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.
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.
Why you'll love InterNations in South Africa
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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.
Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in South Africa
Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Do you like culture and music? Books? Food? Or is having a relaxed coffee and a chat more your thing? Whatever you're into, we've got the group for you. So go ahead and do more of what you love in South Africa - or learn something new!
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.