Introduction to South Africa and Safety

Safety is an issue that is paramount in the minds of tourists visiting this South Africa . Safety is important and by following just a few guidelines your safety in South Africa is easy. Although South Africa is in many respects a developed country, much of its population, particularly in rural areas, lives in poverty. There are adequate facilities in all South African urban centers, game parks and areas most commonly visited by tourists.

Medical facilities are good in all urban areas of South Africa and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but may be limited elsewhere. Food and water are generally safe and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available. There is continuing and significant street crime such as muggings, pickpocketing, and random street violence, which affects foreigners as well as local residents, especially in the center of major cities such as Johannesburg . Road conditions are generally good but there is a very high incidence of highway casualties, especially over holiday weekends.

When you travel to South Africa the odds are in your favor that you will have a safe and incident-free holiday. However, crime and violence, as well as unexpected difficulties, do happen. In the hope of helping you avoid serious difficulties during your visit to South Africa , we have prepared the following travel tips.

Before you go to South Africa

1. What to Bring

Safety begins when you pack. To avoid being a target, dress conservatively. Don't wear expensive looking jewelry. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence.

Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.

Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.

To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first.

Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.

Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.

Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.

2. What to Leave Behind

Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:
· valuable or expensive-looking jewelry,
· irreplaceable family objects,
· all unnecessary credit cards,
· Social Security card, library cards, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.