12 e-hailing safety tips every South African rider should know

Most e-hailing trips go smoothly. But it is smart to have a few safety habits that you use every time. They take seconds and they make a real difference.

Here are 12 simple tips for riders in South Africa.

Before the car arrives

1. Wait inside if you can

Watch your driver on the map from a safe place, like inside a shop or your home. Only go out when the car is close.

2. Book from a safe pickup point

Pick a spot that is well lit and busy. Avoid dark corners and quiet side streets.

3. Share your trip

Send your live trip link to someone you trust before you get in. On Loop, you can share it straight to WhatsApp. They can follow you without the app.

When the car arrives

4. Check the number plate

This is the most important tip. Make sure the plate matches the app before you open the door.

5. Check the car and the driver

Does the make, model and colour match? Does the driver look like the photo in the app?

6. Ask "Who are you here for?"

Do not say your name first. Let the driver tell you. A real driver can see your name in their app.

During the trip

7. Sit in the back

It gives you more space and an easy way out on either side.

8. Follow the route

Keep the map open on your phone. On Loop, you are not the only one watching. Our team keeps an eye on every trip and checks in if something doesn't look right.

9. Use the safety tools

Know where the SOS button is before you need it. Loop has extra safety tools built into every trip, so take a minute to look around the trip screen before you need them.

Payment and after the trip

10. Never take an "offline" trip

If a driver offers you a cheaper price to cancel the app and pay them directly, say no. Off-app trips have no tracking, no record and no support. Bolt has warned riders about this too.

11. Pay only what the app shows

The fare in the app is the fare. If you pay cash, pay the amount shown, no more.

12. Rate and report

Your rating helps keep good drivers on the road. If something went wrong, report it in the app. Our team reads every report.

If something feels wrong

Trust your gut. You can:

• Ask the driver to stop in a busy, safe place and get out.
• Tap SOS in the app. On Loop, it alerts our support team with your trip and location.
• Call your trusted contact.

In an emergency, always call 10111 (SAPS) or 112. In-app SOS is a support alert, not a replacement for emergency services.

A quick checklist

Before you get in, ask yourself:

• Does the plate match?
• Does the car match?
• Did the driver say my name?
• Have I shared my trip?

If the answer is "yes" four times, enjoy your ride.

Want more? Read our guide to safer e-hailing for women, or see all of Loop's safety features.