What do I need to know before retiring in South Africa?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to South Africa, they said...
"Before retiring in South Africa, expats should familiarize themselves with the country's visa and residency requirements. They should also research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should consider the safety and security of the area they plan to live in, as well as the local culture and customs. Finally, expats should make sure to have a valid passport and any other necessary documents before arriving in South Africa," said a member in South Africa.

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"The biggest concern for this country is crime. You have to be careful and have to sacrifice a bit of freedom in terms of moving out," remarked another expat who made the move to Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in South Africa?
- How do I meet people in South Africa?
- What is life like in South Africa?
- Is there a lot of crime in South Africa?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in South Africa accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in South Africa like?
- Is the cost of living in South Africa high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in South Africa?
- What are healthcare services like in South Africa?
- Is the cost of living in South Africa high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in South Africa?
- What is the weather like in South Africa?
- Are there good restaurants in South Africa?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in South Africa?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in South Africa?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in South Africa?
- What do I need to know when buying property in South Africa?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in South Africa?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in South Africa?
If you live in South Africa, newcomers to South Africa would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
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.