With the World Cup 2010 starting in less than 10 days it is high-time you took some precautions and safety measures to make sure your trip will be fun and safe. With one of the highest crime rates in the world, South Africa isn't exactly known as a place to go for s troll at sunset.

It's more realistic to expect security guards at your hotel, windows with iron bars reminiscent of a prison (albeit a swanky one), and no after dark excursions into the neighbourhood.
Safe travels for all

Before you cancel your flight and refund your money here are some ways to ensure a safe trip to the World Cup 2010 or South African holiday.

South African authorities are doing everything they can do make sure overseas tourists will have a good time. They are adamant to keep crime levels in check and to help protect visitors against theft such as stolen wallets, mobile phones and credit card fraud. Some 41,000 police will be deployed during the soccer World Cup.

SA Crime Statistics
South African crime statistics are scary when you look at the figures below:

•    18,000+ murders a year;
•    70,000+ sex crimes;
•    121,000+ cases of robbery, often with aggravated circumstances
•    Car hijackings

It is quite clear that you have to take security serious if you plan on visiting the games because by not doing so you will put yourself in harm's way.

Credit Card Fraud Warning
Unfortunately as a tourist you will be a prime target to local credit card fraudsters who target international travellers with high credit limits. Here are 6 simple tips to reduce your credit card fraud risk while in South Africa:

1.    Make photocopies of all your important travel documents including credit cards, passports and travel itineraries and leave these with someone your trust such as a family member;

2.    Inform your credit card company of the specific dates your will be travelling and your destinations so your transactions aren't identified by the bank as suspicious transactions ;

3.    Keep a look over your shoulder when using local ATM's. Only use ATM's located in well lit and more populated areas.

4.    Use the safe in your hotel room to store all your important travel documents, cash and valuables. When going out only carry the bare necessities you need.

5.    Never let your credit card go out of sight when making payments in restaurants, hotels, bars, shopping centres and anywhere else.

6.    Check your credit card statement for any unidentifiable transactions as soon as you arrive home.

Safety Tips for Soccer Tourists in South Africa
The following safety tips will help you stay off the radar of criminals.

1.    Don't walk in dark, lonely alleyways, especially not at night. Stick to busy, well-lit areas

2.    Don't travel alone, you will be more vulnerable

3.    Make sure you only travel with reputable taxi services, not every car marked taxi is one

4.    Be careful when entering the premises of your guest house or hotel. Not every one of them can afford security guards.

5.    Never parade your wealth. Keep your valuables safely tucked away, preferably on your body. Refrain from wearing jewellery and don't wear your camera openly

6.    Lock windows, and keep car doors locked when travelling

7.    Be wary of traffic light hijacking attempts. Leave yourself room to manoeuvre your car away fast if need be. Do not stop if someone bumps you from behind. Instead drive to the nearest police station.

8.    If you are hijacked co-operate with the criminals. It might save your life.

9.    Keep your valuables in your hotel safe and only carry small portions of cash

10.    It is advised you only travel in official coaches and in groups. You are not familiar with the area so don't feel like exploring your surrounds with an impromptu trip to the countryside.

11.    Carry certified copies of your passport and drivers license. Keep them separate from your documents in case they get stolen.

12.    Be careful at ATM machines. Never accept help from strangers, even if they pose as policemen because they might not be what they seem.

13.    Keep your credit card in close view when paying for purchases

Travelling should be and is fun when you use basic precautions. With the above tips you should be well armed to avoid potential issues. By using common sense and sticking to other groups of people you should be able to avoid any unnecessary attacks while visiting the South African World Cup 2010.

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Timothy Ng - Credit Card Finder

This article was written by Timothy who is a regular writer and part of the team at Credit Card Finder, a 100% free Australian credit card comparison and application service. Visit the Credit Card Finder website for more information and Tips For Credit Card Use Overseas, or subscribe to their RSS feed for more practical articles.