Is Port Elizabeth Secure for Vacationers?

Port Elizabeth, lately named “Gqeberha” however nonetheless regionally referred to as P.E., is a improbable vacationer vacation spot alongside the southeast coast of South Africa. This attractive locale is part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan and is undoubtedly a powerhouse of the Jap Cape.

Port Elizabeth is with out query probably the greatest locations to stay in South Africa, and for good cause. Vacationers usually overlook this seaport metropolis for the extra fashionable coastal cities like Durban or Cape City, however as any South African native will let you know, P.E. deserves a high spot, too.

Town was established in 1820 however grew to become extra well-known in 1913 after the Kimberly Railroad completed building. Since then, P.E.’s stunning seashores, pleasant residents, cultural variety, and wealthy historical past have all added to its coastal allure.

Why Go to Port Elizabeth?

Whether or not you’re visiting to expertise the tradition of the locals or to take pleasure in the very best views the Jap Cape gives, P.E. has acquired you coated. For starters, it’s not too far off from the breathtaking Backyard Route (round a two-hour drive from Storms River Village).

You may’t go to with out experiencing a very good seashore day, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in something from browsing to sunbathing. Apart from that, you’ll be able to take pleasure in Stanley Road’s bustling nightlife and meals locations, see the wildlife in recreation reserves, or go to historic museums.

Port Elizabeth can also be dwelling to the well-known Route 67, a showcase of 67 public artworks. These artworks are devoted to the 67 years that Nelson Mandela spent combating for the liberty of South Africa and her individuals.

Is Port Elizabeth Harmful?

Now, let’s not shrink back from the reality – you’ve probably heard every kind of tales about crime in South Africa, and also you’re asking your self, is South Africa protected? The World Inhabitants Overview, of their crime fee by nation statistics, discovered South Africa to have the third highest crime fee worldwide.

However the crime charges differ relying on which province, metropolis, or space you’re in. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism notes that Port Elizabeth has been acknowledged because the most secure metropolis in Africa. Whereas no statistical proof helps that declare, P.E. is unquestionably one of many safer choices within the nation.

Like every South African area, P.E. has a excessive crime index. So all the time take the mandatory precautions and be weary of your environment. Higher protected than sorry.

Harmful Areas in Port Elizabeth

Bethelsdorp

Bethelsdorp is a small historic city simply exterior of Port Elizabeth 13.2 miles (21.3km) and was one of many first areas found by London missionaries in 1802. The group maintains a number of buildings protected by the Nationwide Monuments Act, just like the Van Der Kamp Memorial Church, that uphold the city’s historical past.

Regardless of this, Bethelsdorp remains to be thought of one of many high three hotspots for crime in P.E., rating extremely in tried homicide, tried assault instances, and robberies. Gender-based violence can also be a problem right here, much like the remainder of the nation. Total, vacationers ought to keep away from this space.

New Brighton

New Brighton is the oldest casual settlement in Port Elizabeth and sits simply north of P.E. Central Enterprise District (CBD). It’s dwelling to vital memorials and areas in remembrance of the struggles that the Apartheid period represented. The Crimson Location Museum, for instance, represents the historical past of Nelson Mandela Bay.

Like Bethelsdorp, New Brighton is within the high three crime hotspots in P.E. and ranks extremely for quite a few crimes. Crimes like homicide, tried homicide, aggravated assault, theft, and carjacking all run rampant on this space. Pickpocketing can also be a big drawback, even in broad daylight.

Is it Secure to Stay in Port Elizabeth?

To place it merely – sure, it’s protected to stay in Port Elizabeth. Like the remainder of South Africa (and the world, for that matter), crime could be prevalent in P.E., however so long as you stick with some primary security precautions, you’ll be okay. Plus, some areas are extra harmful than others. Don’t let that cease you from having fun with what P.E. has to supply.

Now that among the extra harmful areas in P.E. have already been mentioned, we are able to take a flip towards the safer and extra welcoming neighborhoods you’re positive to like.

Secure Areas in Port Elizabeth

Summerstrand

Summerstrand is a phenomenal seaside neighborhood round 3.7 miles (6 km) from town middle. It’s alongside beautiful seashores, boardwalks, aquariums, golf equipment, and locations to spend your time having some enjoyable. Merely put, Summerstrand is among the many most extremely beneficial and upscale areas in Port Elizabeth

The locals listed below are pleasant and welcoming, so that you’ll rapidly make new pals. It’s thought of probably the greatest vacationer areas and one of many most secure neighborhoods within the metropolis (and within the nation, for that matter). You may’t go improper staying on this prime location.

Millpark

For a quiet life-style, away from the hustle and bustle of vacationer central, Millpark is your go-to space. It’s a small backyard suburb that boasts attractive timber, parks, and sports activities golf equipment. Millpark is likely one of the extra upscale areas however doesn’t have a ton of residents, so there may be hardly ever any visitors or noise.

The residents are heat and welcoming and luxuriate in a easy life. Like every location, there may be nonetheless some crime, however Millpark is taken into account among the many most secure neighborhoods in P.E. It’s also a go-to space for households with youngsters and pets.

Walmer

Walmer is one other upscale neighborhood that’s solely a 10-minute drive away from close by seashores and can also be near Port Elizabeth Worldwide Airport. It’s definitely extra on the luxurious facet and sports activities the basic vibe of a suburban neighborhood.

Walmer is the center floor between Summerstrand and Millpark. It’s distant sufficient from busy areas to be peaceable however remains to be shut sufficient to distinguished areas to have some issues to do. Once more, this neighborhood has among the most pleasant residents within the metropolis, and crime happens much less regularly, making it one of many most secure areas.

