If you already ordered tickets for the FIFA World Cup and got a chance to get one of the comfortable hotel rooms, then luck you. This means that soon you’ll be engaged in a life where everything is very strange for you.
All of this means that you most likely turned out to learn more about South Africa so as not to be unprepared in the country. And if ignorance of the historical area or the economy of South Africa will not kill anyone, then the knowledge of basic safety rules can save the lives of tourists and also will keep the spirit of the soccer fans in the proper level.
Do not tell everyone that you are a tourist
Unlike Southeast Asia, or the traditionally tolerant in Europe, this statement does not cause any sympathy amongst the locals. On the contrary, the tourist is an easy target, he does not know which way to run, where to seek for help, he does not have local buddies who are willing to stand up for them in case of any kind of conflict.
So it is best to ask the way to the stadium, a porter in a hotel, police or the seller in the store as soon as you arrive to your spot. And even better – in advance to get the path to the desired location on the map think of a couple of replacement options for the security of your trip. This mostly means a road close to the major shopping centers or protected banks.
Do not take help of local residents
Especially if it they are trying to be too friendly. This kind of person is mostly likely a robber or a fraudster, who noted a suitable victim and is going to you to a quiet and comfortable place. And not for the purpose of telling you about the local attractions, but to take all of the “unnecessary stuff” and to share it with his “brothers” among the poor population of Africa. You love to watch movies about Robin Hood, isn’t it?
So it is better, not to get too much of attention of the locals and thus politely and firmly refuse them, without provoking a conflict and continue your route. And even better – quickly reach to a safer place: a major shopping center or police department. Check the map of all of the police stations of the city where you are or where you intend to go.
Do not wear a watch, jewelry and photographic equipments in sights
The idea of leaving it all in the hotel is also non-reasonable. The case of being robbed in the hotel is a common enough phenomenon for SAR, especially in such turbulent times, when all of Europe and America moved to Africa as if on purpose, to enrich a few local criminal associations. Ideally it would not take anything of value to your journey, but if you already took them then you better leave them in your room in a safe place or at the reception. There is a chance that they will rob somebody else.
Do not withdraw money from ATMs at night
Even during the day, in the presence of locals hang out nearby, is not the most convenient time for having this action. If you really had to withdraw money from a card, do it, clinging to the ATM, so no one will see whether you take something or not. And be sure to check whether the consignment is being noted on the card reader, before you get the card into the machine and enter a PIN, otherwise all of your money will be replenished into the account scam.
Do not keep cash in your back pocket
Back pocket is only for the naive, the front for those who have been taught not to keep all the cash in one place. However, from burglars are familiar with this technique thus it will not help. Anyways always put jewelry and money into their hands especially if you are ordered to give everything of value. Do not resist. Remember: life is more expensive than everything else.
Do not go to South African sights alone
Most of the monuments are in very poor and densely populated areas, where life is cheaper than the contents of your pockets and clothing. So you’d better hold on with groups. And even better – in large groups and do not leave your guiding person. Incidentally, it is better to use the services of a tour operator who will advise the hotel, not the first available, advertised on the street. Who knows, maybe this tour operator is the tour “Robin Hood and Sons”.
Do not watch football in the streets with screens
This is something which is popular only even among the local population and especially the poorest, so that the best thing that might happen to tourist here is to return without all the “extra”, but in the case if you will not support the proper team, then you might even suffer physically. Just keep in mind that this is the area where you should avoid going to. And always travel in big companies with the idea that most likely you can disperse in the opinion with the local majority and run up a fight.
So you better watch football in the hotel, in your room or in the hotel bar. Here you will get the same amount of impressions and you’ll have wonderful rest among the society of the tolerant-minded football fans.
Do not lose your attention by renting a car
Most of the hijackers are specialized in cars, thus rather than robbing tourists, they will probably not even touch the tourist, just thrown them out of the car on a deserted road and leave. Still, do not carry valuable things with you or leave them in plain sight. However, the I will not advise you to put all of your stuff into the trunk as the thieves will not give you the chance to pick the luggage from the car. Do not stop on the road to pick up a hitchhiker, even if he is alone and you have a lot of room. The robbers could be hidden nearby. If you are faced with armed criminals, give the keys and get out of the car. Life is more expensive.
If you notice a spy, go to the mall, where it is easier to get lost among the mass of cars, or to the police station. But you mentioned them on the map in green? Here it will be useful.
By the way keep in mind that some of the African animals can also turn into robbers. The most popular robber among the all is surely monkey. So keep your hotel room windows and doors closed if you’re not in it.
And have a good trip!
By now the world will have realised that South Africa is no more dangerous a destination for tourists than any other international destination, in spite of the poverty of a large section of our population. Tourists should be comforted by the fact that South Africa has hosted many recent international sporting events successfully with a minimum of minor crime incidents perpetrated on tourists. The precautions that a tourist should take to ensure his safety are no different from that of any other city in the world. By the end of this World Cup 2010 it is hoped that many of the myths about the danger of being a tourist in South Africa will have been disproved and the world can see that it is a eautiful and safe international destination. This is why tourism in South Africa has continued to grow during the past year in spite of the world economic recession, as has recently been announced by VISA.