I'm planning on going with friends to the ICC Twenty20 cricket world championship to watch England at Cape Town. Im a white male aged 19 (if it matters). Serious answers please, and hopefully some South Africans could answer as well. Cheers in advance.
2007-06-29 15:34:25 · 14 answers · asked by Gaz 3 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ South Africa
Wow, first answer was a bit cheesy.
South Africa is as dangerous (or not, it's all relative to where you come from) as any country with a history of significant political and social turmoil. Because you represent the "winners" in the turmoil, you should be careful in situations where you are alone or are in the minority, such as walking in certain neighborhoods or patronizing certain bars.
That being said, stay away from areas where you might be a minority. Should you need to travel through them (or wish to see them), take a taxi cab or guided tour. Don't walk around alone or in small groups at night. Be careful of those attempting to rob or scam drunken party-goers.
In general, use the same precautions you would utilize in any major city, such as London or New York City. Don't carry more money on you than you need and don't set yourself up for potentially dangerous situations. You should be more than safe at the cricket match, though pick-pocketing should be considered a potential concern. Have fun and travel wisely!!!
2007-06-29 16:18:18 · answer #1 · answered by athena004 2 · 4⤊ 3⤋
You are so lucky to be going to Cape Town. Yes we do have our share of problems. Are you coming out with a tour group? But you do say you are coming out with friends. Just beware of you surroundings.I am South African living in South Africa. Security around the stadiums will be high.We had to world cup cricket here and the world cup rugby I am sure if they thought it would be to dangerous they would never have had this major tournaments in South Africa. One word don't go sitting in a pub somewhere and criticize the country then maybe the locals will not take friendly to that. By the way the local people in Cape Town are normally very friendly with tourists. Trust yourself and you instinct. Hope you have a good time here.
2007-06-29 21:53:15 · answer #2 · answered by cheryl l 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Johannesburg is the 2nd greatest city in Africa, with more than 3 million people contacting that hectic area house and if you wish to visit this outstanding city then this hotelbye is the place to start. Johannesburg presents readers an event as special and diverse as the city itself. Whether you are on business, in search of a social experience, an adrenaline run or simply want to curl up and rest for a couple days, the town of Johannesburg has everything you're trying to find and more! In Johannesburg you can visit the Soweto (an abbreviation for South-western Townships) at 20 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg. That place offers guests a trip in to the soul of the struggle for freedom and the birthplace of the battle for democracy.
2016-12-20 15:53:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not that bad. A Dutch friend of mine came over to Cape Town in January and he was scared as hell. He is having quite a good time now. It is not nearly as bad as Durban or Johannesburg. I get really scared when I visit Johannesburg.
There are some things that you can do when you come over that will ensure that you have a really safe time:
1) Do not carry too many valuables with you. If you have a credit card with insurance, then use that instead of cash. Set your limit to below your insurance threshold as well. Also, make sure that you know what to do if your credit card gets lost / stolen.
2) Stay away from the townships. If you want to visit the townships, go as part of a tour group. Do not take any valuables with you to the townships.
3) Be vigilant when using a ATM and when walking around.
4) Do not use minibus taxis.
Other than that, I hope that you have a good time! And South Africa is going to win this 20/20 thing!
2007-06-30 22:31:01 · answer #4 · answered by Trevor Green 1 · 4⤊ 2⤋
It is bad, but if it was as bad as you read about EVERYONE would be dead.
It is not a safe place to visit, you will need to start becoming aware of everything around you and start listening to the "still small voice" in your head ...
It is not wise to have unprotected sex, walk around after dark, have candlelit dinners on the beach, visit rural areas without a guide. Im sure you will get lots of advice from other answers.
However if you do come, you will find a beautiful country with friendly people, and it will be an experience that you will never forget.
2007-06-29 19:05:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
What you will get as answers is a combination of fact and delusion. There are numerous sites on South Africa warning or highlighting the crime and even by their own sanitised statistics the ANC regime place South Africa as the most violent Country on the Planet outside of a War zone. Google "crime south africa" and you will see for yourself or try this site for starters:
http://www.crimexposouthafrica.net
2007-06-29 21:40:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
as a south african i would say not at bad as they say but honestly we do have some issues
im not gonna write some long *** answers so here goes
south africa is developing rapidly but it still contains some violence and poverty [like alot of other countries]but is a very welcoming country with wonderful and friendly people
the only way 2 answer ur question is 2 actually experience it and judge it yourself! im sure you'll have a really good time
enjoy the cricket!
2007-06-30 11:54:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
When looking for answers on Y!Answers about South Africa be prepared for people to show their racist attitudes towards each other. I agree that WRRRRRR’s answer is out of order, but he is no lesser racist than others like Alf Garnett on this section of the forum. We spent lots of time fighting about who is a racist and who is not.
I would advise you not to take anybody serious. Check with your country's foreign mission to South Africa from this site:
http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/forrep/index.htm
They are the best to advise you than these pseudo-analysts.
2007-06-30 03:25:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
South Africa is like any other country. More law abiding citizens than criminals.
Crime maybe high, but it's also very entertaining with lots to see and do. Just make sure you're aware of your surroundings and don't insult any khaki clad whitey's by trying to speak English to them. You could lose a couple of teeth.
2007-06-29 23:11:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Everywhere in the world has it's dangers and problems.
We have bad crime, but not so bad that you need to walk around with a semi-automatic in your pocket.
As long as you play it smart and don't do anything risky or foolish then you really should be fine.
2007-07-01 00:05:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 2⤋