Desperately Seeking Advice from American EX PAT's Living in Joburg

Hi krob,

Welcome to Expat.com!

I wish you good luck in your search and do not hesitate to share your experience with us.

All the best,
Christine

Hi there,
I am not an expat, but I can give you some advice if I may.
I have lived in South Africa all my life and the crime has increased tremendously.
No area is really "safe" crime happens anywhere, but there are certain things that you can do to prevent becoming a victim.

Certain areas in Gauteng are unsafe especially if you are a foreigner and if you look the part...if you know what I mean by that.
The most important thing to remember is to always be alert, don`t drive or walk around alone at night.
Always make sure that have proper directions when going somewhere for the first time....make a note of the directions beforehand.
Always keep your car doors locked and personal belongings locked in your boot.
Don`t carry valuables with you and try to "blend" in with the rest of the crowd with regard to your appearance.

Don`t get sidetracked by strangers who approach you on false pretenses - no matter what their circumstances.
Don`t offer to help or be drawn into long conversations on the streets.
Choose your friends carefully..birds of a feather flock together.

Good luck

Cheryl

Thank you for your contribution Cheryl!

You should check out my blog, http://joburgexpat.blogspot.com, and from there you will also find links to other Expat.coms, some by Americans. I think you will get a lot of information there about life ans an expat and the safety issue, as well as many other wonderful things about South Africa that you also have to weigh against the crime, which in my mind has improved in the last couple of years. Good luck, and feel free to ask me specific questions on my blog.

Crime has been on the rise, but most of it is sensationalized by the media.
Its made to look like you will get robbed as soon as you step out of the house which is not true. Just keep your wits about you, stay out of crime hot-spots, don't walk or drive alone late at night, and don't talk and/or give information out to strangers.

Ive lived here for 5 yrs now, Johannesburg and Durban. Ive been a victim of crime twice, although I have been left with physical and emotional scares, You cant live your life in fear and need to forgive, crime is everywhere. This is a beautiful country and you should give it a chance.