Using common sense and following some basic rules should ensure that visitors enjoy their stay in Joburg.

Gandhi Square

LIKE any large city, visitors to Joburg should be street smart. If you follow the suggestions you should, like tens of thousands of other visitors, enjoy a trouble-free stay:

Money smarts

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. When using cash make sure you have a good mix of smaller denominations – notes and coins.
• Separate cash from credit cards.
• Carry travellers cheques rather than large amounts of cash. Do not countersign the cheques until you actually need to use them.
• Carry only what you need; keep most of your travellers cheques in the hotel safe.
• Make a note of your credit card numbers, the customer service numbers for issuing banks, and so on. Put the note in a sealed envelope and ask the hotel front desk to keep it for you.
• Use bank ATMs only in well-lit areas, for example shopping malls. Do not allow a stranger to assist you in your transactions. Should your card become stuck in the ATM, enter your PIN three times whereupon the machine will retain your card. You can then approach the bank to release it, or call the helpline number that can usually be found at ATMs for assistance.

Road smarts

• Plan your travel route beforehand, so that you don't get lost in a less-safe part of town. Where possible, rely on local residents for transport. If you get lost, look for a shop or other open business, and ask for help.
• Drivers should be on the alert when coming to a halt at traffic lights or stop streets, as well as when arriving at or leaving premises.
• Car doors should be locked at all times. Avoid the temptation to keep windows wide open in sunny weather.
• Do not leave valuables in clear view of people on the side of the road. Articles such as cell phones and handbags left on seats are favoured targets of smash 'n’ grab thieves.
• When parking at night choose well-lit or security-patrolled parking areas. Throughout the city, you will see street security guards, who will usually ask whether they can watch over your car and in return should be paid a small fee - anything from two rand upwards.

Public smarts

• Should you lose your passport, report the loss as soon as possible to your country's embassy or consulate, and to the local police.
• Make sure that the areas you intend visiting are safe by asking hotel staff or police for advice. Certain areas, such as parts of Hillbrow, Alexandra, the inner city and Soweto, are best visited in groups, ideally accompanied by local residents.
• While dining in public places, do not leave purses on chairs, under tables or on the backs of chairs.
• Keep cell phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them.
• Avoid wearing visible jewellery or carrying cameras and bags over your shoulder.