Cape Town, South Africa
In 2019 South Africas crime rate was 36.71 and most tourist sites rate the possibility to become a target in crime high.
Inspite of that, 18 year old Katja decided it would be the best place to spend her leap year. I had never in my life travelled before, nevertheless travelled alone to the other end of the world. Maybe it was the sunny beaches, vibrant culture or the attraction of danger, I was determined to rise to the occation. Cape Town South Africa, here I come.
I signed up with a travel company which planned around the world travels for young people. I lived in a hostel with 20-40 other young tourists, and singed up for volunteer work at a local day care centre.
Living in a city where there is crime everywhere taught me valuable lessons about life that I will carry the rest of my life (like don’t drink tequila when you’re sick). I would like to note that these are just my own tips that I have learned and that here is so much more you need to know about travelling before you get on that plane.
Here are just a few tips I want to share with you, if you’re thinking about travelling this year!
My three tips to survive in a high-crime city
1. Don’t be a tourist
The first thing I was taught was that you absolutely cannot show that you don’t belong. Criminals target tourist because they know that they are vulnerable and often carry more valuable items with them. Tourist don’t know the local ways and are easy to fool. Muggers can tell you’re a foreigner just by your language and appearence (especially if you’re a pale young girl from the north).
So keep an eye on what the locals are doing and try to mimic them. Wear similar clothes. (It’s also a great excuse to go shopping in some local shops!) Speak english or just keep your mouth shut. And most importantly, avoid tourist destinations.
Just. Blend. In.
2. Don’t show off
Even though the designer bags and Rolex watches look great on you, leave them at home if you want to keep them. It’s common logic that if you look expensive, you are expensive. It’s like begging to get robbed.
Living with the locals I learned that there is no point in buying the most expensive anything, because it’s just gonna get stolen anyway. Buying a cheap burner phone is a great tip if you want to have a phone with you. Also avoing big amounts of cash or carrying a whole wallet with you.
How are you gonna get robbed if you don’t have anything worth stealing?
3. Don’t be alone
The biggest rule in South Africa must be that you don’t walk alone at night. Not even if you’re a woman, a man or sometimes even in a big group. When the sun goes down it’s a different city, people walking on the streets with big kitchen knives (I kid you not). And the worst part is, walking alone at day time isn’t very safe either.
I always recommed getting to know the locals. They have all the information you need to survive: what short cuts to take, what time you can walk where, or who’s gonna steal your wallet in your sleep. I always felt much safer walking with a local friend. Just be careful who you trust.
But most importantly
There may be thousands of travel books and tips for tourists, but there is only one rule that is the most important one. Put your own safety first. Always. Don’t ever force yourself to do anything reckless or something that doesn’t feel right.
Hand over the phone, take an uber home, change your hotel, take an early flight home, or just book a holiday in Spain instead. What ever it takes to keep yourself safe.
