i've heard it a violent country, should i cancel my trip, i wanna see my friend but the reputation is putting me off....
2006-06-25 22:46:19 · 16 answers · asked by cheesypeas 1 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Packing & Preparation
Just look over your shoulder often. And don't bring too mcuh stuff.
2006-06-25 22:49:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think as long as you are not planning on an unaccompanied drive through Dar Fur or Uganda, you should be safe. It depends on where your friend is. Africa has been having violent political problems for 20 years in some places. Just check. Don't cancel your trip though- those are the most amazing and resilient people I have ever seen in my life. Definitely worth meeting ht em and talking to them. Might I suggest that you educate yourself as much as possible about the country you are going to visit before you leave? That would make the entire experience a whole lot easier- you would be able to interact on a much different level with the people there. Have an amazing time. And watch this video-
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3166797753930210643&q=invisible+children&pl=true
2006-06-27 09:45:06 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived there for 30 odd years, depends where you will be going but always be aware of what is going on around you and don't travel alone. Don't take any jewelery or anything else with you that looks expensive, its too much of a temptation. South Africa is a lovely country but you must just be observant and keep an eye on whats happening all over all the time. Don't cancel your trip, I'm sure you'll have a great time.
2006-06-25 22:58:10 · answer #3 · answered by leem40 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would you cancel a trip to NY, LA, Chicago, Miami, etc. because certain areas of those cities are "violent"?
South Africa is no more "violent" than the US, and in fact statistically far less so. Take common sense precautions and you'll be fine. It's a beautiful country, and if you have a chance to visit it you'd be crazy not to.
2006-06-27 06:30:49 · answer #4 · answered by Artemisia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
South Africans love to minimise their problems by saying there is crime everywhere. Their crime levels are amongst the highest in the world with a murder rate of 51 per day. Also murderers have only a 20% chance of being caught. Rape and car jacking are also high crime risks. A large proportion of the populace carry a firearm ( for self protection) and the streets of the main cities are no go areas after dark. Provided you wear body armour and surround yourself with 4/5 bodyguards, are happy sitting in peoples homes drinking yourself into a stupor and think rugby and cricket are the most popular sports on the Planet I think you will be OK. Oh by the way tell the locals they are just wonderful and their country is great. That will make you instant friends.
2006-06-27 21:15:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
South Africa is ok if you play by the rules and don't do anything stupid. You will find that it is a very beautiful country especially around Cape town. I was there last year and i had no problems, so just take care in what you do.
2006-06-25 23:28:27 · answer #6 · answered by barton_richard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I moved there for a year, I don't think its that violent although it can be, I lived there for a year and it is very nice, I would not cancel the trip
2006-06-25 22:52:03 · answer #7 · answered by jiggawatt 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey hey, dont cancel your trip!!!!yes there is a lot of crime going down there especially around joburg.you just need to be extra carefull not to carry valuable stuff.u are vivsitin a friend who is familiar with the place which makes things even much easier for you,m sure shel take good care of her friend.make sure u visit durban n cape town i hear thy are the coolest places to visit in sa!!!!
promise not to cancel the trip????!!!!!!
2006-06-26 01:34:50 · answer #8 · answered by shorty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi ya, i live in S.A i am 17 and yes it is like a bit dodgy, but only if you go to dodgy area's. Go to like Braamfontein or Hilbrow and you should look over your shoulder, otherwise it is fine here! I live in Bryanston Is Johannesburg and i am safe and happy. You really don't need to stress, you will love it here, it is a bi chilly at the moment though! brrr hope you love it here
2006-06-27 05:57:18 · answer #9 · answered by lucy_goose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as you dont go to jannesbourg you should be fine. a freind of mine lived in south africa and said there is a lot more crime there then there is elsewhere. this is partly due to the shanty towns
2006-06-25 23:03:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you start to think about the negative aspects of visiting any country you will never go anywhere.
2006-06-27 05:33:08 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