Safety Tips

Despite international perceptions, South Africa is a safe country to visit, provided that the normal safety precautions mentioned below, are followed.

Nevertheless it is always better to know whom to contact in case you have a problem... here are the telephone Numbers - just in case you need them:

  • Police Emergencies: Tel10111 (land line) or 112 (mobile)
  • Ambulance Tel: 10117
  • Fire Brigade Tel: (0140) 23333
  • AA Breakdown Service: Tel 0800 01 01 01

At the Hotel

  • Never leave your luggage unattended.
  • Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box
  • Keep your room locked at all times.
  • If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
  • Hand the key in at the desk when you leave the accommodation establishment.
  • Try to obtain a route map before you set out and plan your tour.
  • Keep valuables tucked away where no one can see them. Avoid ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras and valuables.
  • Carry traveller's cheque rather than large sums of money and avoid counting money in open.
  • Try to explore in groups and stick to well-lit streets especially at night.
  • Consult your hotel or nearest tourism information office about a reliable taxi service.
  • If you choose to use public or other transport, we suggest that you consult the list of recommended taxi services and buses that are available in all hotels or call the tourism information office for advice.
  • At transport hub, keep your luggage where you can see it and never leave it unattended.

 

Money and Travel Documents

  • Travel with certified photocopies of your valuable documents when possible and keep the originals in a safe place.
  • Do not countersign all your traveller’s cheques.
  • Write down your traveller’s cheque and credit card numbers as well as the customer service number for the issuing bank(s) and keep it in a safe place.
  • Separate your cash and credit cards and don’t carry all your cash/ traveller’s cheques with you. Store them in the room or hotel safe.
  • Do not allow strangers to assist you in your transactions at automated teller. If the card get stuck immediately call help line number found at the ATM for assistance. Be alert and watch that no one steals your card when you turn your back.

 

In the car

  • Plan your route in advance. Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in South Africa. Remember SA drives on the left hand side of the road!
  • Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance. Note bank credit cards(incl. Dinners cards) are not accepted as payment for fuel.
  • Have phone numbers of your hotel and destination on hand in case you get lost.
  • Keep the doors locked at all times and wind the windows up.
  • Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk).
  • At night, park in well-lit areas.
  • Never pick-up strangers.
  • If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.
  • Only stop at designated viewing or picnic sites.
  • Go to the nearest business or petrol station to ask for assistance if you get lost.
  • Note that all traffic violation fines may only be paid at magistrate court or traffic department where an official receipt will be issued. If you are issued with the citation for any traffic violation, you are not required to pay over any amount of cash directly to the Officer.

 

On The Road:

  • Use registered , qualified tourist guides
  • Do not leave valuables on chairs, under tables or restroom hooks.
  • Try to travel in groups, especially if you are visiting nightclubs, bars or shebeens that you haven’t visited before.
  • Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in South Africa. Remember SA drives on the left hand side of the road!
  • Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance. Note bank credit cards(incl. Dinners cards) are not accepted as payment for fuel.
  • Have phone numbers of your hotel and destination on hand in case you get lost...
  • Keep car doors locked and wind windows up at all times.
  • Lock valuables in the boot /trunk.
  • Never pick up strangers.
  • At night park in well lit areas.
  • Only stop at designated viewing or picnic sites.
  • Go to the nearest business or petrol station to ask for assistance if you get lost.

 

Emergencies

Although incidents of crime against tourists happen rarely in South Africa, tourists should still be aware of the basic emergency procedures to follow should anything happen.

  • Go to the nearest safe and public place.
  • Call the Police Emergency number 10111, which is free from a public telephone box or land line, and briefly explain what happened.
  • If you are using a mobile phone, use the Mobile Phone Emergency number 112 and your call will be transferred to the appropriate emergency services.
  •  If you have been injured, the call centre will dispatch an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital. Alternatively, you can call the National Ambulance Service 10177. 

 

Have a Great Day, Have a Great Stay !

Courtesy of Limpopo Tourism(www.golimpopo.com)