensive as the metropolitan hospitals. South Africa has medical caregivers deployed throughout the country.

What other health-risks should I take into account?
Adults won’t need inoculations unless travelling from yellow-fever endemic area. You will need to provide certification when you arrive, and having inoculations 4-6 weeks before your arrival is highly recommended. Hepatitis B inoculations are recommended for children under 13 if they have not had the complete series of injections.
Malaria: Prevalent in parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Please ensure vaccination and medication in your home country if visiting these areas/provinces, as well as Kruger Park and other Game Reserves.
Cholera: There are periodic outbreaks of cholera in rural parts of South Africa: particularly Mpumalanga, Northern KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. Practice good personal hygiene and drink only bottled water in these areas.

If I need to receive a phone call from my country, what dialling code is used?
For international calls to South Africa, the prefix code is + 27 followed by the area code prefix (without the ‘0’). The prefix code is 00, for international calls out of South Africa, and specific country codes can be found in any local telephone directory. Alternatively, you can dial Telkom’s 24-hour international customer care centre – 10903.

Where do I hire a mobile phone if needed?
Cellular telephones are available for hire at airports and most car hire companies, along with airtime.

What documents do I need when I visit the country?
Passport and ID. You may need a visa depending on your nationality, the purpose and duration of your stay.

How much South African Rands can I take out of the country?
You are allowed R500 in South African Reserve Bank notes. You will be charged a 20% levy for anything above that amount.

What taxes will I have to pay on South African goods?
14% Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on services and goods, but as traveller you can reclaim VAT on anything over the value of R250 if you’re taking it out of the country.

Which languages are spoken in South Africa? Would I need to learn any local languages to get by?
Although there are 11 official languages, most of the population can speak English. Street names, signs, directions and majority of signage and information you would need to get around, is in English. Of course you will endear yourself to locals even more if you do learn a few local words, depending on where you stay!

What time of the year is Summer in South Africa?
• Summer - mid-October to mid-February
• Autumn - February to April
• Winter - May to July
• Spring - August to October

On what timeline does South Africa fall?
There are no regional time zones within the country. South African Standard Time is Greenwich Mean plus 2 hours. This means it is 7 hours ahead of USA’S Eastern Standard Winter Time and 1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time.

How much do I tip at restaurants?
In restaurants the standard percentage is 10% of the bill. Petrol attendants, car guard attendants can also be tipped and generally anything from R2-R10 is the norm.

Where can I smoke?
Smoking is prohibited by law in most public places and many restaurants have smoking and non-smoking areas.