Unemployment is a major problem in the country and other Cape Town, South Africa Warning Or Danger Tips

Their are not enough jobs anywhere in the world, and Capetown is no exception. Half of the world's population lives on $1-$2 dollars a day, and lots of them are in South Africa.

Crime is the only way they can survive, so don't display all your flash, ie cell phones, name brand purses, jewelry, etc. Be very careful as crime is a serious problem.

There is no enforcement of the laws, so this leads to people taking calculated risks that could kill you. Do not go out walking at night. Take a taxi to your destination and take one home. This is very important.

Do not drive without taking lessons to know how to handle car hijacking. It is best not to drive at all. It is possible to visit without driving, as I have been in Cape Town for 5 1/2 months and have never driven a car.

The best thing you can do for yourself before you arrive is to understand what you are walking into before you come here.

Read the wonderful book of Sampie Terreblanche, "A History of Inequality in South Africa. 1652-2002" published by University of Natal Press.

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South Africa has its own culture.
Almost every sad story I heard had to do with tourists as well as the locals being exploited by landlords.

Consider doing a home exchange or stay in a hotel where you can check out and leave the country when you want. My very last choice would be in renting anything from anyone. That said, I did rent, but I will never, NEVER do it again. At least, never in South Africa unless I know the person for years.

The mindset there is infused with exploiting anyone with "money". The normal way to they do this is to demand a "deposit" which you will never get back, as well as being billed for "damages" without an inventory of anything in the first place. If you try to leave, they just take your luggage and lock it up until you pay their illegal demands. This is the conventional way they handle things there.

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Website: There is no enforcement of the laws, so watch out!