Take it from someone still here in SA. This article pretty much sums up why you should Stay in Oz and try and make it work.
Taken from iol Website
From avoiding widespread ATM fraud to "prudently driving around stones in the middle of the road" put there by gun-toting hijackers.
These travel tips are part of the comprehensive guide from the British Foreign Office (FO) made available for UK soccer fans, who will be visiting South Africa for the World Cup.
Official advice from the FO warns visiting supporters on a variety of dangers, including armed muggings, card cloning and fake soccer tickets to a prevalent HIV/Aids pandemic, cholera flare-ups, and inflated accommodation prices.
And the alert button should be on from the moment fans land at OR Tambo International Airport, the guide tells UK fans. "During 2007 and 2008 there were a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo International Airport in Joburg, to their destinations by car and then robbed, often at gunpoint," the official advice states.
"We recommend you exercise particular caution in and around the airport and extra vigilance when driving away.
"As elsewhere, thieves like to operate at international airports, bus and railway stations. Keep your baggage with you at all times."
Travel tips describe passport theft as "common", with 871 passports reported stolen between April 2008 and March 2009. "It is usually opportunist and non-violent, although some passports are taken during muggings."
Other advice includes staying completely clear of areas such as Berea and Hillbrow in Gauteng, hijacking possibilities on the roads to Kruger National Park and possible attacks on hikers around Table Mountain.
The FO advice also states, "Be vigilant at all times in Durban's city centre and beachfront area.
"In all areas of South Africa, you should be cautious when out after dark.
"Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at night.
"If you are mugged or your car is hijacked, you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question. Avoid eye contact."
And some of the travel tips in true, understated British style, comment on the hazards of driving on South African roads, where it is advised "the standard of driving in South Africa can vary greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year. On highways, it is well worth remembering that overtaking can occur in any lane including, occasionally, the hard shoulder."
And travel insurance is highly encouraged as "not having insurance could cost over ?25 000 (R294 000) in medical bills and air evacuation, so ensure you're covered and with the high levels of crime, it is also important to insure any possessions".
Yet amid this long list of potential threats to life and limb in South Africa, the Foreign Office does include a few lines of comfort to their soccer-loving supporters.
"However, most cases of crime occur in the townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations.
"The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists and the risk to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is low."
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PerthBuster
Take it from someone still here in SA. This article pretty much sums up why you should Stay in Oz and try and make it work.
Taken from iol Website
From avoiding widespread ATM fraud to "prudently driving around stones in the middle of the road" put there by gun-toting hijackers.
These travel tips are part of the comprehensive guide from the British Foreign Office (FO) made available for UK soccer fans, who will be visiting South Africa for the World Cup.
Official advice from the FO warns visiting supporters on a variety of dangers, including armed muggings, card cloning and fake soccer tickets to a prevalent HIV/Aids pandemic, cholera flare-ups, and inflated accommodation prices.
And the alert button should be on from the moment fans land at OR Tambo International Airport, the guide tells UK fans. "During 2007 and 2008 there were a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo International Airport in Joburg, to their destinations by car and then robbed, often at gunpoint," the official advice states.
"We recommend you exercise particular caution in and around the airport and extra vigilance when driving away.
"As elsewhere, thieves like to operate at international airports, bus and railway stations. Keep your baggage with you at all times."
Travel tips describe passport theft as "common", with 871 passports reported stolen between April 2008 and March 2009. "It is usually opportunist and non-violent, although some passports are taken during muggings."
Other advice includes staying completely clear of areas such as Berea and Hillbrow in Gauteng, hijacking possibilities on the roads to Kruger National Park and possible attacks on hikers around Table Mountain.
The FO advice also states, "Be vigilant at all times in Durban's city centre and beachfront area.
"In all areas of South Africa, you should be cautious when out after dark.
"Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at night.
"If you are mugged or your car is hijacked, you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question. Avoid eye contact."
And some of the travel tips in true, understated British style, comment on the hazards of driving on South African roads, where it is advised "the standard of driving in South Africa can vary greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year. On highways, it is well worth remembering that overtaking can occur in any lane including, occasionally, the hard shoulder."
And travel insurance is highly encouraged as "not having insurance could cost over ?25 000 (R294 000) in medical bills and air evacuation, so ensure you're covered and with the high levels of crime, it is also important to insure any possessions".
Yet amid this long list of potential threats to life and limb in South Africa, the Foreign Office does include a few lines of comfort to their soccer-loving supporters.
"However, most cases of crime occur in the townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations.
"The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists and the risk to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is low."
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