Health & safety at South Africa World Cup 2010
Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by admin in Explore
Safety in South Africa is a problem as many urban areas have a very high crime level. However, most tourist destinations are well policed but it pays to avoid straying too far into dodgy territory. It is also a good idea to register with your country’s embassy upon arrival so if any mishap befalls you they will be posed to help. Bring valid ID such as a passport when collecting tickets from FIFA offices and to keep your documents hidden and safe at all time.
World Cup safety advice for South Africa 2010
Remember to book as much as possible before you set off including accommodation and car hire as there is only going to be limited availability. Only use licensed public transport such as official taxis and buses. If driving remember this is a very big country, for example the distance between Johannesburg and Cape Town is 880 miles and takes 17 hours to drive!
Avoid buying tickets from touts on the street as you are likely to be conned or arrested. Fans who appear drunk may not be allowed entry to stadiums and any racist behaviour or chanting is dealt with very harshly.
- Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, if it wouldn’t be a good idea at home it DEFINITELY is a bad idea here.
- Do not be ostentious with valuables such as cameras or mobile phones or cameras and keep jewellery to a minimum. Consider padlocking backpacks or suitcases.
- Be extra vigilent when carrying out financial transactions such as withdrawing cash or changing large sums of money.
- Be careful at airports, bus stations and other transport hubs as you will have all your belongings and visitors are often distracted when they first arrive.
- Be careful when opening your hotel room door and check behind you for people lurking.
- Don’t accept lifts from strangers to offer them either. Avoid telling people too much personal information such as where you are staying.
- Be careful at night especially if you have been having a few beers, muggers and theives prey on easy targets such as drunk football fans.
- Avoid isolated spots in rural places such as beaches and picnic areas.
- If something untoward does occur it is best not to offer any resistance. Criminals in South Africa are often armed and it is better to lose your wallet than your life.
Health
Healthcare in South Africa is of a high quality in larger metropolitan areas but it can be expensive so fully comprehensive travel insurance is vital. However, medical care and facilities in remote areas are sometimes basic at best. In worst cases casualties must be airlifted to urban areas to receive treatment. Remember to ask your doctor what vaccinations you require and remember you may need to start your anti-malaria medication a few weeks before departure.
Mosquito-born diseased are particularly prominent in the Kruger National Park, KwaZulu Natal (especially St Lucia’s wetlands) as well as parts around Mpumalanga of Limpopo province and bordering countries bordering. One of the most important health risks in South Africa to be aware of is the threat of HIV/AIDS. Around five and a half million South African adults currently live with HIV and to avoid catching the disease it is vital to practice safe sex and avoid blood contaminated transfers such as sharing used needles.
Scams
The most common scams in South Africa which travellers to the 2010 World Cup should be aware of involve being conned out of cash at ATM machines.
- If you are having trouble using an ATM machine and somebody offers to help you don not accept. It is common for innocent-looking strangers to offer help ‘trying your number’ but in reality they are stealing or cloning your card and will soon empty your account.
- When you approach the bank a man who apparently works there will say you must swipe your card in his machine first of all. This clones the card after which he offers to help you use the real machine and notes down your pin number.
- Some leaflet holders near ATMs hide small cameras which record you entering your pin. If you see any loose wires or fittings find another machine and remember to always cover your pin when entering.
- If your card gets stuck do not accept the help of any passer-by who offers to try your pin in the machine again. When this doesn’t work they offer to stand guard while you enter the bank to resolve the issue. But really they retrieve your card and steal any money you have in it.
JF tips to avoiding scams at the South Africa World Cup 2010:
Never write down or tell anyone your pin number and always have your card for your transaction ready and in hand. Ensure the card returned from the ATM is your own but don’t count money on the street but secure it on your person straight away. Most of all if you have any doubts at all about security at an ATM or scams, walk away and try to find another.
Other scams
Some people have fallen victim to carjackers posing as broken down motorists. If you see someone needing help by the side of the road it is best to alert the breakdown services rather than attempting to help yourself. When booking accommodation be wary of any company that asks you to pay upfront with bank details.
Avoid using public web connections such as internet cafes for purchases or banking, as there is a much higher risk of sensitive data being intercepted. Plus ensure that your computer is free of viruses and spyware and only have a single browser window open when logging in to internet banking. If in doubt click the padlock icon to check the sites owners.
