Pretoria Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Pretoria.
Healthcare System
South Africa has a two-tier healthcare system: excellent private healthcare comparable to Western standards, and overburdened public healthcare. Tourists should use private facilities.
Hospitals
Top private hospitals include Netcare Montana Hospital, Mediclinic Muelmed, Life Wilgers Hospital, and Netcare Pretoria East Hospital. All accept international patients and have 24/7 emergency departments. Most doctors trained internationally and speak English.
Pharmacies
Dis-Chem and Clicks pharmacies are widespread and well-stocked. Some operate 24 hours. Most Western medications are available, often at lower prices than abroad. Pharmacists can provide basic medical advice. Prescription requirements may differ from your home country.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential and strongly recommended. Private healthcare is expensive and facilities will require payment guarantees before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry your insurance details and emergency contact numbers
- Private hospitals may require upfront payment or insurance guarantees before treatment
- Pharmacies can dispense some medications without prescriptions that would require them elsewhere
- Tap water in Pretoria is safe to drink, though bottled water is widely available
- Altitude (1,300m) may cause mild symptoms for some visitors initially
- Malaria is NOT a risk in Pretoria, unlike other parts of South Africa
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic robberies can occur, sometimes involving weapons. Criminals may target people displaying expensive items or walking alone.
Thieves may smash car windows at traffic lights to grab valuables, or in extreme cases, carjacking can occur.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and tourist sites.
Theft from hotel rooms or guesthouses, though less common in reputable establishments.
Card skimming devices and cameras may be installed on ATMs. Criminals may also watch PIN entry.
Occasional protests and demonstrations can occur, sometimes becoming disruptive or violent.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals pose as police officers and stop tourists, claiming to need to check wallets for counterfeit money or demanding fines for fabricated violations.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for help, pointing out fake damage to your car) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at airports or tourist spots charge exorbitant rates or take longer routes to increase fares.
Individuals approach tourists with clipboards claiming to collect for charities, orphanages, or disabled persons, often using emotional stories.
Someone offers to help you use an ATM, watches your PIN, or claims the machine 'ate' your card, then retrieves it after you leave.
Fake listings for apartments or guesthouses request deposits via wire transfer, then disappear.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, or phones in public
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark; use Uber or taxis instead
- Make copies of important documents and store separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave the situation
- Learn basic Afrikaans or local greetings to show respect
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave excess cash and cards in hotel safe
- Divide money between different locations on your person
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during business hours
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for passport and backup cash
- Have small change ready for tips and small purchases to avoid displaying large amounts
Transportation
- Use Uber, Bolt, or reputable taxi services rather than walking or public transport
- Avoid minibus taxis (kombis) unless with a trusted local
- If driving, plan routes in advance and use GPS; avoid getting lost
- Keep space between your car and the one ahead at traffic lights to allow escape if needed
- Don't stop for hitchhikers or people flagging you down
- Park in secured, well-lit areas; use guarded parking when available
- Consider hiring a driver if uncomfortable driving yourself
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods like Hatfield, Brooklyn, or Menlyn
- Verify security features: electric fencing, security guards, CCTV
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when inside
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through reception
- Know emergency exits and procedures
- Use hotel safes for valuables and passports
Night Safety
- Avoid walking anywhere after dark; always use transportation
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas if out at night
- Visit restaurants and bars in groups when possible
- Don't accept drinks from strangers; watch your drink being prepared
- Have your accommodation arrange pickup if returning late
- Hatfield and Brooklyn have safer nightlife areas, but remain vigilant
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication and data
- Save emergency numbers in your phone immediately
- Keep phone charged and consider carrying a power bank
- Don't use your phone conspicuously on the street; be discreet
- Have your accommodation's address written in English and Afrikaans
- Download offline maps in case of connectivity issues
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women can travel safely in Pretoria with appropriate precautions. South Africa has high rates of gender-based violence, though tourists are rarely targeted. The main risks are opportunistic crime affecting all travelers. Solo women travelers should be extra vigilant, especially at night, and take additional precautions.
- Never walk alone after dark; always use Uber or taxis, even for short distances
- Sit in the back seat of taxis/Ubers and share trip details with someone
- Book accommodations with good security and reviews from other women travelers
- Avoid isolated areas, beaches, and hiking trails when alone
- Don't accept drinks from strangers and watch your drink being prepared
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention, though Pretoria is generally modern and Western dress is common
- Be assertive and confident; don't be afraid to be rude if feeling uncomfortable
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or designer items
- Join group tours rather than exploring alone, especially for township visits
- Have your phone charged and easily accessible
- Consider staying in women-only dorms if using hostels
- Be cautious of over-friendly strangers offering help or tours
- Know the location of your country's embassy
- If harassed, move toward populated areas or enter a shop/restaurant
LGBTQ+ Travelers
South Africa has progressive LGBTQ+ rights with constitutional protection against discrimination. Same-sex marriage is legal (since 2006), and anti-discrimination laws exist. However, legal protection doesn't always reflect social reality.
- Pretoria is generally safer for LGBTQ+ travelers than many African destinations, but discretion is advised
- Public displays of affection may attract negative attention in some areas; gauge your environment
- Hatfield and Brooklyn are more accepting; townships and conservative areas are less so
- LGBTQ+ venues exist but are less prominent than in Cape Town; research before visiting
- Hotel staff at international chains and upscale accommodations are generally professional and welcoming
- Be cautious on dating apps; meet in public places and inform someone of your plans
- While legally protected, don't assume everyone is accepting; use discretion
- Contact local LGBTQ+ organizations like OUT LGBT Well-being or The Inner Circle for current advice
- Consider joining LGBTQ+ specific tours or groups for safer experiences
- If experiencing discrimination, you have legal recourse, but practical enforcement varies
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Pretoria and South Africa. Private healthcare is expensive, and medical evacuation costs are prohibitive. Crime rates mean theft/loss coverage is important. Insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection against various risks.
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