Tips for staying safe on your trip this holiday season
The police provide a few safety tips for when you're out and about.
Going on vacation, seeing the world or traversing South Africa is always a fun and memorable experience. But, the world is filled with more danger than you might think while taking in all the sights. It’s very important to remain vigilant, and keep a few things in mind when heading out and exploring.
The police have issued a warning, and provided a few tips, for when you’re out and about.
At the airport:
• Make sure all your luggage has locks and name tags.
• Do not allow people to tamper with your bags.
• When seeking directions, proceed to marked information counters only.
At the hotel, guesthouse or other accommodation:
• Report any suspicious, unattended luggage or parcels to the personnel at reception.
• Never leave your luggage unattended, unless it’s locked away in your room.
• Store valuables in the safety deposit box.
• Keep your room locked. If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
• Contact reception if you have any reason for concern.
• Hand your keys in whenever you leave.
• Make sure that luggage is only given to the bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage.
On the street:
• Avoid an ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras, mobile phones and other valuables.
• Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped, and do not leave it unattended.
• Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended.
• Do not carry large sums of money with you.
• Exchange your currency at a bank or at the hotel – never exchange it on the street.
• Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers.
• Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence.
• At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas. It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets.
• Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers.
• A police- or traffic officer will be happy to direct you if you get lost.
• Should you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the South African Tourism helpline (contact number: 083 123 6789) can recommend a reliable service.
In your vehicle:
• Plan your route in advance.
• Keep the doors locked and wind the windows up at all times.
• Do not leave your mobile phone or other valuables where they are visible from outside the vehicle.
• Lock valuable items in the boot before your departure.
• At night, park in well-lit areas.
• Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
• If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice and help.
• Make sure you have the number of the car rental company at hand in case you get stranded.
On hiking trails:
• In the interest of personal safety and having assistance in the case of a physical or medical emergency, it is advisable to explore trails in groups.
• Steer away from isolated areas unless accompanied by a guide.
Useful telephone numbers in South Africa:
• South African Police Service Emergency – 10111
• Crime Stop (report criminal activity anonymously) – 08600 10111
• Mobile phone emergency – 112
• South African Tourism helpline – 083 123 6789
• Visit the police’s website at https://www.saps.gov.za for more safety hints.
