Health & safety
Contents
Dangers & annoyances
Cape Town is one of the most relaxed cities in Africa, which can instil a false sense of security. People who have travelled overland from Cairo without a single mishap or theft have been known to be cleaned out in Cape Town - generally when doing something like leaving their gear on a beach while they go swimming.
Paranoia is not required, but common sense is. There is tremendous poverty on the peninsula and the 'informal redistribution of wealth' is reasonably common. The townships on the Cape Flats have an appalling crime rate and unless you have a trustworthy guide or are on a tour they are not places for a casual stroll.
Stick to the roads when you walk around the city, and always listen to local advice. There is safety in numbers.
Swimming at any of the Cape beaches is potentially hazardous, especially for those inexperienced in surf. Check for warning signs about rips and rocks and only swim in patrolled areas.
Beating the ATM scams
Follow the rules listed below and you'll cut your chances of becoming a crime statistic while withdrawing cash from an ATM:
Avoid ATMs at night and in secluded places. Rows of machines in shopping malls are usually the safest.
Most ATMs in banks have security guards. If there's no guard around when you're withdrawing cash, watch your back, or get someone else to watch it for you.
Watch the people using the ATM ahead of you carefully. If they look suspicious, go to another machine.
Use ATMs during banking hours and if possible take a friend. If your card is jammed in a machine then one person stays at the ATM and the other seeks assistance from the bank.
When you put your card into the ATM press cancel immediately. If the card is returned then you know there is no blockage in the machine and it should be safe to proceed.
Don't hesitate to be rude in refusing any offers of help to complete your transaction. If someone does offer, end your transaction immediately and find another machine.
Carry your bank's emergency phone number, and if you do lose your card report it immediately.
While you're there
Medical services
Medical services are of a high standard in Cape Town. In an emergency contact the police (10111) to get directions to the nearest hospital. Many doctors make house calls; they're listed under 'Medical' in the phone book, and hotels and most other places to stay can arrange a visit.
Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital (021-480 6111; www.netcare.co.za; 181 Longmarket St, City Bowl) The best private hospital; reception is on the 8th fl.
Groote Schuur Hospital (021-404 9111; www.capegateway.gov.za/gsh; Main Rd, Observatory) In an emergency, you can go directly to its casualty department.
Clinics
SAA-Netcare Travel Clinic (021-419 3172; 11th fl, Picbal Arcade, 58 Strand St, City Bowl; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat) For vaccinations and travel health advice.
Cape Town
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