Topic: security

Personal Safety Measure tips for Soccer World Cup 2010 South Africa

February 25, 2009 by Daizy

I have made this list for those who would still like to come to the world cup even though South Africa's reputation of crime. Firstly do not make the mistake to think safety only starts when you arrive in South Africa. It starts when you pack for the trip. 1. Always double secure your luggage and carry your valuables on your person. Baggage theft is a big problem here at our airports so you can never be to safe. 2. Bring only cashier checks and credit cards. 3. Pack some sort of self defense things for example pepper spray. When you arrive in our country the fun begins. Remember to us as locals most of these things are so normal to us it seems safe but it is not. I have personally not have had any attacks on my safety but I have had many family members who have been robbed and vandalized. 1. Never, ever walk around alone. Always be in a small group of at least 3 adults and more. 2. Plan your days carefully before time. What routes you are going to take and places you want to visit. 3. If you can afford it use a travel agency. They are well trained and would make sure you are not placed in harms way. 4. Do NOT use public transport it is extremely dangerous. Especially trains. They are making a new train for Johannesburg, it would be safer than the current trains. That's if it is completed by 2010. There are plenty of taxi cars which you can call up from your hotel. Stay away from taxi buses they tend to overload and over charge. Plus we have something called taxi wars, taxi owners literally shoot at each other and set cars alight. hopefully you would not encounter that it's mostly in informal settlements that it takes place. 5. If you decide to hire a car and drive around yourself there are certain things you should know. Always tip the car guards, taxi buses are dangerous drivers try to avoid them. When driving in Johannesburg it is very very dangerous especially in night time. Do not stop if you don't have to. 6. Do not carry valuables on your person almost all guesthouses and hotels provide saves. 7. Do not trust any one, that is same all over the world but here it could endanger yourself if you trust people you do not know. And here is just a tip for those of you who still want to come to South Africa. You can haggle with people selling stuff in stalls but please do not rip them of. They need to make money to survive just like anyone else and if they cannot they will end up being criminals too. We have many safe places to go and see for example we have many safe beaches with security guards etc. There are also many malls and shopping centers. If you are staying for the whole of the World cup you would get to see the whole of South Africa and probably would be to busy seeing things to be scared. I know many would not come here because they are to scared and my husband will call me a traitor for saying this but you should not let fear to put you of. There is so much to see and experience in South Africa it is one of the most difference countries in the world. And above all it would be a trip you would never forget.