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Digital Nomad Guide to South Africa | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in South Africa

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: South Africa is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads are Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Digital nomads like living in South Africa because of its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and affordable cost of living. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,500 in South Africa. The culture of South Africa is a mix of African, European, and Asian influences. Popular foods in South Africa include braai (barbecue), pap (maize porridge), bobotie (a curried mince dish), and boerewors (a type of sausage).

How do I meet people in South Africa?

When we asked people living in South Africa about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"I would suggest either an involvement with the Women's International Club or a similar group. I am not personally involved with any such groups, but have found I have met many people through going to the gym. Also, if you have children, you can always get involved with the school (generally) and meet other parents that way," explained one person living in Johannesburg, South Africa.

"Expats in South Africa often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, sailing, and hiking. Expats can also join local sports teams, attend cultural events, or join a book club. Other ways that expats meet people when living in South Africa include attending networking events, joining online forums, and attending meetups. Expats can also meet people through their work, by attending church, or by volunteering in their local community," said one expat in South Africa.

What is life like in South Africa?

When we asked people living in South Africa what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in South Africa is generally quite pleasant. The country offers a diverse range of activities and attractions, from its stunning beaches and wildlife reserves to its vibrant cities and towns. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country is also home to a large expat community, making it easy to find like-minded people and make new friends. South Africa is also a great place to work remotely, with reliable internet access and a range of coworking spaces available," remarked one foreigner who made the move to South Africa.

"Work seems to be the general feel of Johannesburg..... accented with lots of holidays during the 'festive' season (Dec & Jan). People are quite social on the weekends and plan large all day 'braiis' (barbeques) with loads of families and loads of food and drink. Going to the 'bush' is also important when one can take the time," explained one person living in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Where should I live in South Africa?

We asked digital nomads and 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," explained one person living in Cape Town, South Africa.

"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," said one expat in South Africa.

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 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," explained one expat living in South Africa.

"Work with a relocation person to find out about shopping, schools, banking, etc. Check out Joburg (if possible) in advance. There are a lot of problems with crime so one has to be hyper aware at all times. But hey, it's Africa and Joburg in particular has it's own kinda vibe.........not a bad thing. Good luck," said one person in Johannesburg.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in South Africa?

"Expats in South Africa appreciate the country's vibrant culture, which is a mix of African, European, and Asian influences. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, who are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and beaches. South Africa is also known for its excellent cuisine, which is a mix of traditional African dishes and international flavors. Finally, expats enjoy the country's rich history and cultural heritage, which is evident in its many museums, monuments, and cultural sites," explained one expat living in South Africa.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in South Africa?

"Expats in South Africa often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the pace of life to be slower than what they are accustomed to, and the lack of punctuality can be a challenge. Additionally, the language barrier can be difficult to overcome, as English is not the primary language in South Africa. Expats may also find the local customs and etiquette to be unfamiliar, and the cost of living can be higher than expected," said one expat who made the move to South Africa.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in South Africa for a while?

"If you plan to stay in South Africa for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a temporary residence visa. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a work visa, study visa, or business visa. You will also need to provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport, and other supporting documents, such as proof of financial means and a medical certificate," said one person in South Africa.

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What cultural blunders 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. They wrote:

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to South Africa.

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What are healthcare services like in 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 a person living in Cape Town, South Africa.

"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," explained one digital nomad living in South Africa.

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What are the pros and cons of living in South Africa?

"I love the healthcare facilities, constant electricity, good transportation system and excellent housing properties. I dislike the violence, social unrest and lack of safety in South Africa especially if you're a Nigerian," explained one digital nomad living in Cape Town, South Africa.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the diverse culture and stunning landscapes that South Africa has to offer. They also enjoy the relatively low cost of living and the fact that English is widely spoken. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the high crime rate and lack of infrastructure to be a deterrent. Additionally, the country's complex visa requirements can be a challenge for those who are not familiar with the process," said one member in South Africa.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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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Talk with other digital nomads and expats in South Africa on our South Africa forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

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Help others in South Africa by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in South Africa.

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AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
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Contribute to South Africa Network Contribute
Help others in South Africa by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in South Africa.

William Russell
William Russell

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