Tripadvisor South Africa Forum (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to South Africa in 2024? ›

Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common.

We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the threat of violent crime.

Yes, Johannesburg is relatively safe for tourists. Like any other major city, Joburg has its dangerous areas. But overall, the metropolitan is safe for travellers, as long as you keep your wits about you.

Attractions such as the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City and Constitution Hill offer snapshots into these important Jo'burg attributes, while other sites like Nelson Mandela Square and the Mandela House remind locals and visitors about the monumental impact Mandela had on the city.

Is Cape Town safe? Cape Town is considered safe to travel to by the UK Foreign Office. However, it's worth bearing in mind that crime rates are extremely high in the city, especially violent crime, including murder.

General safety in Cape Town

Tourist crime is relatively low, and as long as you exercise caution, use common sense, and stick to the tourist-approved neighbourhoods, you should have little problems with safety in Cape Town.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Africa. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Yes, major credit cards are typically accepted in restaurants and shops, especially in large cities. Credit cards are often the most convenient way to pay, and safer than carrying large amounts of cash around. We recommend using a traveler's credit card that doesn't charge fees for international purchases.

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), and US dollars are not widely accepted. South African Rands can also be used easily in Namibia and eSwatini (Swaziland). If you're travelling anywhere else in Southern Africa or East Africa, the most useful currency to have with you is US dollars (USD).

We used Uber exclusively in Cape Town and felt very safe. All our drivers were good. It's easy to verify that the car that picks you up has the expected driver and license plate.

Where not to go in Johannesburg? ›

Places to Avoid in Johannesburg

This mostly includes Hillbrow, Yeoville, Berea, and Alexandra. Just because you can't visit these neighbourhoods independently doesn't mean you can't visit them though! Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville have some really incredible walking tours, which we highly recommend you take!

Johannesburg offers more when it comes to game reserves and inner city entertainment, whereas Cape Town offers wondrous coastal walks and mountain treks that are impossible to experience anywhere else. Africa can be a harsh environment, so it's important to be fully prepared for your expedition.

FAQs About Johannesburg vs Cape Town

Cape Town is a safer holiday destination than Johannesburg. Increased crime in Johannesburg has recently deterred tourists from visiting the city. Sandton is one of the safer suburbs to stay in during your visit to Johannesburg.

Curated by Karen Gardinera Scottish travel writer based in the US. Two days in Johannesburg allows you enough time to thoroughly explore the city's historic landmarks—from Constitution Hill to the township of Soweto—and get a closer look at some of the its most culturally rich neighborhoods.

Duration and Purpose of Stay

U.S. citizens (U.S. passport holders) visiting the Republic of South Africa for ninety (90) days or less for tourism / business purposes do not need visas.

Africa remains a safe holiday destination, especially for safari. Unlike train travel, a resort or cruise vacation, you will not come into close contact with large numbers of travellers – social distancing is inherent in the African bush.

South Africa is one of our most popular international destinations due to how affordable it is to live there, especially in comparison to the UK and other European countries. To prove this, data taken from October 2022 suggests that South Africa is 45% cheaper to live in than the United Kingdom.