About DaveSAfrica

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

South Africa: ICT, Critical Skill and Dependent Visa:

Hello, Dipankar - Visa regulations change by the minute. I would suggest that get in touch with an honest immigration consultant. We used this one successfully: Intaglio, 5, 10 Pepper St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001 phone 27-21-422-5313

South Africa: sending personal effects to Cape Town:

If you know customs regulations, I assume you can do it yourself. Otherwise I would suggest you need a broker.

South Africa: Cape Town or Bust!:

My wife and I are Americans who retired to Somerset West (40 minutes from the CBD) over 10 years ago and have always rented accommodations. We are extremely happy here. We had no previous connection with people in South Africa, but we have been well integrated in the community. (The U3A is a very strong organization for retired people here; there are 1600 active members in just this part of the city. Annual membership is R50.) You didn't mention needing a retirement visa. If you haven't done so already, I would recommend that you talk with an immigration consultant early in your visit. You must be very careful in your choice; I can recommend a company if we get together. To respond to your questions: 1) I have limited knowledge of real estate people in the area you are considering, but I did sell a flat (not my own) through a very competent agent in Green Point. I would suggest that you consider Somerset West and surrounding area as a possible location which has several advantages (and, of course, disadvantages) over the area you are looking at. 2) I believe you need to approach separate brokers to get info on health insurance and "short term insurance", the other stuff you need. One thing to be aware of is that as foreigners, we pay substantially more than South Africans for the same health coverage -- none-the-less it's a bargain! One needs to be careful in selecting a company for health coverage - it's difficult to change from one organization to another. 3) Selecting a physician is highly dependent on where you ultimately live. 4) I have not had the need for an accountant and have had no problem with SARS or the IRS. H&R Block still does my taxes. 5) Banks are very conservative (good during the 2008 turmoil) but bureaucratic and expensive. I have been with a quite new, upstart bank, Capitec, for 10 years. They have limited foreign services, but are cheap, have a good Internet site, and support real time transactions. My wife and I will be overseas from 13 January until 6 February. If you want to get together after that, just get in touch. (In the meantime, I will be connecting with the Internet regularly.) Best regards, Dave

South Africa: Ask a South African:

As an expat from the US who has lived here for 10 years, I would like to agree with much of what Erick7 indicates in his post. My wife and I fee that living in this country is a privilege. I can't comment on the cost of living Joburg, but the costs in Cape Town are quite moderate, of course, depending on your style of life.

South Africa: Buying car & auto insurance in Cape Town:

My wife and I live in Somerset West and, being very active, we spend a good bit of time in various parts of Cape Town. During the 10 years since we came here from the States, we have had only one incident of crime. Our car was broken into and camera equipment stolen because we parked out of site of the car guards. We feel quite safe, but I am a member of the local neighborhood watch.

South Africa: American Architect moving to Johannesburg:

Hello - I have contact with several architects in Cape Town. If you send me your email address, I'l try to put you in touch. My address: davidjeanmayes@gmail.com

South Africa: Retirement Income Requirement:

Hi, I retired in Cape Town with my wife almost 9 years ago, moving from USA. It has fantastic. I would suggest contacting an immigration consultant as the regulations (and the interpretations) change from time to time. I can recommend someone if you wish. (There are some unreliable people in this business, I'm afraid.) - Dave

South Africa: Is this salary enough...:

Hi, I suggest you check into how much of the salary is taxable and whether you will want/need a car. I don't know the area since I live in the Helderberg, but it might be hard to find a flat for less than R4000. Dave

South Africa: Moving to South Africa! Need Help please:

I suggest you get in touch with Intaglio Immigration Services at 021 422 5313. They are quite reasoable and helped me a great deal when I immigrated from USA. Good luck, Dave

South Africa: Family Life:

My wife and I left Iowa after 24 years and retired to a Cape Town suburb in 2004. We have no children but have had very positive experiences in the community. If some of you plan to work here, you will need to explore the visa situation. If you have an interest in starting a business it probably would be easier. - Dave

Date Joined:

2/4/2013

Total Posts:

12

Posts/Day:

0.01