Looking for American Expats in South Africa?

American Expats Moving to 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.

Why Americans move abroad … (and do they like it?)

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life. We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical American expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.

Receive Information and Tips about South Africa from American Expats

Obviously, embarking on expat life in Southu0020Africa is not only about packing boxes and getting some paperwork done. The regular exchange with your American compatriots is also an important aspect of the expat experience and can help you get accustomed to the Southu0020African culture and people. InterNations helps you meet and interact with other Americans in Southu0020Africa, living in Capeu0020Town, Johannesburg, Durban and many other places across the country. Just take a look at our group ofAmericans in Johannesburg orAmericans in Capeu0020Town.

• Browse our high-quality expat network to find like-minded expatriates from the Unitedu0020Statesu0020ofu0020America in Southu0020Africa.
• Receive and share advice in our Southu0020Africa Expat Forums – e.g. how to find a nanny speaking your kids’ native tongue or where to shop for stuffedu0020turkey in Capeu0020Town...
• Browse the InterNations Places database for Southu0020Africa to find institutions like the nearest American embassy and many others.

From theu0020Highveldu0027su0020Gautengu0020Cityu0020Region to theu0020Gardenu0020Route,u0020au0020scenicu0020stretchu0020alongu0020theu0020southu002Deastu0020coast, we’ll get you in touch with helpful and friendly American expats in Southu0020Africa.

Take Part in Various Expat Activities to Meet Fellow Americans in South Africa

Additionally, you are cordially invited to participate in our regular expat events and activities taking place in Southu0020Africa. Our events cover various interests and range from a small expat dinner to enjoy the traditional Southu0020African bobotie, to big expat get-togethers with hundreds of guests in Capeu0020Town's top locations. You may also join one of our expat excursions for a weekend trip together with a group of fellow Americans in Pretoria to visit theu0020Capeu0020ofu0020Goodu0020Hope, theu0020wildernessu0020trailsu0020ofu0020Krugeru0020Nationalu0020park, and other impressive landmarks across Southu0020Africa.

This way, our events and activities are a very nice occasion to meet fellow expats from the Unitedu0020Statesu0020ofu0020America and around the world in a casual atmosphere. Interested? Sign up for membership and you’ll soon be welcomed with a warm Hello from our Americans living in Southu0020Africa!