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South Africa
21 scams
With wild natural beauty, legendary safaris and colorful cultural fabric, South Africais the perfect destination for an adventure of a lifetime!
Unfortunately however, one of the most beautiful countries in the world is also one of the most violent, and one has to be careful here.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 10111
- Ambulance: 10177
- Cell phone emergency (note: you will face an automated menu first): 112
Drink spiking in South Africa
6 0How it works: South Africa has one of the highest reported cases of rape, and much of it is due to spiked drinks, with Rohypnol commonly used. Besides sexually assaults,…
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Taxi scams in South Africa
6 0How it works: Version 1: official taxis have meters but some may refuse to use it and charge you an inflated flat fare. Version 2: if the meter is used,…
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Snatch thefts in South Africa
5 0How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Street, mall, shop, park, transportation hub: distracting and snatching from you, then escaping via a getaway car or…
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Unofficial guides robbery in South Africa
5 0How it works: Unofficial guides at tourist attractions are a dime a dozen around the world. However, in South Africa, some of these you find at national parks are actually…
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Currency switcheroo in South Africa
3 0How it works: When you pay, the cashier drops the cash received and then switch it with a smaller value note while picking them up. They then claim that you…
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Price quote scams in South Africa
2 0How it works: Version 1: at street markets where goods do not have price tags, inflated prices are quoted based on how rich a vendor thinks you are. Version 2:…
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Luggage handler thefts in South Africa
1 0How it works: Some of the main airports here are known for luggage thefts. After you check your bags in, or wait to collect them, baggage handlers may go through…
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Unofficial luggage porters in South Africa
1 0How it works: An official looking staff grabs your bag and tries to show you the directions. Once they have “helped” you (i.e. moving it over a short distance), they…
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Pickpockets in South Africa
1 0How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Carjacking in South Africa
1 0How it works: Set-up: signalling you to pull over (ways below) and then robbing you or stealing your car. Version 1: posing as traffic police and setting up fake checkpoints….
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