The truth is, South Africa has criminals – like every country in the world. However, if you behave street smart, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime while you are in South Africa for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Please follow these snippets of advice:

• Book your accommodation at a reputable guesthouse
• Book your airport and soccer stadium transfers with a reputable shuttle service
• Plan outings to outside the city or book with a tour/safari operator
• Drive with windows closed and valuables out of sight
• Don't open your window at robots (traffic lights)
• Leave your Rolex at home or in a safe at the guesthouse if you go to a soccer match
• Keep a limited amount of cash in your wallet
• Keep your wallet in a pocket that closes with a button or that is really deep
• Don't accept a lift with strangers – rather spring the extra bucks and take a taxi (and I don't mean an informal minibus taxi)
• Avoid wandering off into dark streets with little pedestrian traffic
• Keep your cellphone safely hidden away
• When paying with your credit card at a restaurant (or anywhere else) – walk with if they don't have a mobile card machine
• When drawing money from an ATM, keep your pi.jpgn to yourself

Keep numbers close:

• Put the police emergency number 10111 close
• Keep your medical aid details with you – always