Safety Tips for Expatriates in South Africa

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to South Africa, a country of contrasts and unparalleled beauty, may seem like an exciting adventure but it also raises crucial questions about personal safety and daily well-being. In this article, we explore practical tips and proven strategies to ensure your new life in South African territory unfolds with peace of mind and confidence. From cultural adaptation to understanding high-risk areas, our guide provides essential recommendations for successfully navigating this dynamic and fascinating environment, helping you transform your expatriation into a rewarding and secure experience.

South Africa: Safe Destination for Expatriates?

Crime Level in South Africa

South Africa displays one of the highest crime rates in the world, with a crime index of 74.7 in 2025, ranking it as the fifth most dangerous destination globally. Between January and March 2025, nearly 5,727 murders were recorded, primarily in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape. Violent crimes (murders, assaults, armed robberies, rapes) affect both residents and foreigners, and expatriates are sometimes among the victims.

Comparative Table of Crime Indices by South African City (2025)

City	Crime Index	Safety Index
Pietermaritzburg	82.00	18.00
Pretoria	81.84	18.16
Johannesburg	80.81	19.19
Durban	80.57	19.43
Port Elizabeth	78.13	21.87
Cape Town	73.67	26.33

Safest Neighborhoods for Expatriates

Neighborhoods favored by expatriates are generally safer due to enhanced security and strong international community presence. Examples of recommended neighborhoods:

• Johannesburg: Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose, Bryanston
• Cape Town: Camps Bay, Sea Point, Claremont, Constantia
• Pretoria: Waterkloof, Brooklyn, Lynnwood
• Durban: Umhlanga, Durban North, La Lucia

Conversely, it is strongly advised to avoid certain neighborhoods like Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville (Johannesburg), Sunnyside (Pretoria), and some areas of downtown Durban and Cape Town after dark.

Practical Tips to Minimize Risks

• Install a home security system (alarm, cameras, electric fence).
• Choose residences or secured complexes with guard services.
• Avoid walking alone or on foot at night, even in reputedly safe neighborhoods.
• Prefer private transport or ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) over public transport or unlicensed taxis.
• Keep valuables out of sight and avoid wearing flashy jewelry in public.
• Always lock doors and windows, even when present.
• Be attentive when withdrawing money from ATMs, prefer those located in shopping malls.

Expatriate Testimonials

“We’ve been living in Sandton for two years. The neighborhood is very secure, but we still installed an alarm and avoid going out on foot after 8 PM. The children go to school by private shuttle. We’ve never been assaulted, but remain vigilant.”

“I was a victim of an attempted robbery leaving a shopping mall in Johannesburg. Since then, I prefer local neighborhood shops and no longer move around without being accompanied, especially in the evening.”

“In Cape Town, safety depends a lot on the neighborhood: in Sea Point, you feel relatively at ease, but I still prefer using Uber at night.”

Government and Community Initiatives

• Strengthening police forces in high-risk areas and increasing controls on legal and illegal firearms.
• Dismantling organized crime networks (drug trafficking, kidnappings, extortion).
• Private security patrols and neighborhood watch schemes in many residential areas.
• Community programs for crime prevention, safety education, and victim support.
• Emergency hotlines and alerts available to report incidents or request rapid assistance.

Essential Tips for Optimal Safety in South Africa

Practical tips for optimal safety as an expatriate in South Africa:

Traveling by Car:

• Prefer using reputable taxis or ride-hailing services.
• Avoid driving at night, especially in less frequented neighborhoods.
• Keep doors and windows locked during stops (traffic lights, stop signs).
• Never stop for unknown persons on the road.
• If intercepted by a fake police officer, do not stop; proceed to the nearest police station.

Traveling on Foot:

• Walk only in busy and well-lit areas.
• Avoid neighborhoods identified as dangerous or isolated, particularly in Johannesburg (Hillbrow, Berea, Alexandra) and certain townships without reliable local accompaniment.
• Carry closed bags on the building side; never leave personal belongings unattended.

