GUIDE TO SAFE TRAVELING IN SOUTH AFRICA

If you have made even a casual search for information about travel in South Africa, then you undoubtedly have learned that there is a high level of crime. However, most crime occurs in townships and isolated areas away from the normal tourist destinations.

We would not take you to South Africa if we thought we could not do so without any greater risk than travel in any other developing country entails.

Your safety depends largely on your ability to follow a few simple rules and direction from your instructors. We will keep very close reins on you throughout your trip with us, and provide safety advisements at each location. You must understand we fully recognize that you are all smart and responsible adults and that some of you have extensive travel experience, but we are responsible for your safety in a foreign place and must insist that you follow our direction at all times. South Africa is not a place for independent exploration, even for short walks on pleasant afternoons. If you are not able to yield some independence, follow explicit directions, and get along well in the company of others at all times, then this course is not suitable for you.

Before You Go to South Africa

• Safety begins when you pack. To avoid being a target, dress conservatively. Don't wear expensive looking jewelry. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence. Sporting Ipods and other luxury electronic devices is not a good idea.
• You must dress professionally, as you will be representing the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources and North Carolina State University. Our collective experience throughout the African continent is that people from all walks of life value neatness and cleanliness. Formal wear is not expected, but leave ripped, unkempt, and otherwise bedraggled clothing at home. Expect to hand wash clothes often during travel. Liquid detergent for hand washing is readily available in local shops.
• Travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
• Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs, and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
• If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.
• To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into any country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first.
• Bring ATM cards and one or two major credit cards instead of cash. Credit cards are accepted in most places, and ATM machines are common. Credit card fraud, counterfeit U.S. currency, and various check-cashing scams are frequently reported. Alwas be cautious around ATM machines. If you are uncomfortable about the location of any ATM, or any of the people near an ATM, then do not use that machine. Do not permit anyone to "assist" you with ATM transactions.
• Before you leave, you must leave two color paper copies of your passport and a color digital image of your passport with your instructors. Email the color digital image to Dr. Shear and to yourself, so you can always access in South Africa if necessary.
• Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. Lock your luggage with TSA-approved locks. There is a high rate of pilferage in South Africa airports, especially in Johannesburg, so do not put anything in your checked baggage that you cannot afford to lose.
• Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:
  • valuable or expensive-looking jewelry,
  • irreplaceable family objects,
  • all unnecessary credit cards,
  • Social Security card, library cards, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary and passport with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in South Africa are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. So do not bring any contraband drugs (and do not acquire any in South Africa).

Safety Precautions While Travelling in South Africa

• Tourist venues are pretty safe, especially in places like the Waterfront and central city in Cape Town which have privately funded police and 24 hour surveillance cameras. The South African authorities have made it a high priority to protect tourists and have deployed special ‘tourism police’ in the cities and large towns.
• Nevertheless, criminal activity, such as assault and armed robbery, is particularly high in areas surrounding many hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities. Do not walk anywhere without the permission of your instructors, and under no circumstances walk alone or walk at night. Do not leave any venue without the knowledge of your instructors.
• Never leave a colleauge alone; remember the Army motto, "No Soldier Left Behind." If a colleague insists on staying behind and an instructor is not present, then call an instructor immediately. Each of your instructors will carry a cellular telephone. Keep a copy of all of their numbers with you at all times.
• Be especially cautious in elevators, tourist sites, and market places. Do not enter marginal areas of cities, subways, train or bus stations. Do not use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets.
• Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. It is possible that you will encounter a public demonstration. Should that happen, follow the lead of your instructors, or leave the area immediately if you are not with your instructors.
• Keep a low profile, avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide.
• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers. Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.
• If you are confronted, don't fight back! Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, you cannot.
• Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby. Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe. Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exit and alternate exits are located. Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit. This could be a life saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.

How to Handle Money Safely

• To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, use your ATM card only as you need currency. Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market.
• If your possessions are lost or stolen, we will want to report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of:
  • travelers' checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company,
  • credit cards to the issuing company,
  • airline tickets to the airline or travel agent,
  • passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

It Should Go Without Saying

• The legal drinking age in South Africa is 18. Public drinking is illegal. Alcohol is readily available, abuse will not be tolerated.
• Prostitution in South Africa has been illegal since the 1950s. However, it is common and in some areas obvious. Do not partake. Not only is it illegal, it is very risky. The HIV infection rate among South Africa’s prostitutes is believed to be at least 50%, and is likely higher.
• As previously stated, penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in South Africa are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Though illegal drugs are readily available in South Africa, do not acquire or use any. The legal and personal risks are enormous.