South Africa

• South Africans are generally polite, friendly and accommodating to tourists.
• Talking slightly loud outdoors is quite normal, as South Africans tend to be a free thinking and exuberant bunch of people and such behaviour is ok amongst friends and acquaintances. Strangers should observe general protocols of politeness at first and if accepted, "when in Rome, do like Romans do". Smiling and acknowledging strangers is normal behaviour and a slight head nod or hand wave common practice. Striking an occasional chat with complete strangers in places like bus stops, supermarkets, bars, government buildings, public transportation, petrol stations, shops, etc., also happens regularly.
• Public behaviour is very similar to what you might find in Europe. Heterosexual displays of affection in public are not frowned upon unless you overdo it. Homosexual displays of affection may generate unwelcome attention although they will be tolerated and respected in the more gay-friendly and cosmopolitan areas of Johannesburg (Sandton, Rosebank and Parkhurst), Cape Town (Greenpoint, Clifton and De Waterkant) and Durban. South Africa is the first and only African nation where the government recognizes same-sex relationships and homosexual marriages are recognized by law.
• Men generally greet with a firm handshake, while women will do the continental kiss on the cheek.
• Except for designated beaches, nude sunbathing is illegal, although topless sunbathing for women is acceptable along Durban and Umhlanga beaches, and Cape Town's Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. Thong bikinis for ladies or swimming trunks for men (speedos if you really have to) and regular swimming costumes are the norm, otherwise, you may be openly stared at.
• Eating is generally done the British way with the fork in their left hand and the tines pointed downward. Burgers, pizzas, bunny chows and any other fast foods are eaten by hand. It is generally also acceptable to steal a piece of boerewors (sausage) from the braai (barbecue grill) with your hands. Depending on which cultural group you find yourself with, these rules might change. Indians often eat breyani (rice-based) dishes with their hands, a white person of British descent might insist on eating his pizza with a knife and fork or a black person might eat pap-and-stew with a spoon. Be flexible, but don't be afraid to also do your own thing; if really unacceptable, people will generally tell you so rather than take offence.

• Tipping is the norm in restaurants. Indeed, most of these businesses pay their staff the legal minimum-wage, relying on customer tips to bring staff incomes up to live-able levels. Tips of around 10% of the bill are considered the norm but you may refuse to tip if the food and/or service were below par. Please note some restaurants management shares all "official" tips, you may want to rather give an actual cash tip to the waiter involved, instead of adding it to the bill being paid by cr/card.
• A small amount, usually around R5 or more, is given to petrol station attendants for additional services, such as cleaning one's windscreen. Toilet cleaners at service stations along major road routes are sometimes tipped when they provide good service and keep the facilities clean. "Car guards", who claim to "look after" one's parked car are often given a small tip if they are in uniform and authorized; however those without uniforms are usually regarded as a nuisance, and tipping them is not compulsory, despite the fact that they often harass motorists looking for payment.
• The 10% tipping rule also applies when taking a taxi. As most cabs work with cash only, it's better to ask how much you'll be expected to pay for your journey before getting in. This will ensure that you always have enough to give the driver as a tip.
• Lastly, when checking into your hotel, it is customary to tip your porter as well. The generally accepted rule is to give them R5 per bag they handle.

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• Up-to-date safety advice for visitors is published regularly by the [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/safety-and-security British Government] and the [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/south-africa-travel-advisory.html#:~:text=Exercise%20increased%20caution%20in%20South,of%20major%20cities%20after%20dark. United States Government].
• See also the warning about security at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
• The main safety issues in South Africa are violent crime, including gun crime, and HIV. You should be aware of the risks, but you can still have a safe and pleasant trip as millions of other people have each year.
• Most crime is concentrated around certain specific townships or perpetrated by specialised criminal organizations connected to specific trades not much affecting travellers, as long as you keep away from such dealings.
• To avoid opportunistic attacks like robberies, avoid unsafe neighbourhoods and never walk around in deserted areas at night. Don't mix with low life characters or ventures into seedy joints. Most embassies and tourist organizations have lists of known areas to avoid.
• Don't ignore common safety advice, such as to have a separate purse for routine shopping, not to carry valuables around more than necessary and keeping them out of sight, and to stay vigilant. You should avoid standing out as a tourist or as somebody wealthy and generally keep a long profile. Do not accept offers from friendly strangers.