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Moving to South Africa | Expat Exchange
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Moving to South Africa

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By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 25, 2023

Summary: Many expats and digital nomads move to South Africa for its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and relatively low cost of living. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in South Africa are Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. People looking for a place to live in South Africa can search online for rental properties, contact real estate agents, or look for shared housing options.

What do I need to know before moving to South Africa?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to South Africa, they said:

"Before moving to South Africa, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area they are moving to, as well as the availability of housing and other amenities. Expats should also make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits before their move. Additionally, expats should be aware of the crime rate in the area they are moving to and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Lastly, expats should make sure to have access to quality healthcare and medical insurance," remarked one expat who made the move to South Africa.

"Use an estate agent. But, more importantly, ask other people who live there. That is how we found our community and we really love it. The pace of life and the weather here are wonderful!!!," explained one expat living in Johannesburg, South Africa.

How do I find a place to live in South Africa?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Wanted somewhere that was close to the beach (5 mins away) somewhere not too close to the city but not too far (15min drive away from city central) and somewhere that felt safe. Table View has all that going for it and I really love it here," said one expat who made the move to Cape Town.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in South Africa is to use online resources such as property websites, classifieds, and real estate agents. You can also search for rental properties in newspapers and magazines. Additionally, you can ask friends and family for recommendations or contact local real estate agents for assistance. It is important to research the area you are interested in living in, as well as the cost of living, to ensure you find the best place for your needs," explained one expat living in South Africa.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in South Africa?

"Expat homes and apartments in South Africa tend to be modern and comfortable, with many featuring open-plan living areas, modern kitchens, and spacious bedrooms. Many expat homes and apartments also come with amenities such as swimming pools, gardens, and security systems. Expat homes and apartments in South Africa are typically located in secure, gated communities, providing a safe and comfortable environment for expats to live in," said one expat who made the move to South Africa.

"Single family home in a gated community. It is very typical for most expats. In fact, I have been told that the majority that live in there are expats. Bacause it is in a secured community, our child can walk and play in freely. But, there are too many walls with the community," explained one expat living in Johannesburg, South Africa.

What is the average cost of housing in South Africa?

If you are thinking about moving to South Africa, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Housing costs are much lower than in the U.S. I do not know the average cost," said one expat in Johannesburg.

"The average cost of housing in South Africa varies greatly depending on the location and type of housing. Generally, the cost of housing in South Africa is higher than in many other African countries, with prices ranging from affordable to expensive. In major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, the cost of housing is typically higher than in smaller towns and rural areas," remarked one expat who made the move to South Africa.

Should I buy or rent a home in South Africa?

If you have not spent a lot of time in South Africa, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in South Africa can be a great investment, as property prices are generally on the rise. However, it is important to consider your financial situation and lifestyle before making a decision. Renting a home can be a great option if you are not ready to commit to a long-term purchase, or if you are looking for a more flexible living situation. It is also important to consider the cost of living in the area you are considering, as this can have a significant impact on your budget. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in South Africa should be based on your individual needs and preferences," remarked one expat who made the move to South Africa.

What should I pack when moving to South Africa?

We asked people living in South Africa to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"My family, More photos, Native forest I could have left my winter clothes behind and made my suitcase lighter - doesnt really get cold here. I really only moved here with a backpack and a bag so I need everything I brought with me," replied a member in Cape Town.

"When moving to South Africa, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack clothing that is suitable for the warm climate, such as light, breathable fabrics. Bring items that will help you stay cool, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Additionally, it is important to bring items that will help you adjust to the culture, such as books about South African history and culture, and items that will help you learn the language. Don't forget to bring any necessary documents, such as your passport and visa. Finally, it is important to bring items that will help you feel at home, such as photos of family and friends, and items that remind you of home," commented one expat who made the move to South Africa.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in South Africa?

We asked people in South Africa if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting South Africa. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to be aware of any potential cultural faux pas. It is important to be aware of the country's history and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as insensitive or offensive. It is also important to be aware of the country's language and to avoid using any language that could be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the country's religious beliefs and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive or disrespectful. Finally, it is important to be aware of the country's social norms and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as inappropriate or offensive," said one expat in South Africa.

Why do people move to South Africa?

When we asked people why foreigners move to South Africa, they responded:

"South Africa is an attractive destination for expats due to its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. The country offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from safaris and beaches to world-class restaurants and shopping. Expats can also benefit from South Africa's strong economy, excellent healthcare system, and low cost of living. Additionally, South Africa is a great place to learn a new language, as English, Afrikaans, and Zulu are all widely spoken. With its welcoming people and unique culture, South Africa is an ideal destination for expats looking for a new home," replied one expat when asked about moving to South Africa.

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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.
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How are healthcare services South Africa?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in South Africa, they replied:

"I have insurance that covers hospital stays and some surgery. I also pay for "gap insurance", which pays most all of the shortfall in coverage for surgery. Result is that almost 100% of the costs were paid for the five major surgeries that we have had in the post 10 years," commented one expat who moved to Cape Town.

"South Africa has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a range of services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all South African citizens and permanent residents. The public healthcare system is generally of good quality, with a network of public hospitals and clinics providing primary, secondary and tertiary care. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but may be required to pay for some services. Expats in South Africa can use the public healthcare system, but may need to pay for some services. Private healthcare is also available in South Africa, and many expats opt to use private healthcare services due to the higher quality of care and shorter waiting times," said one expat.

What are medical services in South Africa like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in South Africa, they replied:

"South Africa has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private medical services available. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and provides free or low-cost medical services to citizens. Private medical services are also available, offering a higher standard of care and more specialized services. South Africa has a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, as well as a number of hospitals and clinics. The country also has a number of medical research centers and universities that offer medical degrees," said one expat living in South Africa.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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