Expat Advice: Financial Issues in Cape Town, South Africa

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Cape Town

Which banks do you use? If you have a local account, which bank do you use? How do you like it? Do you also have an account in your home country? Which bank? Do they charge for ATM withdrawals? Do they charge a lot for international wire transfers? How has it been working with them from abroad? Do you use a special international wire transfer service? Do you use an online bank? If so, tell us about them.

Yes used Mercantile Bank in Cape Town

Allianz Care
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Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
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What advice would you offer others about banking as an expat in your country? What do you wish you had known about banking when you first arrived?

Have a off shore account such as Standard Bank Off Shore

What advice was particularly helpful to you in managing your finances? What advice would you give? Any other thoughts?

Link up with a representative off shore and on shore banks such as Llodys TSB, Standard Bank

Do you do your own taxes, use a local firm, an expat-oriented firm or does your employer handle this for you (i.e. via an corporate tax firm)?

Get a directive seek advice from BDO SPENCER for your local tax needs

What advice could you offer others about doing your taxes as an expat?

If you have a frozen UK Pension contact Ron Cresswell at Devere & Partners Cape Town their advice was invaluable