These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across South Africa, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
How it works: Skimming devices occasionally appear on standalone ATMs, and strangers who offer to 'help' with a stuck card or a confusing machine sometimes memorise your PIN or swap your card.
How to avoid it: Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and never accept help from a stranger at the machine.
How it works: Informal, unbadged 'car guards' sometimes pressure visitors into paying an inflated fee to watch a parked car, occasionally becoming aggressive if refused.
How to avoid it: A small tip for a genuinely badged car guard is normal and appreciated, but you are not obligated to pay an aggressive unbadged tout; park in an attended, well-lit lot where possible.
How it works: Taxis without a working meter, especially at the airport or tourist sites, sometimes quote a price well above the standard fare once you are already inside.
How to avoid it: Agree the fare before getting in if no meter is running, or use a rideshare app that shows the price upfront.
How it works: Thieves occasionally break a car window at a traffic light or in a parking area to grab a visible phone, bag or camera from the seat.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables out of sight in the car at all times, and put bags in the boot before you start driving rather than after you stop.