## Is It Safe to Travel to South Africa in 2020?
South Africa is a popular tourist destination, but concerns about safety have been on the rise in recent years. In 2019, the country recorded a total of 21,029 murders, which is a rate of 35.6 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the global average of 6.1 per 100,000 people.
While the overall crime rate in South Africa is relatively high, it is important to note that there is a significant amount of variation between different parts of the country. The major cities, such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, are generally considered to be more dangerous than the rural areas. However, even in the cities, there are safe neighborhoods and areas that tourists can visit with relative ease.
### What Are the Risks?
The most common type of crime in South Africa is petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching. This type of crime is most likely to occur in crowded areas, such as markets and tourist attractions.
Violent crime, such as murder, rape, and assault, is also a concern in South Africa. However, it is important to note that violent crime is not as common as petty theft.
### How to Stay Safe
There are a number of things that tourists can do to stay safe in South Africa:
Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the people and things around you, and be alert to any suspicious activity.
Avoid walking alone at night. If you must walk at night, be sure to stick to well-lit, populated areas.
Don’t flaunt your valuables. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.
Be careful when using ATMs. Be sure to use ATMs in well-lit, populated areas, and never use an ATM that looks like it has been tampered with.
Report any crimes to the police immediately. If you are the victim of a crime, be sure to report it to the police immediately.
### Is It Safe to Travel to South Africa in 2020?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your personal risk tolerance and the specific areas of South Africa that you plan to visit. If you are planning to visit the major cities, such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take precautions to stay safe. However, if you are planning to visit the rural areas of South Africa, you are likely to be at a much lower risk of crime.
Overall, South Africa is a beautiful and diverse country with a lot to offer tourists. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and to take precautions to stay safe. By following the advice in this article, you can help to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime and have a safe and enjoyable trip.
## Additional Tips for Staying Safe
Be aware of the local laws and customs. It is important to be aware of the local laws and customs in South Africa. This will help you to avoid any misunderstandings or legal problems.
Do your research. Before you travel to South Africa, be sure to do your research and learn about the specific areas that you plan to visit. This will help you to identify any potential risks and to take precautions to stay safe.
Learn some basic self-defense. Learning some basic self-defense techniques can help you to protect yourself in the event of an attack.
Travel with a friend or group. Traveling with a friend or group can help to deter criminals and make you feel more safe.
Be prepared for emergencies. Make sure to have a plan for emergencies, such as a fire or a medical emergency.