Foreign travel briefing: Staying safe at South Africa’s World Cup

1. South Africa

Is it crazy to go on a soccer vacation to a country with one of the highest rates of violent crime on Earth? There’s also a risk of smaller crimes, such as the theft of wallets and cellphones, as well as credit card fraud.

South African authorities have promised a safe World Cup, with 41,000 police to be deployed during the tournament.

Travelers also can take simple steps to reduce the risk of crime:

• Always lock car doors, and keep windows closed. Keep your valuables out of sight and reach.

If bumped from behind at a traffic light, drive to the nearest police station.

If you are hijacked, cooperate fully. Stay calm. Keep hands in view. Make no sudden moves. Don’t meet the hijackers’ eyes. Ask permission before removing your seatbelt or leaving the car.

On foot, be alert and avoid isolated or dark areas and alleys. Don’t jog alone in parks. Stick to well-lighted areas at night. Travel in a group, if possible.

If you’re driving, know your route and the areas to avoid. If lost, don’t stop but drive to a business or garage.

• Don’t wear expensive watches, jewelry or keep your camera around your neck. Don’t carry a wallet in your back pocket. Keep handbags zipped. Consider using a money belt. Use hotel safes. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Don’t leave valuables in hotel rooms.

Bring certified copies of important documents, such as your driver’s license and passport.

When arriving at your hotel at night, use the main, well-lighted entrance.

Don’t accept help from anyone at an ATM, including anyone in a police uniform. If approached, cancel the transaction immediately. Don’t use ATMs in poorly illuminated, isolated areas.

Never let your credit card out of sight.

For more safety tips, go to: https://www.saps.gov.za/crime_prevention/safety_tips/safety_tips_index.htm

Police station online directory: https://www.saps.gov.za/_dynamicModules/internetSite/PStationsConDir.asp

— Robyn Dixon

2. Dubai

Italian designer Giorgio Armani opened his first hotel at the world’s tallest tower, known as Burj Khalifa, in Dubai in April, giving a boost to the emirate’s bid to recover from a debt crisis. The 160-room Armani hotel occupies six floors.

— Reuters

3. France

The new Pompidou Centre art museum in Metz, France, has generated a big buzz, largely for its complex, free-form roof. The Pompidou Centre is the first Paris museum to embark on what authorities call “cultural decentralization,” setting up art centers in unlikely areas outside the capital.

— Associated Press

4. Singapore

Singapore’s second casino-resort opened April 27, a massive $5.7-billion project by Las Vegas Sands Corp. that aims to make over the city-state as a Southeast Asian tourism magnet. The resort, known as the Marina Bay Sands, forms the far side of a marina facing the downtown area and what the government envisions will be a must-see tourist attraction.

— Associated Press

5. Indonesia

Police on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali detained 28 people the last week of April in a crackdown on “beach gigolos” who scout for foreign female tourists. A government spokesman said the men were detained for not having proper identification or “for disturbing the peace or security of our beaches.”

— Reuters

Caution spots

The State Department recently issued warnings or alerts for these areas:

Thailand, because of ongoing political demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Mexico, because of recent violent attacks and persistent security concerns.