Safety Tips

Welcome to the rainbow nation of South Africa. These safety tips are provided for your safety and that of your loved ones.

General Safety Tips

Do not attract unwarranted attention by openly displaying cash, expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables.

Carry your wallet, credit cards, passport and other travel documents in your inside and front pockets.

Avoid carrying large sums of money, particularly foreign currency.

Avoid strange, dark, poorly illuminated or isolated places.

Avoid traveling and exploring on your own.

Plan your travel routes before hand.

Practice safe sex.

Carry certified copies of your passport, ID and travel documents.

Tag your luggage and belongings for easy identification and contract procedures.

Motor Vehicle Safety Tips

Follow the applicable general tips above.

As in anywhere in the world, remember that your personal safety in a vehicle is strongly dependent on YOU. Make sure :
* All windows are fully closed
* Doors are locked
* Gearlock is secured when parked
* Alarm is switched on
* Valuables are locked away - AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN TRAVELING!

Plan your route in advance.

Ensure you have sufficient fuel and that your vehicle is ina roadworthy condition.

Fasten your seatbelt, lock your doors and keep your windows shut.

Avoid displaying valuables openly in the vehicle to avoid smash-and-grab crime. Lock your valuables in the boot (trunk).

Be alert at traffic lights and stop streets.

Leave enough space around the vehicle for a quick getaway.

If you are softly bumped from behind and the individuals involved looks suspect, proceed to the nearest police station to report the incident - do not get out of the car.

NEVER pick up strangers.

NEVER entertain the advances of street beggars and "ladies of the night".

It is illegal to use your cell phone whilst driving - use a hands free kit.

At night, park in well illuminated areas. When returning to your vehicle, have your keys ready to unlock your car.

If you are lost and concerned about the safety of the area you are in, Phone 10111, 0829111 (24 Hours) or 112 on your cell phone.

At Your Hotel / Accommodation

Do not leave your luggage and belongings unattended.

Store valuables in the hotel's safe deposit box at reception or in your room's safe.

Keep your hotel room and any sliding doors/windows locked at all times.

Never open your room door unless you have identified the person who has knocked on your door. If in doubt contact reception for verification.

It is advisable to hand your keys of your room at reception when going out.

Do not entertain the unwarranted advances of undesirable, strange or suspicious persons. Report such persons to management.

Use the main entrance of the hotel when you arrive late at night.

On The Street

Follow the applicable general tips above.

If possible, plan your route before.

Where possible, explore the streets in groups and stick to well illuminated, busy streets.

Beware of your surroundings, be alert.

Walk on or close to the curb and face on-coming traffic.

Avoid alley-ways and dense shrubs/bushes.

Use credit cards instead of cash where possible.

Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.

If you require any information approach a policeman, traffic officer, Security officer or shopkeeper.

Avoid jogging or cycling alone and at night - plan your route before hand.

Vary your daily routine.

Should you wish to use a taxi, your hotel or the local tourism information centre will recommend a reliable service to you.

Automated Banking (ATM)

Follow the general tips and other street tips above.

Have your ATM card out and ready to use.

If you are suspicious of anything or anyone - cancel your transaction and leave immediately.

Avoid ATM machines which are isolated or poorly illuminated.

Never allow strangers to assist you with your transaction.

Keep your secret code to yourself and do not let anyone look over your shoulder whilst keying in your code.

When your transaction is complete, secure your cash and move off immediately. You can count it later.

On The Beach

Swim at the beaches manned by life guards and between swimming beacons.

Avoid bringing valuables to the beach.

The African Sun can BURN - use a high sunscreen factor sun protection cream.

Do not take breakables (e.g. glass bottles) to the beach.

Avoid mixing alcohol and soft drinks.

How To React In An Emergency

Do not panic.

Think laterally.

Talk your way out of the situation.

Do not resist unless you know that such resistance will lead to your escape.

If your instincts are to physically resist - do not hold back.

If circumstances dictate that you must not resist, concentrate on noting the physical description and other notable features of your accoster.

In a robbery or hi-jacking situation - do as you are told.

Do not argue or challenge your accoster and do not look directly into his eyes.

Keep your hands still and visible.

If you need to undo a seatbelt - ask first.

Remember you can replace your valuables and your vehicle, but not your life.

Umhlanga Emergency Numbers