South Africa!!?

Question

I want to go to south africa but everyone keeps telling me not to bother as the crime is really high. Is it not a nice place

Answer 1

Hi Laura! I want you to understand something. SOME OF THESE PEOPLE ARE TALKING TOTAL TRASH!!!! I've lived here my whole life and never had a problem. I am a reservist (Policeman volunteer. People respect reservists b/c they do a better job then most of the permanents) I have been shot at by AK-47's I have been in very dangerous situations BUT these were all in dangerous areas!!! I'm quite sure where you come from you also have dangerous areas? Most people are scared of coming here because they hear AFRICA. They think Jungle, cannibals, no protection, crazy black people... IT'S NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL!!!!!!!! The whites and blacks get quite well now! I have plenty black friends/police partners. Come to South Africa I promise you you will have a GREAT time!!!! and don't listen to the person who said Don't go to Durban or Johannesburg. that's ridiculous. theres allot to see in the big cities! Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria. each place has a different vibe.

PLEASE FEEL FREE, IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS I WOULD BE GLAD TO ANSWER THEM SO DROP ME AN E-MAIL;)

Answer 2

Hey, Laura....

The "Alf" guy has no idea what his talking about. Think he´s kid of "scared" of everything in life! I´m sure his never even left the house he´s born in. Every country in the world has there own crime issues, they are all looking at South Africa cause they are too scared to admit to their own problems! South Africa has been under the limelight since 1992, it´s been 15 years and personally, I think it´s jealousy!

Look, we have a saying: "Africa is not for sissies". Not because of the crime! I don´t agree with the majority, the issue is not the crime. I think most people are scared of the unknown, and find it easier to throw something like the crime issue on the table. Cause they don´t know what´s going on in the real world. It´s like an "old wive´s tale"; every time a story is passed on, it gets a longer tail, true?

I´ve been to a few country´s around the world. And I can say, with experience, that South Africa is not the "Crime Capitol" ! In-fact, I´m in Mexico at the moment and the "crime wave" here is much worse than in South Africa!

The South African people are the friendliest people ever! A smile will get you far! Go and see the diversity. The other South Africans whom replied to your question are absolutely right; it´s the world in one country!

But don´t forget about the wild life. An African safari is undescribable! The beaches are unspoilt. The mountains are spectacular! Go and explore Africa in it´s absolute purest majesty....

I truly wish that you will go to South Africa, I´m sure you´ll even want to stay and become a citizen of S.A! You can be sure, that you´ll recieve a warm welcome in the country that I call home. The "Kingdom Of Heaven" , on earth... South Africa.....

Best wishes and safe travelling....

Answer 3

The crime rate is high in South Africa that is no lie but as long as you dont do something stupid like walking around alone in a dangerous place then there is nothing gona to happen to you.

South Africa is a beautiful and lovely country there is alot to be seen and to do that is uniquely South Africa.

Dont be foolish dont be to friendly underwise you will be a easy target for the robbers and what ever you do dont get into a taxi you will get off with nothing left.

Come to South Africa you will enjoy it i can promises you that

Answer 4

Don't listen to these people. South Africa is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Crime exists everywhere, even in yur country. Be careful and don't go into dangerous places and everything will be fine, I am positive u have a very good time if u go there.

Answer 5

Yeah there is crime in South Africa, but show me a country where there isn't any? All you have to do is be streetwise, don't flash your cash or jewelry, don't walk around alone at night, lock the car doors etc. and you will be absolutely fine. I really hope you do decide to go as you will not regret it and you will want to go back and back again.

Answer 6

South Africa is great but most tourists tend to ignore the fact that crime is an issue and will do stupid things .

You are most certainly safe and definitely sure to return back.

There are many airlines that offer direct flights from parts of Europe and this is so since there is a demand by tourists.

Just make up your mind and go and be aware that you need to pay attention to security. Also use reputable companies for your travel arrangements. You will really be glad that you were able to enjoy a visit to such a beautiful country

Answer 7

Don't listen to people who say not to bother. It's a great experience, in fact, South Africa's tourism is growing at least 3 times faster than any other nation in the world.

As said above, stay out of dangerous areas, you will doubtfully run into trouble, and just use common sense.

Answer 8

My friend, there is crime everywhere. I lived there for 25 years, never had a problem. I now live in "safe" europe and got burgled twice. Just a matter of keeping a level head. South Africa is a world in one country and crime is indeed high, but then, whereever you live there are bad areas too.

Answer 9

It is sooo worth going to South Africa, and there are lots and lots of tourists here, and nothing happens to the vast majority. Off course people like to tell the horror stories - the horror stories are the ones that get reported in the media. The fact is most of the crime is within the townships (the poor areas). Don't go to the obvious no-go places (which your accommodation could advice you about), and don't walk by yourself at night. There are so many beautiful places to see here, you wouldn't regret a trip. Off course there are no guarantees in life and I can't guarantee that nothing will happen to you. But it is one of those risks worth taking (like getting into a car or an airplane). Just use your common sense and plan your trip.

Answer 10

Hi Laurie,
I am South African, lived there for 32 years and live in Spain with my wife now.
South Africa is the most beautiful place in the world.
(I know I am biased, but I have travelled around the whole globe so I have a lot to compare it to).
It´s like Australia combined with New Zealand but with a serious punch of excitement, whatever you can think of you can do it there!
As far as crime goes, if you´re going for a holiday then fine, but I´m not about to recommend to anyone to immigrate there. Crime is a very real issue there, that´s why we left.
In the rest of the world something bad usually happens to a friend of a friend of a friend, but because there is so much crime in S.A it´s happening to family or close friends or worse to you.
You will get a lot of varying answers and opinions because there are a lot of South Africans in different situations. Let me explain: (when I refer to crime I mean serious crime like mugging, shooting, rape, repeated house break-in etc. I do not mean, having your car stolen, or held up in a restaurant, these are not regarded as serious crimes in South Africa anymore.)
- There are South Africans who have left (usually because of some crime happening to them) and have overseas passport or qualifications to help immigration.
-There are South Africans who have had crime happen to them but can´t leave as they may not have an overseas passport or qualification or work experience. They have to have a positive outlook and you can´t blame them because they´re the ones that have to stay behind and deal with the mess of a previous generation!
-There are South Africans who have not had serious crime happen to them yet. (It only takes one very bad experience to look towards immigration).
-and the young South Africans who go to work and party in London (mostly) and some other big cities and therefore may not get a true cross spectrum of living costs, standards and quality of life outside of S.A.
etc.
Now you can see why you may get so many diverse opinions.
But all in all I would still recommend South Africa to you.
Best if you knew somebody over there to show you the dos and don´ts. If not, don´t worry, the South Africans are very friendly and helpful anyway!
Good luck!