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Travel safely in South Africa |
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South Africa sometimes seems to have a bad reputation for crime, and as for many places throughout the world, a few sensible precautions can help you avoid sticky situations. South Africa's bad reputation for crime can be somewhat inflated; almost everywhere is safe to visit, but do use common sense: if something doesn't feel right, don't go there.
1. Ask advice from a member of the community about the areas that you intend to visit.
2. Research into the area(s) that you're visiting, and/or have at least one person with you that is knowledgeable of the area to avoid getting lost.
3. Lock car doors if you need to park up, and set the alarm if you have one.
4. Make sure you have important telephone numbers handy; this includes the emergency numbers, the number of the place where you are staying, and if applicable the numbers of your health or travel insurance and your car rental firm.
5. Find out if your credit/debit card is accepted; almost all major cards are.
6. Find out if you can use your mobile/cell phone; and if applicable, hire a rental 'phone.
7. Plan your trip carefully so that you always arrive at your next destination before dusk.
- Bring more than one credit or debit card, but don't carry them all - take one per day. Also make photocopies of the front and back and keep those somewhere safe so that you can report them if stolen. Most hotels provide room safes.
- Exchange some currency (Rand) before you get into the country. There is however a large amount of exchange services at the main airports and large malls. Be sure to bring proof of residence. *Keep some loose change on your person to be used for tipping, telephone boxes, and if need be to pay for your journey home.
- Don't put all your eggs in one basket; if you are unlucky enough to get something stolen, at least you don't lose everything.
- Don't leave anything of value unattended.
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Travel Tips 
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