South Africa has thousands of commuter taxis on the road and they have these as an option. Thieves commonly accost drivers while they are stationary at traffic lights (we call them robots). They distract you on your driver's side and someone grabs your handbag or valuables on the passenger side.

Taking a taxi in South Africa requires a clear distinction between private metered taxis/e-hailing services and minibus taxis. For tourists, using e-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt is generally considered the safest and most reliable method, as the drivers are vetted, the route is tracked via GPS, and no cash changes hands. Traditional metered taxis booked through reputable hotels are also safe. Conversely, "minibus taxis"—the white vans used by millions of locals—are generally not recommended for tourists. These operate on fixed routes but have no set stops, are often poorly maintained, and the driving style can be extremely aggressive and erratic. Furthermore, there is a higher risk of petty crime in crowded minibus ranks. To stay safe, always wait for your Uber inside a building or a secure area rather than standing on the street with your phone out. Avoid hailing any taxi off the street at night, and ensure the vehicle's child locks are off so you can exit easily in an emergency. Overall, with basic precautions and the use of modern apps, taxi transport in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg is manageable.