THE South African Police Service offers tips for tourists and visitors to the city over the festive season.
At the hotel, guesthouse, and other accommodation, report any suspicious, unattended luggage or parcels to personnel at reception.
Never leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked away in your room.
Ensure you store valuables in the safety deposit box, and keep your room locked. If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
Contact reception if you have any reason for concern.
Hand your keys in whenever you leave, and make sure that luggage is only given to the bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage.
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On the street, avoid an ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras, mobile phones and other valuables.
Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped, and do not leave it unattended.
Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended. Do not carry large sums of money with you and exchange your currency at a bank or at the hotel – never exchange it on the street.
Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers.
Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence.
At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas. It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets.
Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers.
A police officer or traffic officer will be happy to direct you if you get lost.
Should you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the South African Tourism helpline (contact number: 083 123 6789) can recommend a reliable service.
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