Crime is not endemic to Tshwane. Take the same basic personal safety precautions you would in any city. Never willingly reveal to any stranger that you are a tourist, and follow these basic rules while travelling:
At the hotel
- Never leave your luggage unattended.
- Store valuables in the hotel's safety deposit box.
- Keep your room locked, whether you are there or not.
- When someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
- Hand in the keys at the desk whenever you leave the hotel.
In the street
- Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables.
- It is definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money on your person.
- Steer clear of dark, isolated areas – especially at night.
- It is better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets.
- Plan your route beforehand.
- A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to direct you if you get lost.
- If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.
In the car
- Plan your route in advance.
- Always keep the car doors locked and wind up the windows.
- Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk).
- Park in well-lit areas at night.
- Never pick up strangers.
If at any time you fear for your safety, call South Africa's national emergency number 10111.