Safety tips for travellers in South Africa

Crime in South Africa, like many other places in today's world, can be a problem, but all you really need to do is take the usual sensible precautions and follow some basic safety rules.

Know where you're going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, don't walk alone in dodgy areas, lock your doors at night.

And, like anywhere else, there are some areas of the major cities which are known to be more risky than others. It is easy to avoid these and still have a good time.

If you cannot avoid such areas, then avoid wearing visible jewellery or carrying cameras and bags over your shoulder. Keep mobile phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them.

Check beforehand that the areas you plan to visit are safe by asking hotel staff or police.

Other sensible advice is not to hitchhike, or accept or carry items for strangers.

Vehicle safety

When driving a private vehicle, either borrowed or hired, in South Africa, take some simple precautions to avoid car hijackings or "smash-and-grabs".

As a driver, be on the alert when coming to a halt at traffic lights or stop streets, as well as when arriving at or leaving any premises. Car doors should always be locked, and valuables are better kept in the boot or under the seats.

Plan your route beforehand.

When parking at night, choose well-lit or security-patrolled parking areas. Street security guards will usually ask whether they can watch over your car, and in return should be paid a small fee – anything from two rand upwards.

ATM safety

When using automatic teller machines (ATMs) in South Africa, practice the generally accepted safety precautions you would employ when at home.

Never accept an offer from a stranger to help you with your transaction.

If your ATM card is withheld by the machine, you can approach the bank to release it, or call the helpline number that can be found at the ATM.

Lost passports

In case you lose your passport, report the loss as soon as possible to the South African Police Service, as well as to your country's embassy or consulate in South Africa (alphabetical country listing):

Banks and foreign exchange in SA

With a favourable exchange rate for many international currencies, you'll find South Africa an inexpensive destination. And an easy one – our financial institutions are world-class, with no shortage of banks, bureaux de change and automatic tellers.

Rands and cents

South Africa's unit of currency is the rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200; and coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. There are two R5 coins in circulation, both of which are legal currency. All transactions are rounded down to the nearest 5c.

How far will my money go?

A long way. With a favourable exchange rate for the major international currencies, you'll find South Africa a very inexpensive destination.

• For the latest exchange rates, see the "market indicators" box on the right.

Banking made easy

You'll also find South Africa an easy destination to navigate. From the moment you step off the plane, you'll start seeing banks, bureaux de change, and automatic tellers all over.

The major banks have branches as well as automated teller machines (ATMs) in most large towns – and all over the cities. ATMs are linked to all major international networks, and it is possible to draw currency from them. They accept Cirrus or Maestro cards as well as all major credit and debit cards. You will not be charged any fees over and above those levied by your own bank.

• Always be vigilant when drawing cash from an ATM. 

International banks have branches in the major cities. Thomas Cook (represented by Rennies Travel) and American Express foreign exchange offices are also available in the major cities.

Banks are generally open from 8.30am/9am to 3.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 8.30am to 11am on Saturdays. Many bank outlets in larger towns, and especially those in shopping centres, have extended these hours, and some are even open on Sundays. Those at airports adjust their hours to accommodate international flights.

Credit cards and cash

All major credit cards can be used in South Africa, with American Express and Diners Club enjoying less universal acceptance than MasterCard and Visa. If you have a so-called "chip card", you will be required to enter a pin code. Pin-based debit cards are often accepted too. Remember to notify your bank in advance that you will be travelling.

When it comes to paying for fuel, you can pay cash or use your credit card. Filling stations - or garages as we call them – used to be cash-only operations, until the government changed regulations in 2009. This means that some smaller stations may still not accept cards – check with the attendant what payment method they accept before filling up. Luckily, most filling stations have ATMs on site.

Road tolls, on the major routes between cities, can be paid using MasterCard or Visa. Fees vary from as little as R4 to R175, depending on which route you are travelling on.

Foreign exchange

To exchange cheques for cash at foreign exchange dealers, you must present a valid passport.

Thomas Cook and American Express travellers' cheques can be cashed at all banks, bureaux de change and at some hotels.

Remember that all money transactions that involve foreign exchange must be done by authorised dealers

Taxes

All South Africans pay Value Added Tax (VAT) as it included in the price of most goods and services. It is currently set at 14%. Visitors are not exempt from paying it, but if you are a foreign passport holder you can claim it back on the items you are taking out the country if their value is more than R250. Be sure to request a tax invoice when buying goods.

South Africa's 'big four' banks

• Absa Bank
• First National Bank
• Nedbank
• Standard Bank

What facilities are open on public holidays?

In the major cities most stores, cinemas and restaurants are open on most public holidays. The exceptions are Christmas Day, 25 December, and New Year's Day, 1 January.

Where can I smoke?

The law prohibits smoking in public spaces, including airports and railway stations. Most restaurants and pubs have designated smoking and non-smoking areas. No one under the age of 18 may buy cigarettes, or enter a designated smoking area. Both the venue operator and the smoker can face stiff penalties if they ignore the law.

South African time

South Africa does not change its clocks during the year, and there are no regional variations within the country. South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean (or Universal Standard) Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of the USA's Eastern Standard Winter Time.

Tipping

Tipping is common practice in South Africa for a range of services. In restaurants the accepted standard is around 10% to 15% of the bill, although sometimes a gratuity will be included (often in the case of a large party). Barmen are tipped a similar percentage.

Petrol stations are staffed by attendants who can be tipped around R5 for filling up with petrol, checking oil, water and tyre pressure, and cleaning windscreens. Hotel porters are tipped around R20. It is also appropriate to tip taxi drivers, tour guides and even hairdressers.

If you park a car in a populated area such as near a shopping centre, informal car guards will usually ask whether they can watch over your car and, in return, should be paid a small fee – anything from R2 upwards.

The seasons

• Summer: mid-October to mid-February
• Autumn: February to April
• Winter: May to July
• Spring: August to October

 ( Source www.southafrica.info )