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Top travel tips for fans going to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

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  • It will be crucial that you have a GPS facility with you so that you dont get lost or travel in the wrong directions. South Africa is a vast country and the cities are situated far apart.
  • For all your electrical equipment, make sure you have the correct power (electricity) adapters for South Africa which has 220v outlets. See the travel website for adapters. All the neighbouring countries have similar electricity outlets.
  • As stated above, make sure you have warm clothing, but that time of the year is generally not too cold as yet. The day time temperatures can be warm to hot along the east coast.
  • If your are thinking of travelling to any of the neighbouring countries Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, etc), make sure you have the correct Visa's to do so. See this Web page for Visa details. Also ensure you have the necessary Malaria prophylactics should you visit the north-eastern and northern parts of our region.
  • Preferably purchase bottled water and keep yourself hydrated. Local water is safe and pallatable, but might not agree with you.
  • Make sure you bring your personal medication.
  • Ensure you have travel / emergency (International SOS) cover which facilitates medical emergencies, repatriation and suchlike matters.
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Security Tips from someone living in South Africa:

I am a South African citizen who moved back to SA 3 months ago after living in the UK for 4 and ½ years. These are the things I generally do to keep myself at low risk:

In your car • When approaching your parked car look out for suspicious looking characters standing about. • If you ever see anyone that looks suspicious, look them straight in the eye to let them know that you are aware of their presence. • Always be aware of what is going on around you, develop eyes in the back of your head. • When you get into your car lock your doors straight away. • When stopping at a traffic light leave a space between your car and the car in front of you that is wide enough to allow for a quick get away, should the situation arise. One car length will generally do. • When stopping at a traffic light or stop street always be aware of what is going on around your car. Look at the hawkers and check all your mirrors to see who is around your car and what they are doing. At this point check that your doors are locked. • Do not leave items lying on the seats, put bags, phones etc between the seats or underneath the seats, so that people that look into the car from outside cannot see it.

In crowds and shopping malls • Wear a jacket that has pockets inside and keep your wallet and phone in the inside pockets. • When walking amongst crowds, be aware of what is going on around you. If someone gets to close to you look them in the eye and say something like “Hey back off!”. This will scare off most pick pockets. • Pick pockets work in teams, so be aware of people that signal each other. Look them in the eyes to let them know you are aware of their presense. They are more likely to target people that look unaware of their surroundings.

Relax • Being aware of what goes on around you doesn’t mean that you have to be nervous or not enjoy your holiday. These are habits that you should have no matter where you go on holiday or live.

South Africa is such a beautiful country and the positives far out weighs the negatives. Living here is nothing but a pleasure!

Dédre Grassini www.meerkatmanorsa.com

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  • make sure you book your accommocation before you arrive - South Africa will be incredibly busy during the World Cup period and many guest houses are already full for the duration of the competition
  • remember it will be winter in South Africa and therefore it may be too cold to camp in some areas
  • if you are thinking about hiring a car in South Africa, ensure that you book early as there is a limited amount available
  • if you plan to use public transport then make sure you only use licensed taxis or official public transport
  • check the local rules of the road. For example, at four way intersections the car that arrives first has the right of way, more information on our travel and transport page.
  • not having insurance could cost over £25,000 in medical bills and air evacuation so ensure you're covered. With the high levels of crime it is also important to insure any possessions you take with you
  • fake tickets may be in circulation, so make sure any tickets that you buy are genuine by checking with the FIFA World Cup Ticketing Centre. Tickets are also ID specific, and you may be asked to produce photo ID to confirm the ticket is yours
  • check which vaccinations and medication you need before you travel at NaTHNaC
  • there are different laws and policing in South Africa, there will be no tolerance of racist or xenophobic material, and fans deemed too intoxicated may be refused entry to the stadium
  • register your details with system likeFCO's LOCATE system which informs the British Foriegn office where you are going so we can provide help in an emergency
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Make sure you plan your journeys between stadiums carefully as they are spread far apart. The distance between Cape Town and Johannesburg is 880 miles, which is the same distance as London to Warsaw and would take 17 hours to drive!

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Travel advice from the Australian Govt:

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa because of the high level of serious crime.

  • Being part of an organised fan group may be the safest way to visit the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Information on official tour groups can be found at the FIFA website.

  • Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

  • South Africa will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup from 11 June to 11 July 2010. We advise travellers to register their travel and contact details well in advance of their trip. For further information see our travel bulletin on 2010 FIFA World Cup-South Africa.
  • The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in South Africa is very high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

  • Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

  • Accommodation: The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be held in nine cities across South Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Rustenburg, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, and Nelspruit). There will be high demand for accommodation in these cities. You should secure your hotel booking and confirm your travel arrangements as early as possible.

  • You should contact your mobile telephone service provider to check whether your mobile telephone will work in South Africa.

  • Health Issues: Travellers with medical conditions should take special care in their preparation for the trip, get medical advice well before leaving Australia and pack sufficient medicine.

  • We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy.

  • The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in South Africa is very high. Exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy

  • register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency

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The AA of South Africa has an amazing website for people coming to South Africa including information on:

  • Forex
  • Road Conditions
  • What you will need (insurance, documents etc...) if you plan to visit our neighboring countries
  • General travel advice for South Africa
  • World Cup 2010 specific travel advice for South Africa

Really worth a look

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