Page 432 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

430 SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health just a few moments (see also
p440). Make sure that nothing of
Security in South Africa is good in the places that tourists are value is visible inside – leave the
likely to visit, where the risk of serious crime is very low. glove compartment open to
Although in some areas the incidence of violent crime can be show that there’s nothing in
high, visitors are more likely to be targets of petty crime such as there either. Use undercover or
supervised parking wherever
bag-snatching and theft from vehicles, so it is important to stay possible. Do not stop for hitch-
vigilant. Common-sense precautions usually ensure a safe and hikers or to offer any help, even
crime-free stay. South Africa generally has no unusual or to an accident victim. If a
serious health risks, but malaria needs to be considered in hijacker or other criminal
certain areas. On safari, wildlife should be taken seriously and points a firearm at you, obey
his or her orders.
treated with respect. For your own safety, stay in your vehicle at In the event of a breakdown
all times, except in designated places such as a picnic site or hide. emergency in a remote area,
stay in your locked vehicle if at
all possible, and phone the AA
Personal Safety
townships or certain inner-city Emergency Road Service from
Bag-snatching, mugging and suburbs – and be vigilant about a mobile phone.
pickpocketing can occur in the people around you.
South Africa, but most are Visitors can use hotel safes to
opportunist crimes. The golden deposit passports and costly
rule is not to flash expensive items. Hotel doors should be
items such as jewellery and locked as noisy fans or air
mobile phones and other conditioning can provide cover
devices, and to leave anything for thieves. If travelling by public
of monetary or sentimental transport, especially on
value at home. It is best to take crowded suburban trains and
out only what you need for the minibus taxis, be vigilant and
day or excursion, and to carry guard possessions fiercely. Pharmacies offer valuable medical advice
bags in front of you with the If you are mugged, do not and services
strap across the body if possible. challenge the thief – simply
A slim money belt concealed hand over your phone or your Medical Facilities
beneath clothes is a good idea. money. Report the incident State and provincial hospitals
Don’t put your possessions immediately. To make an do offer adequate facilities, but
down when you need your insurance claim you will need they tend to be under-funded
hands (for example, when you to obtain a case reference and under-staffed. Patients who
are examining an in tended number from a police station. are members of medical
purchase). insurance schemes are usually
Avoid going out on your own, admitted to a private hospital,
especially after dark; if you do, On the Road such as Mediclinic or Netcare –
stick to busy and well-lit tourist When travelling by car, always these are found in all South
areas. Women should never keep the doors locked and the African cities and most of the
walk alone anywhere after dark. windows only slightly open. larger towns. All visitors should
Follow local advice about which When you do leave the car, lock take out travel insurance to
areas to avoid – such as it, even if you’re getting out for cover everything, including
emergencies. If you suffer from
any pre-existing medical
condition, or are on any long-
term medication, make sure
those who try to help you
are aware of it.

Food and Water
Tap water is safe to drink,
although chlorinated. There is
a wide range of bottled waters
available. Be careful of river or
mountain water in heavily
populated areas. The
preparation of food in most
restaurants and hotels meets
Police officers standing guard at Rustenburg Stadium international standards, but do