Is Port Elizabeth Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s fifth-largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean.

Also known as the friendly city and the windy city, it tends to live up to both names.

The city is a center of the South African motor industry.

It is spoiled by moderate and warm temperatures all year round with scattered rain throughout the year.

Port Elizabeth is a popular destination for water sports and offers many historical attractions, such as the Historic Donkin Heritage trail, taking visitors along the footsteps of the 1820 settlers.

Port Elizabeth is a great place to see unique birds and animals as well as great an area for viewing marine life in the form of dolphins, whales, and African penguins.

Warnings & Dangers in Port Elizabeth

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Port Elizabeth is one of the safest cities in South Africa. However, it should be understood that the crime rate is still quite high. It is not recommended to walk around the city at night; you need to move only by car, closing the doors and windows. Do not buy anything from traders when standing at traffic lights.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is not considered safe enough for tourists. It is best to travel to Port Elizabeth by rental car or taxi. Taxis are reliable, always sit in the back seat. Make sure the taximeter is turned on. It’s safer than a cab called through a mobile application.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Picketing is not very common at port Elizabeth, but of course, it occurs. Watch your things, never leave them unattended. Do not wear attention-grabbing jewelry, and always have a minimum of cash in your wallet. Most often, cases of minor thefts occur in crowded markets or shopping centers.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

In the Port Elizabeth area, there is a wide range of natural and human-induced hazards that could potentially lead to disaster events. These include droughts, urban and rural fires, floods and dam failures, earthquakes and sinkholes, epidemics, storms, and spillages of hazardous waste and materials.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Port Elizabeth, like all South Africa region, is a dangerous city regarding risks of mugging and kidnapping of people. Urban areas are better avoided late at night, and it is recommended to travel in private cars or a taxi.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa and in Port Elizabeth. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners, such as shopping areas in major cities.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a lot of fraud in the city related to email newsletters and fake winnings. However, they rarely concern tourists. Be sure to buy tickets and tours only at licensed locations. Do not buy anything on the streets. And especially when standing in a traffic jam or at a traffic light - do not open the windows of the car to purchase any goods. Most often, it is used to get in your vehicle and commit a crime.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Despite the risk of attack, many women travel safely alone to Port Elizabeth. The risk depends on where you go and what you do. It is better not to appear on the streets at night, not to drive a car at night, not to hitchhike and not to sit out in bars.

So... How Safe Is Port Elizabeth Really?

Port Elizabeth has been officially rated as Africa’s safest city.

But rates of crime still moderate to high in here and it’s increasing last year’s.

Most crimes concern armed robberies, car stealing, vandalism, and corruption.

South African drivers are not amongst the best or most courteous, and you do need to be careful and observant when driving, cycling, or walking.

Check beforehand that the areas you plan to visit are safe.

It is not recommended hitchhiking, or accept or carry items for strangers.

High-quality tap water is available in Port Elizabeth.

Bottled mineral water, both sparkling and still, is readily available in most places.

Drinking water straight from rivers and streams could put you at risk of waterborne diseases.

In the city, you can not be afraid of contracting malaria; it’s a malaria-free city.

When moving by car, always make sure that it is closed and windows too.

It is strictly not recommended to travel around the city at night.

Never leave things in the car, lock it, and use guarded parking.

In Port Elizabeth, be as careful as you’d be in any other city at nighttime (don’t wander off into deserted areas), and you’ll be all right.

How Does Port Elizabeth Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visitors to South Africa must obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries, in which case they get what is called a "Port of Entry Visa." Visitors who require a visa must apply in person and provide biometric data. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

The rand is the official currency of South Africa. The rand is subdivided into 100 cents. It has a sign: R; code: ZAR. The rand is legal tender in the Common Monetary Area between South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia. However, the last three countries do have their currencies pegged at par with the rand.

Weather

The best times to visit Port Elizabeth for ideal weather are November to April. Average temperatures in Port Elizabeth vary little and feel very enjoyable all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

Airports

Port Elizabeth International Airport is an airport serving Port Elizabeth, a city in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. It was formerly known as H. F. Verwoerd Airport. The airport is owned and operated by the Airports Company South Africa which also operates nine other airports around South Africa. The airport is located just 4 km from the city's central business district.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Port Elizabeth Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

South Africa - Safety by City