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South Africa: Cost of living in Joburg...:
very well said pippy.....great advice and best of luck with your move! it's a privilege to live in other countries.....
South Africa: Information about Johannesburg:
1) Unfortunately there are really no places that are safer than others in Joburg. The crime can be and is everywhere.
2) We lived in the northern suburbs of Joburg. In the Sandton area. I would recommend that part of town as it's fairly accessible to everywhere. Depends also on where your office will be....
3) If you are living in what is called a 'cluster' (a group of housing surrounded by a 3 meter wall) it would be safe for your kids to play. But on the regular streets or parks....no!
4) Not sure about the age when kids start school as mine were older when we lived there. Do remember that the school year starts in January though!
5) If you are fortunate to meet and socialize with South Africans, you will find that they generally open up their homes and hearts to you. Most people have 'braiis' on the week-end that start in the afternoon and on into the evening. Very social!
6) The weather is unbelievably wonderful and can be very dramatic when the thunderstorm season begins. Winter and summer are brilliant!
If you are fortunate to make this move to Joburg, I would suggest you negotiate with your future employer on working with a relocation person that can help you and your family settle properly. They can be a wealth of information and can give you advice on schools, crime, etc. And please believe everything that people tell you about the crime. It is ever present and one must remain hypervigilant at all times.
Having said all that, we really did love every minute of the three years that we were there. But, we were extremely careful and lived in a cluster with armed guards, electric fencing, burglar alarms, burglar grates, etc.
Good luck with your decision!
Australia: how easy is it to get specialist allergy free foods?:
Surprisingly and amazingly, Oz (I actually only know about Perth) offers a nice variety of gluten free products. Bread is easy enough to find as well as pasta. Most of the shops (Coles) have a range of gluten free products in the freezer section. Dairy free is probably not as easily found but there is also a nice variety of flavored tofus on offer. My child has the gluten intolerance so I can empathize! All the best with your move....
South Africa: Moving to Jo'burg:
Good luck with your move to Joburg! Rentals there are fairly easy to find but I would suggest you work with a relocation agent in order to get settled properly. Not only can they help with find a safe rental but also can give advice on schools and the very important security issues. Don't take any advice given about the security lightly! It is a huge problem that requires one to be a bit hypervigilant.......but will pay off if taken seriously. In our 3 years there we never had an incident, thankfully. Hope you grow to love Joburg and South Africa as much as we did......warts and all!
Australia: schools in Perth:
Hi there. I can only speak of the International School of Western Australia which would have the more familiar curriculum for you coming from Texas. You might google them and find their website. It's a very small school (I have 2 children there) and might be more ideal for you son with the mild issues.....given the ratio of teacher to student. It is expensive but also know that even the public/government schools charge school fees. Perhaps you and your husband can negotiate a bit more with this contract....? Some how the subject of school fees should be addressed by his employer. All the best with the decision and know that you won't regret it!
Australia: Moving from Texas to Perth:
hi and good luck with your move to perth.
food and clothes are quite expensive compared to the U.S. I have been away from the U.S. for 5 years now and still do most of my major clothing shopping when I come back to the states once a year. Just to give an idea, 3 liters of orange juice is about 6 dollars. a dozen eggs averages around 5 dollars. a tin of diced tomatoes is about 2 dollars. i find it to be expensive food wise.....you just can't avoid not eating! eating out at restaurants that are just average is about 10 to 20 dollars per entree..... one bonus is you don't have to tip!! we presently rent a townhouse in one of the northern suburbs and pay 700 dollars per week.....which is a bargain. the closer to perth city the more expensive to rent. utilities i don't find to be outrageously expensive but then again, most of the houses don't have central heating or air conditioning.
the public transport is a nice option. parking in perth city is tricky if not non-existent. i find it easier to park (if i can find it) and take the light rail into the cbd.
it's a different pace here. hope this has been helpful and i'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
all the best!
Colombia: Researching Schools - Need Info:
Just saw your post and am wondering how successful you have been with finding schools. We are possibly moving to Bogota soonish and the school I know of is CNG or Colegio Nueva Granada (?). They have not responded to any of my e mails. My husband is going there in a few weeks and is going to look at the CNG school while there.... Let me know if you've had any luck.
South Africa: Moving to South Africa:
I would suggest that you 'shop' around with your local moving company. These companies are well versed with international moves and can be very helpful. We moved from Nevada to Johannesburg and our container was received by Elliot International in Joburg..... If you are moving with a company, they should also set you up with a relocation specialist.....of which I know Elliot has access. All the best with your move and enjoy South Africa!
South Africa: family to S. Africa:
Assuming you are moving to Johannesburg, I would recommend living in any of the many 'cluster' developments....... These developments are usually well guarded and a bit more secure than living on a stand alone 'plot'. I do not know of any 'safe' places outside of Johannesburg (or even in Johannesburg). I don't think that exists in South Africa. You will learn to be extremely careful and being hyper vigilant becomes normal. We moved to Joburg with a 10 and 12 year old and had a wonderful experience.......
If you are fortunate to be moving with a corporation, please utilize all the resources that they offer. Especially a relocation person is extremely helpful.
Good luck and enjoy your stay.
Colombia: Moving to Bogota with dogs:
Hi Eve....
Saw your info and questions on the Bogota forums..... We are also possibly moving to Bogota towards the middle of this year. I have a high schooler as well who will be going into year 12 in August. We have lived away from US for a while as well........presently in Oz and prior in South Africa. I hate moving the child (again).........but you know how that is! Have you found a good school there to settle your teen? Any recommendations? I know we'll be working with a relocation person but it's always nice to have a bit of 'insiders' advice. I hope you receive this and I look forward to perhaps exchanging e mails. Susan
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