Golden Rule: Be aware.  But don’t be paranoid.

No matter where in the world you are, these simple & common-sense precautions will help prevent you from becoming a victim of any type of crime.  

Luggage:  travel light.  Less to look after means you’ll get less tired, be able to move around easier & more able to keep a watch on your belongings.  Be especially vigilant at airports, train & bus stations and other public/popular places like restaurants, beaches, flea markets, etc.

Money belts: get one – whichever type & style you’re most comfortable with.  Keep your credit cards, travellers cheques, air tickets and cash close!  It’s worth ‘googling’ for money belt options in your home country … in South Africa, the main travel & camping stores are Camp World,  Cape Union Mart and Outdoor Warehouse.

Hire Cars: don’t leave anything visible inside your car – even a jacket or jersey - lock them in the boot/trunk.

Don’t flash cash …or expensive jewellery, cameras, cell phones, etc.  Unemployment is high and there are some who really have nothing.  Your least expensive possession is more than they’re ever likely to have.  ‘Disguise’ cameras, camcorders & other valuables in bags that wouldn’t draw attention.

Safes: lock your valuables away in the hotel/guesthouse safe.  Just carry enough for a day or two.

Rely on your instincts: if something or someone feels wrong – it probably is.  Get out & get away.

Be aware of your surroundings: don’t get so lost chatting to your mate that you end up in a dead end in a dodgy area.

Attitude: walk confidently & purposefully, with an open, friendly face.  It’s a fact that you’re far less of a target than someone with shoulders hunched, looking scared & paranoid.

ATMs are available almost everywhere – so it’s not necessary to carry large sums of cash.   Only use ATMs in well-lit areas.  Don’t accept help from strangers.  If your card seems stuck – call the SOS number immediately.

Avoid dark & desolate places – especially at night, especially if you’re on your own.

Taxis – use only registered companies – ask your hotel/lodge to recommend. 

Townships – especially urban ones, are sprawling & confusing.  Don’t go alone.  There are many reputable tours on offer.

Guides – use only registered, qualified guides. Ask to see their licence.

If you are mugged – don’t resist & don’t panic.  Nothing is worth your life or injury.   PLEASE REPORT at your nearest police station just as soon as you can.     

City Safety ... in South Africa

Safe/’No Go’ areas - Chat to your hotel/lodge owner – they’ll be happy to give you good info & advice on where to go – for the most safely & enjoyment.

Surveillance Cameras - most of the big cities like Johannesburg, Durban & Cape Town have installed cameras & improved lighting in their CBDs. This has been phenomenally successful, with serious reductions in crime.

Street Children - unfortunately, they’re often used by seasoned criminals to do the dirty work – they’re quick & make good pick-pockets & thieves. Please don’t give them money – if you’d like to help, please contact one of these excellent child welfare offices who can make real & lasting improvements to their lives – donations are welcome:

Jo’burg Child Welfare

Cape Town Child Welfare

Durban Child Welfare

Car Guards - a fairly new, but entrenched South African phenomenon, but at least it is a means of employment. You’ll find them at all sorts of parking areas – shopping centres, restaurants, beaches, hotels, etc.  If they’re “official”, they’ll be wearing a colourful ‘bib’. Some are really good, friendly & amusing. Some are surly & unhelpful.  As a rule, tip according to length of parking eg R1 – R5 or R10 or more, depending on attitude,  weather, time of night, peak season, etc.

A Wonderful System for safe travelling in South Africa: Travel Buddy

So there you are ...  travelling along in the middle of nowhere ... and you run out of petrol.  Who do you call?  Or you suddenly realise you're in an 'unsafe' area & not sure how to safely get out of it.  What's the answer?

Travel Buddy - a network of dedicated South African volunteers who look out for travellers - from welcoming & advising them to keeping them safe on their travels.

This is how it works: before leaving home (easier option) or once you get here (longer to set up), you register on the Travel Buddy website.  

On arrival in South Africa, buy a local SIM card at the airport for your mobile phone (or a hired one), text/SMS your reference number to Travel Buddy and a you’ll immediately receive a text back with your Buddy Button - a specific number you save to a speed dial button on your phone.

Lost?  Unsure?  Need a hand?  Press the Buddy Button & your cry for help will be SMS'd to your nearest Travel Buddy wherever you are.  If need be, they'll come to your support ... or just give you the advice you need via cell phone.  It's that easy.

If it's an emergency, Travel Buddy will pull out the stops - and contact all the relevant government, SA Police Services, SA Tourism Authorities and anyone responsible for the safety of international visitors.  Travel Buddy also has hotlines to many International Embassies, who are eager to assist their citizens abroad. 

Real SA hospitality
"We here in South Africa want you to realise that every international visitor is of great importance to our country. We want you to experience real South African hospitality. The 2010 Soccer World Cup is being held in South Africa and Travel Buddy wants every visitor to plug into South African’s local streetwise hospitality”

Visit Travel Buddy website for more info.

Good, sensible article on Travel Safety by Bundu - worth reading!

And remember, you need travel insurance to protect yourself from any cancellations, losses and theft along the way, so don't leave home without it.  Our recommended option is World Nomads - also recommended by Lonely Planet travel guides.