City of Cape Town Link

General safety tips for visitors

<div class="ExternalClass0E21D3A9D28C4BB08751FF01BA2D7DFE"><p>Welcome to Cape Town – a colourful and vibrant landscape of people, culture, activities, buildings and nature. We hope you enjoy your stay in our wonderful city. Just like most major metropolitan areas, your safety is a top priority. Here are some tips to help keep you safe. </p></div>

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Getting around<br></h2></span> <ul><li>You do not need a permit to walk in any of our streets – do <strong>NOT</strong> fall victim to scammers seeking payment for entering public areas. </li><li>Do not walk in deserted or dark areas. Stay in a group and on lit paths/roadways. </li><li>Use a map to get around. </li><li>Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. </li><li>The use of headphones may distract you from what’s happening around you. </li><li>Use accredited public transport options like e-hailing services, taxis, cabs or buses. </li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Personal safety and possessions</h2><ul><li>Keep certified copies of all travel and valuable documents in a safe place. </li><li>Keep your possessions on you and in sight at all times. </li><li>Do not leave your valuables on restaurant tables. </li><li>Do not carry large sums of money and avoid counting it in the open. </li><li>Only use secure ATMs in public areas, like a shopping centre. </li><li>Do not allow anyone to take you to or help you at an ATM for any reason. </li><li>Do not leave your drinks unattended. <br></li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Safety tips for driving<br></h2><h4>Driving yourself? Remember to:<br></h4> <ul><li>Have your keys ready when going to your car. </li><li>Always lock your doors. </li><li>Park in well-lit areas at night. </li><li>Keep enough distance between you and the car in front of you, in case you need to change lanes or drive away in a hurry. </li><li>Do not give lifts to strangers. </li><li>Look around before entering your driveway. </li><li>Never open your window when approached by a stranger. </li><li>If you think you’re being followed, drive to the nearest police station. </li><li>Keep your valuables out of sight. </li><li>After you’ve parked your car, check that it is properly locked so that you don’t become a victim to thieves who use “remote jamming” devices. </li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Safety when booking online<br></h2><p>As with any large city, there are instances of accommodation fraud where visitors are scammed into paying for accommodation online that is not available for rental. </p><ul><li>Check with <a href="https://www.capetown.travel/" target="_blank">Cape Town Tourism<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> if you are unsure if an online listing or website is legitimate. </li><li>Use our accommodation member listing to contact an accommodation partner directly. </li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info toptip"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Top tip</h4><p>Wherever you go, ask for advice often. Employees in restaurant, shops or hotels will know more about local conditions. In asking about your surroundings, you will have a better understanding of the local character of your surroundings and will be more aware of incidents that could occur.</p></div></div><p>Find out more about being <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Visitor-safety/General-safety-awareness/Safety-in-nature-and-on-roadtrips">safe when out and about in nature</a> and in our <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Visitor-safety/General-safety-awareness/Safety-at-night-and-on-the-streets">streets</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Cape Town Tourism – visitor safety support</h2><p>Cape Town Tourism’s Band-Aid team helps visitors who may be in distress during their stay in the city.<br></p><h4>Should an incident occur, CTT Band-Aid can assist with:</h4><ul><li>Replacement of lost documents. </li><li>Facilitating victim support counseling. <br></li><li>Emergency accommodation and transfers. </li><li>Laying a charge with the South African Police Service (SAPS). </li><li>Changing itineraries.<br></li></ul><p>The 24/7 Band-Aid contact number is <em> <a>021 487 6552</a></em>. Visitors can also speak to City staff located at Cape Town International Airport, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and City Hall.<br></p><p>Contact <a href="https://www.capetown.travel/contact/" target="_blank">Cape Town Tourism<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> for more information.<br></p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p> <strong>We do not offer the following</strong>: Financial assistance, replacement of lost items, compensation for losses of any kind, direct medical attention, or legal advice.<br></p></div></div></span>

Simple guidelines to ensure visitors enjoy a safe and memorable stay in Cape Town.