Daily life in South Africa is active and social with living expenses far below those of many European countries.
So what is it like to live in a country that is culturally, geographically and naturally so diverse? It’s likely you’ll find that living here will be very different from what you’re used to.
South Africa has variety. Our natural heritage contains incredible biodiversity in both flora and fauna. We have towering mountains, vast oceans, and beautiful seasons. Our cultural and historical heritage is equally varied: we are a nation passionate about art, culture and especially sports (a symbol of unity in a previously divided country).
Generally speaking you can expect to experience “First World” to meet the “Third World”, with people either living a rural existence or in big cities and not much in between. South Africa has a mixed economy and by UN classification South Africa is a middle-income country.
Daily life in South Africa - Rural life
Around 70% of South Africans live in rural areas. They either farm or herd animals. They care for their families first and if they have extras the sell it at the market or trade it for other supplies.
Daily life in South Africa - City Life
Economic development is significantly localised around four areas: Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Pretoria/Johannesburg where most foreigners apply for their visas and permits. Beyond these four economic centres development is marginal.
South Africa has eleven official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu with the three most spoken first home languages are Zulu (23.8%), Xhosa (17.6%), and Afrikaans (13.3%). Despite this fact English is recognised as the language of commerce and science, and will be spoken by most people.
South Africa has Versatility. A dazzling array of languages is spoken by our people: languages of both European origin (Portuguese, Greek, German, French), as well as those from South Asia (Urdu, Hindi, Gajarati, Tamil, Telegu). French is especially prevalent and widespread.
Daily life in South Africa - Living Expenses
In general you will find living and working in either Cape Town or Johannesburg to be quite different than that of your county of birth.
Renting an apartment or flat outside of tourist season will generally be cheaper in Cape Town but not so in Johannesburg where rental prices are higher, and finding a furnished apartment will not be a problem.
When buying food, electrical appliances and equipment as well as buying a car you can and should expect it to be more expensive than in Europe. Oh and don’t forget we drive on the right hand side of the road and a “robot” is a traffic light! Many a first time visitor and tourist seems to forget that fact when driving the first time in South Africa, leading to some embarrassing and dangerous situations.
Deciding where to stay, taxes and insurance hints and tips are all discussed on subsequent pages.
Should you have any questions with regard to daily life in South Africa or living expenses in South Africa, feel free to get in touch with one of our experienced immigration practitioners.
