The tourists trusted resource for essential advice and safety guidelines designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring the stunning beauty of Hout Bay.
How to stay safe when visiting Hout Bay
When travelling to Hout Bay in South Africa, it's crucial to maintain a balanced perspective on travel safety. Two unwise extremes to avoid are believing there is rampant crime everywhere in South Africa and being overly naive, thinking that crime doesn't exist at all. While South Africa does have areas with higher crime rates, Hout Bay is generally considered safe for tourists who exercise common-sense precautions.
It's essential to stay informed about the local safety guidelines, avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night, and safeguard your belongings. Engaging with the local community and being respectful of the culture can also go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. By striking a balance between vigilance and open-mindedness, travellers can fully appreciate the beauty and culture that Hout Bay has to offer while minimizing potential risks.
Common Sense Travel Safety Tips
Cape Town, like New York, London, or Paris, is a large, cosmopolitan city. We would encourage both local and international tourists to be as cautious in Cape Town as they would be in their home city or any other major, city throughout the world.
Never leave handbags, wallets or devices unattended.
Don’t carry large sums of money and avoid counting it in the open.
Keep copies of all valuable documents like passports in a safe place.
Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Keep cameras, mobile phones and devices out of sight.
Take your hosts' or locals’ recommendations on places/areas to avoid.
Don't ever allow strangers to assist you in any way at ATMs or cash points.
Load the emergency numbers below onto your mobile phone.
Handbags should never be left on chair backs, beneath tables or on lavatory hooks.
Keep wallets and cell phones off of restaurant tables.
Always keep your credit card visible.
Never leave alcohol unattended.
Safety tips when you're on the street in Hout Bay
Never walk in unlit or deserted areas.
Keep whatever you own visible and near to your body.
Make sure your phone and wallet are securely stashed away, and avoid using them while strolling.
Wearing headphones could cause you to become distracted from your surroundings.
Check for people walking in your blind spot.
Make a travel plan in advance. Tell people where you are going and when you will be back.
Refrain from carrying huge amounts of cash and from openly counting it.
When using an ATM Hout Bay
Only use ATMs that are in busy, well-lit and safe places.
Keep your bank card in your sight at all times.
Never give out your pin number to strangers or accept assistance from them, especially if they pose as bank employees.
As you enter your pin, be aware of those who are standing extremely near to you and watching over your shoulder.
Your card should never be left in an ATM. If it becomes lodged or ingested, adhere to the guidelines mentioned on the ATM.
Double-check that you are not being followed after completing your transaction.
Safety tips when driving your car around Hout Bay
Always have your keys ready as you approach your car.
Don't get boxed in. Leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you so that you can quickly change lanes and move on.
No hitchhikers allowed! Avoid giving strangers rides.
Keep devices, wallets and handbags off the dashboard and out of sight – Stash it, don’t flash it.
Never open your window when approached by a stranger.
If you suspect that you are being followed, go past your destination and drive around the block once or twice and pay attention to what the vehicle following you does.
If you are still being followed, drive to a busy place or a police station.
