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The world's largest expat community

Your Expat Community in South Africa

  • Connect with fellow expats in South Africa

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in South Africa

  • Sandro Pedace

    With InterNations, you'll meet interesting expats wherever you go - both online and offline.

Our Expat Community in South Africa Welcomes You!

Siya namkela nonke, welkom, isibinglelo, and a very warm welcome to our expat community in South Africa! As a community dedicated to making life easier for expats from around the world, InterNations is here to ease your transition into South African life. Whether you're thinking of relocating here, in the process of doing so, or you've already arrived, you can make use of the user-contributed resources and expert guide articles on our site to ease your way into your new home. South Africa is the country where African and Western culture meets. The country's cultural heritage is encompassed by Christianity, traditional dancing and music, and equal living for all people. While expats will encounter few culture shocks when moving to South Africa, some may be concerned by the obsession with safety in Johannesburg, the rocky roads that rest between Cape Town and other major cities, and the laid back approach to time and punctuality. With the guidance of those who've already answered questions here at InterNations, you'll soon adjust to South Africa's docile way of life. If you find that your questions haven't already been answered, feel free to ask them, and one of our members will be along to help you. Once you've adjusted to South Africa yourself, you too can begin making contributions.

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you are moving to another country or going on a business trip somewhere — our communities around the world are there to make you feel at home wherever you are. Feel free to check out our vibrant InterNations Communities in countries like China or Portugal.

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Living in South Africa: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in South Africa, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in South Africa. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

What are the most common nationalities in South Africa? As an expat in South Africa, you'll meet people from many different cultures (especially if you're an InterNations member!) The top nationalities in the InterNations Communities in South Africa currently are:

  • British
  • Zimbabweans
  • Germans
  • Germans

Which cities are most popular among expats in South Africa? Some cities attract more expats than others. These are the cities with the largest expat communities in South Africa:

  • Cape Town
  • Durban
  • Johannesburg

How much rent do expats pay in South Africa? Your personal situation plays a role here. Single expats spend on average 750 USD on their accommodation per month, while expat families spend around 1.245 USD . And of course, rents can also vary greatly depending on the location and city within South Africa.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some rent averages for the most popular cities in South Africa.

Average rent in Cape Town

  • Single expats: 755 USD
  • Expat families: 1.565 USD

Average rent in Durban

  • Single expats: 475 USD
  • Expat families: 815 USD

Average rent in Johannesburg

  • Single expats: 475 USD
  • Expat families: 945 USD

How safe is South Africa? You may be wondering about safety. In general people perceive their personal safety situation in South Africa as very unsafe. People rate the risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) as very high. They consider the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) very high. And, they rate confidence in the police force and related local authorities as very low.

How safe is South Africa for women? Female expats rated the safety situation in South Africa as rather unsafe. This is based on the feedback of expat women living in South Africa (rather than actual crime statistics). So obviously this can be highly subjective and depends on factors such as where people live.

Join Our Online and In-Person Events in South Africa

Attend our many events to get to know like-minded expats, both in South Africa and around the world! Our new online events even let you find connection and inspiration without leaving your home.

Mar 19, 2024, 6:00 PM
5 attendees
Calling all trivia buffs and brainiacs! Get your thinking caps on and join us for a thrilling Quiz Night that'll put your knowledge to the ultimate test! Gather your squad every Tuesday for a night o
Mar 20, 2024, 7:00 PM
10 attendees
We all need some magic in our lives!! Come and see the Cape Town magicians -- I saw their last show a few days ago and am still trying to figure out some tricks :)) book their next show to help me fig
Mar 24, 2024, 11:00 AM
31 attendees
Meet InterNations Members at a bushveld atmosphere German & Vegetarian Restaurant with live music/ bands playing on Sundays. As it's a day of rest, there will be no entrance fee. So come and join u
Come join us for a fabulous Night at this iconic tapas bar and restaurant. Overlooking the city skyline Come out and enjoy their popular tapas menu while you soak up the warming sun and the sultry s

Want to see all the upcoming events in South Africa?

Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in South Africa

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    From Argentina, living in Durban
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    From Spain, living in Johannesburg
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    From India, living in Durban
  • Community Member
    From Russia, living in Cape Town
  • Community Member
    From Switzerland, living in Cape Town
  • Community Member
    From Greece, living in Johannesburg
  • Community Member
    From Sweden, living in Johannesburg
  • Community Member
    From Australia, living in Johannesburg
  • Community Member
    From Poland, living in Pretoria

Meet other expats like you in South Africa

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Share your hobbies and interests with expats in South Africa

Embark on Your Life as an Expat in South Africa

Complete with dazzling city skylines, rolling mountains, and refreshing waters, South Africa's landscape is beautiful to behold. Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg are just some of the South African cities popular among expats. Your money will go a lot further in South Africa compared to many Western countries, which means you may find yourself living in an expansive property with plenty of land to roam in. As a paradise for those who love animals, nature, and adventures, South Africa offers plenty of activities. The cuisine is delightful too, with Qunu in Johannesburg offering excellent wine tasting, Mzansi of Cape Town featuring traditional South African cuisine, and the Tin Roof Cafe of Pretoria acting as a hidden gem. Worried about educational facilities? South Africa is home to some of the best schools and universities. This includes UNISA, which offers distance learners the chance to make educational gains at a fraction of their home country's prices.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Peru or France, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Get to Know Interesting People Even before You Move to South Africa

InterNations is a global community of individuals who can offer a plethora of advice on life for expatriates in South Africa. Using the guidance of our carefully chosen members, you can begin feeling like a local in no time. InterNations offers large social events at classy venues on a regular basis, allowing you to make new friends shortly after your arrival. If you'd like to kick start your new social life with activities, try some of the groups our members have set up. These include going to the theater in Cape Town, hiking in Johannesburg, and getting together for drinks in Pretoria. As a member of InterNations, you'll gain a valuable insight into South African expatriate life from those who have seen and done it all. Whether you're confused by the banking system, trying to find a good school, or looking for a reliable real estate agent, our members can point you in the right direction.

  • Sandro Pedace

    With InterNations, you'll meet interesting expats wherever you go - both online and offline.

  • Stephanie Gainsbourg

    InterNations provided me with an "entrance" to the expat circles of Pretoria, so to speak, and helped me get to know other French expatriates.

Our Global Partners

Communities in South Africa

Like-Minded Expatriates in South Africa

South Africa Guide Topics

Upcoming Communities in South Africa

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