Housing Choice:

Criterion	Recommendation
Location	Favor secure residential neighborhoods
Physical Security	Choose residence with guard service/secure gate
Systems	Install connected alarms and cameras if possible

Risk Areas & Local Information:

Regularly consult local media and official sites to know the evolution of risk areas.
Avoid any unaccompanied travel in certain parts of Johannesburg (Melville after dark), Soweto outside organized tours, Port St Johns or Coffee Bay.

Reliable Local Contacts:

Establish contact with neighbors or South African colleagues to obtain practical advice.
Register with the consulate/embassy and on Ariane to be quickly informed in case of emergency.

Home Security Systems:

• Install connected motion sensor alarms
• Regularly check the proper functioning of devices
• Have a clear procedure in case of intrusion

Personal Habits Minimizing Risks:

• Carry little cash
• Do not display valuables
• Make bank withdrawals only in secure shopping/banking centers
• Avoid any financial exchange in public places

Use of Private Services:

Use recognized private companies for airport transfers/temporary housing.
Ensure any chosen company is accredited.

Emergency Situation Management:

1. Always keep a paper/digital list on you:
   • Local emergency numbers (police: 10111; ambulance: 10177)
   • Embassy/consulate contact
2. Plan a clear family/work plan according to different scenarios (burglary, assault…).

Cultural Adaptation & Local Understanding:

Observe local customs regarding travel and public behavior
Adapt to South African schedules (avoid late outings)
Actively seek information from experienced expatriates or local communities

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Quick Checklist of Essential Daily Reflexes:

• Always check your environment before each trip
• Stay informed daily via local media
• Seek advice from reliable contacts before visiting a new area
• Systematically lock doors/windows at home and during travel

Enhancing Your Safety When Relocating to South Africa

Before moving to South Africa, it is essential to adopt personal safety measures to minimize risks related to crime and local conditions.

Knowledge of Safe and Avoidable Areas

• Prefer secure residential neighborhoods and avoid those reputed dangerous like Hillbrow, Berea, Alexandra, Yeoville, or certain sectors of old downtown Johannesburg.
• Limit yourself to guided tours in townships (e.g., Soweto) or be accompanied by a reliable local.
• Be extremely vigilant in certain cities like Port St Johns or Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast.

Installation of Security Devices at Home

• Install alarms, cameras, electric fences, and reinforced doors.
• Ensure the residence has a guard service or private security company if possible.
• Always lock doors and windows even during the day.

Subscription to Health and Safety Insurance

• Take out international health insurance covering private medical care as well as medical repatriation.
• Verify that your contract includes coverage against theft, assault, or kidnapping.

Staying Informed of Local and Socio-Political News

Regularly consult local press to follow the evolution of protests or social unrest that may affect your mobility.

List of Strategies to Build a Local Network

• Participate in community events organized by embassies/consulates or expatriate associations.
• Use professional networks (LinkedIn, local clubs) to find reliable contacts on site.
• Seek advice from local colleagues regarding safe providers (private drivers, real estate agencies).

Access to Private Services

Subscribe to a recognized private company offering regular patrols around the home and assistance in case of serious incident.

Practical Tips for Transport

Situation	Potential Risks	Recommended Precautions
Public Transport	Frequent thefts, assaults	Avoid unofficial buses/minibuses; prefer Uber/known applications
Car Driving	Carjacking; fake police; traffic jams during protests	Keep windows closed; do not stop except in safe place/official police; plan route outside risky hours

Other Essential Tips

• Exercise discretion daily:
  • Do not display outward signs of wealth (expensive jewelry/visible technology)
  • Avoid any ostentatious behavior likely to attract attention
• Withdraw money only in secure places (banks/shopping malls)
• Keep bag closed carried on the building side

Useful Resources

Resource	Role
Embassy / Consulate	Administrative assistance & emergency
Expatriate Associations	Social support & practical advice
Ariane Services	Presence reporting + alerts

For any urgent situation: immediately contact the embassy/consulate which can direct you to appropriate medical/security services.

Always take note of official recommendations before any domestic travel.