Warnings & Risks in Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is about as protected as you may get in South Africa, however that doesn’t imply there aren’t some risks to look out for. It’s important to be wholly ready earlier than touring to any metropolis, so do your analysis and keep protected.

In P.E., you’ll be able to anticipate related crimes as in different cities, together with petty thefts, ATM scams, armed robberies, or carjackings. Nevertheless, the bigger scale and extra violent crimes that plague the nation are much less prone to have an effect on vacationers, particularly in populated vacationer areas.

Total Journey Danger (6/10)

Vacationers from everywhere in the world have heard about crime charges in South Africa, that are fairly excessive, so there’ll all the time be some journey threat. Nevertheless, P.E. is likely one of the safer cities in South Africa.

There are related crimes throughout the nation and on this metropolis; issues like theft and pickpocketing, bribery and corruption, or fraud are widespread. P.E. additionally has a excessive threat of mugging or kidnapping, particularly at night time.

Nevertheless, there are just a few particular crimes and points to search for. Listed below are 5 frequent traps that you need to be cautious of that vacationers (and locals) fall sufferer to.

Unofficial Guides or Police

A typical rip-off in P.E. is individuals pretending to be tour guides or cops. Faux tour guides have been identified to take guests of fashionable parks on unknown trails, the place different assailants are probably ready to rob you.

The faux police state of affairs is much less frequent, however you may nonetheless discover individuals posing as so-called “vacationer police.” Relaxation assured; there is no such thing as a such factor. Faux police additionally come within the type of false visitors cops pulling you over for violations and trying to rob you when you’ve stopped.

Pickpocketing

It’s best to all the time pay attention to and ready for pickpockets, particularly at night time or in crowded areas. Native criminals are prone to goal passersby in the event that they see a possibility, and sadly, some don’t care if it’s daytime, so you could all the time stay alert.

Make sure you don’t go away your belongings unattended or have your valuables in your hand or on show as you stroll. Having your purses, backpacks, cellphones, and cameras (something of worth) on show is a primary alternative for a pickpocket to run by and seize them from you.

Faux Lodging

When reserving lodging on your keep in P.E., you may come throughout some faux listings on unaccredited websites like Fb Market. They’ll seem fairly convincing, with an identical copies of present lodging websites, however typically the pictures and descriptions are made up.

These faux websites are made to get you to “ebook” your keep and switch the cash, basically robbing you. It’s all the time finest to ebook your lodging from the situation’s official web site or use trusted websites like reserving.com or Airbnb.co.za.

ATM and Credit score Card Theft

One of many extra frequent scams that each locals and guests of P.E. (and South Africa typically) should take care of is ATM and card fraud. This normally occurs when your card will get caught within the ATM, and a stranger gives to assist.

The ATM is normally tampered with in a roundabout way to make this occur, so if it will get caught, name for the financial institution’s assist, freeze, or cancel your card instantly. Additionally, watch out when typing in your ATM pin, and search for individuals standing too shut, particularly in malls or crowded areas.

Suggestions for Staying Secure in Port Elizabeth

It might sound scary to listen to about some frequent crimes and scams across the metropolis, however there are all the time methods to keep away from them. Listed below are some ideas for staying protected across the metropolis:

• Keep away from touring alone: In the event you’re strolling across the metropolis, having somebody with you is all the time safer.
• Maintain valuables out of sight: In the event you stroll round and have your telephone or fancy digicam on show, that’s simply asking a thief to run by and take it.
• Don’t let strangers assist you to at an ATM: In case your card will get caught, don’t permit a stranger to assist; as an alternative, name the financial institution or somebody that works there to assist.
• Pay attention to your environment: It’s best to all the time preserve your guard up in a brand new metropolis and be looking out for sketchy areas or potential risks.
• Be taught important contact numbers: It’s all the time a should to know some emergency telephone numbers to name.

Is Port Elizabeth Secure | Continuously Requested Questions

Is Port Elizabeth Secure to Stroll Round?

Strolling round is mostly protected in case you take the suitable precautions. Attempt to stroll alongside busy streets with a bunch of pals, and keep away from strolling round with flashy jewellery or your telephone on show, both.

It’s beneficial that you just keep away from strolling round Port Elizabeth at night time altogether. In the event you do end up having to stroll at night time, be certain to keep away from darker and remoted paths, and all the time journey with a buddy.

Is Port Elizabeth Identified Because the Pleasant Metropolis?

Whether or not you’re a South African native or a vacationer trying up data on Port Elizabeth, you’ve probably heard it’s usually referred to as ‘the Windy Metropolis.’ However do you know additionally it is referred to as ‘the Pleasant Metropolis’?

Port Elizabeth locals are amiable and welcoming on the subject of vacationers and guests.  You’ll in all probability discover loads of individuals keen that can assist you alongside your means or interact in well mannered dialog.

Is Faucet Water Secure to Drink in Port Elizabeth?

Most positively! Like most locations in South Africa, Port Elizabeth has completely drinkable faucet water. In most main cities and cities within the nation, the water goes by way of a number of purification processes earlier than reaching the faucets in your house or vacation lodging.

Nevertheless, that is solely true for city areas. In some rural areas, you could take additional precautions earlier than ingesting the water, like boiling it or utilizing purifying bleach granules.

Is Port Elizabeth Safer Than Cape City?

It’s definitely a great distance from Port Elizabeth to Cape City, however how does security differ within the two cities? Whereas Port Elizabeth is up there when it comes to being one of many safer locations within the nation, proof suggests Cape City is safer.

Numbeo statistics present that Port Elizabeth has a barely decrease rating for security than Cape City (by a rating of two.88). So technically talking, Port Elizabeth will not be safer than Cape City.