Thank you so much. I was a bit intimidated by the 'guards' on our first trip, but now think that they are a great idea. Much cheaper than car parking in our local town. Can't wait to be back in beautiful South Africa. Thanks again.

Gill

Parking attendants are unofficial but they do a good job. I have driven in South Africa around 20 000km and parked a car in hundreds of places. Nobody has ever broked a window or tried to open a door.

I give R2-4 if the parking time is just 5 to 20 minutes but sometimes I have tipped even R10 if the attendant has been helpful and the parking time many hours. The only exception is that if I have not met the attendant and accepted his "offer" by raising a thumb, I generally don't tip or I give just R2.

The other place for small tips is a petrol station. If the fuel bill is R700 and I get all windows cleaned, I don't consider R10 (EUR 0,85) too much.

Thank you. Much appreciate your help. I have a large supply of coins, so should manage to keep all the car park attendants and the petrol station guys happy!

Well they "look afther yout car"". But be real, they cannot stop criminals if they really want to steal something out of your car.

But they will help you to put groceries into the car and asist you with in and outparking.

We know that sometimes they will intimiidate you! Speial in the cape, donot let them do that do that to hou, must walk away and donot give anything.

At the petrol station those guys only get something ofmthey clean the windows too, and ar the most it has to be R 2 , 3 not more! If they do the tires, then it is R 1. Per tire!!

I disagree, they do stop people from breaking into cars. Although they don't really put their lives in danger by trying to apprehend criminals they do alert the police and they can identify criminals to the police. They are a massive deterrent to criminals.

If you're driving a rental car, the last thing you want are scratches and dents. This can be a nightmare in South Africa with so many unlicensed drivers etc.

Well they broke into our,non rental, car and stole from the booth!

People don't fight please LoL

Ja the real reason why they don't protect your cars is because of no tipping and that is a fact,

I stay in Cape Town and i see it everyday there are a lot of people that pull up there noses for car guards, and they are also people like us.

And i tell all my guest that if you receive a service please show the guy/girl that you appreciate what he or she has done.

Well no, why fight with a criminal and lose your life!

We gave them a few rand, just what was in our pocket and never had any problems with scratches or thieves. I think it's good they're trying to make a living.