Tips on keeping safe this holiday season
Holidays are for relaxing and being care free, however if you plan on enjoying a stress free holiday be sure not to drop your guard too much.
South Africa as a tourist destination is very popular. However, crime can be a major problem for those who are ill-prepared and vulnerable or haven’t necessarily armed themselves with the information they need to prevent it. Make sure you enjoy your holiday without having to worry about becoming a victim of crime.
Here are a few basic precautions you should take to ensure that your holiday is as safe and pleasant as possible:
Stay alert and aware
Most crime is petty crime – muggings, pick pocketing and stealing items out of bags. Avoid wearing flashy accessories in public, don’t leave your handbag unattended or unzipped and don’t use a bag that can be easily grabbed.
It is not advisable to carry large sums of money around. Keep your wallet and cellphone in a money bag strapped to your body and leave your expensive rings and necklaces at the hotel.
Take advantage of your hotel’s safe
Cellphones, laptops and other valuables are easy to steal and very expensive to replace. If you are staying in a hotel or guest house, lock away your valuables, including your passport when not in use.
You can ask the reception to keep your valuables for you while you are out and about. However, if you do this, ask for a receipt so that it is on record that they have stored these items.
Don’t walk around alone at night
Crime is committed when there is opportunity and walking around alone at night is asking for trouble, especially if you are female. If you need to go to the shops at night then always get some friends to accompany you.
Plan your route beforehand and steer clear of the dark, isolated areas – always park in well-lit areas. If on you’re on foot, it’s best to explore in groups and stick to the well-lit, busy streets.
Know where your credit card is at all times
Credit card fraud is a nasty crime to experience – don’t let your card out of your sight, even if the waiter or sales person is friendly. Rather accompany them to complete the transaction. Most sales people in South Africa are aware of credit card etiquette, and won’t take your card away from you.
Only use a reputable company’s taxi
There are many different types of taxis in South Africa, and metered taxis are available as privately owned and company owned. It is strongly recommended that you take taxis that are part of a registered taxi company.
The rates are often lower, they are also much safer, reliable and regulated. To get the number of a trustworthy cab company, ask your hotel reception. Always take note of the taxi’s car registration number. Alternatively, hiring a car to get around on your own terms is ultimately best.
Familiarise yourself with the area
Ensure that you have a map of the area, as well as all the emergency contact numbers.
The owner or manager of the hotel, resort or campsite can advise and assist on the area – providing you with safety hints and tips, as well as what to do in the event of getting lost, hurt or mugged. In this way you will not look like a tourist as you go about your holiday fun.
Last but not least
Be very wary of street children and vagrants – don’t pull your money, wallet or phones out in front of them. Do not trust strangers to assist you with your banking – rather go into the bank and get a manager to assist.
Lock up all your valuable items in the boot (trunk) of the car if you’re out and about hiking or at the beach – a camera lying on a seat is temptation to the would be thieves. Never pick up hitch hikers or strangers.
It is unfortunate that South Africa has gained a negative connotation with regards to safety. However, if you want to enjoy your holiday, use your common sense at all times, and don’t give potential criminals the opportunity to commit a crime.