South Africa is a top destination for its beautiful scenery, sunny climate, wildlife, mountains, beaches, and rich culture. To enjoy your trip fully, the Department of Tourism advises travellers to book safely and avoid scams. Here are important tips:

1. Use Legitimate Travel Providers

• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Very low prices may be scams.

• Check membership with the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) or other recognised tourism associations.

• Ensure the travel provider shows their registration number on quotations.

• Pay using credit cards instead of EFT for better protection against fraud.

• Look at their website and marketing materials – poor design, fuzzy logos, or missing contact details are red flags.

• Beware of pressure tactics forcing you to pay immediately for ‘limited spots’.

• For big events like sports tournaments or pilgrimages, double-check offers as they are common scam targets.

• Never share sensitive information via email, even if it looks like it’s from a well-known travel company.

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2. Verify Accommodation Before Payment

• Check if the accommodation exists and who owns it using reliable websites or calling directly.

• Read all terms and conditions carefully before booking.

• Get written quotations, not just phone promises.

• Confirm your booking directly with the airline or accommodation once paid.

• If the place claims to be graded, verify on the official Tourism Grading Council website: Check here

  
  

3. Watch Out for Common Scams

• Emails claiming the establishment is overbooked and asking for banking details to process a refund – call them directly to confirm first.

• Winning a vacation you never entered – these often hide contracts with tricky clauses.

• Any offer demanding immediate payment because “today is the last day.”

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4. Extra Safety Tips

• Use travel agents with physical premises and a landline number.

• Ask people who have used the agent before for their experiences.

• Avoid sharing your banking details unnecessarily.

• If your service provider is bonded or has protection mechanisms, your pre-deposit payments are safer.

  
  

5. What To Do If Scammed

If you suspect you’ve been scammed:

• Contact your bank’s fraud department immediately.

• Report the case to the South African Police Service.

Final Word

South Africa’s tourism industry is known for its warm hospitality and professionalism. By following these simple booking safety tips, you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy the beauty of South Africa worry-free.