Sandro Pedace

Sandro Pedace

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

Stephanie Gainsbourg

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.

Iranian Expats 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.

An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Meet other Iranians at our events in South Africa

Attend our monthly events and activities for Iranians expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.

Sunrise & Connections: Guided Lions Head Sunrise Hike for Expats
Who’s up for a sunrise mission? 🌅 After an amazing Sunset Lions Head Hike, it’s time to flip the script — now we’re catching the first light over Cape Town. If you’re an expat keen to meet others while soaking up the magic of Cape Town’s landscapes, this is the perfect way to start your day. Nothi
Who’s up for a sunrise mission? 🌅 After an amazing Sunset Lions Head Hike, it’s time to flip the script — now we’re catching the first light over Cape Town. If you’re an expat keen to meet others while soaking up the magic of Cape Town’s landscapes, this is the perfect way to start your day. Nothi
Celebrate Montgolfier Day
Celebrate Montgolfier Day
Montgolfier Day marks the birth of human flight. In 1783 the Montgolfier brothers, paper makers from France, proved that heated air could lift a balloon skyward. That year became a whirlwind of firsts in ballooning, and the world has been looking up ever since. Today balloonists celebrate Montgolfie
Montgolfier Day marks the birth of human flight. In 1783 the Montgolfier brothers, paper makers from France, proved that heated air could lift a balloon skyward. That year became a whirlwind of firsts in ballooning, and the world has been looking up ever since. Today balloonists celebrate Montgolfie
Sunday Easy Walk and HIke - Rietvlei
Sunday Easy Walk and HIke - Rietvlei
Please join WhatsApp group for meetup. https://chat.whatsapp.com/EiDD5GajteLCmjzRKUyAbc?mode=hqrc Join us for easy Walk and HIke on a chill Sunday Morning
Please join WhatsApp group for meetup. https://chat.whatsapp.com/EiDD5GajteLCmjzRKUyAbc?mode=hqrc Join us for easy Walk and HIke on a chill Sunday Morning
Barber Shop Chronicles Theatre Show
Barber Shop Chronicles Theatre Show
“Barber Shop Chronicles’’ is a powerful, electric play by Nigerian-born British playwright Inua Ellams, which explores community and black masculinity. Set in barbershops in London, Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Kampala, and Harare the play weaves together a series of interconnected stories exploring
“Barber Shop Chronicles’’ is a powerful, electric play by Nigerian-born British playwright Inua Ellams, which explores community and black masculinity. Set in barbershops in London, Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Kampala, and Harare the play weaves together a series of interconnected stories exploring

Our Global Partners

Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends

Do you want to continue with your hobbies — or discover new ones — while living abroad? There’s a variety of InterNations Groups you can join, including everything from sightseeing to hiking. These are run by dedicated Consuls with at least one activity each month, such as dinners in the cities finest restaurants, sports or outings with other expats to explore all that your new home has to offer.

Pretoria Community Group
Pretoria Community Group
Johannesburg Community Group
Johannesburg Community Group
Cape Town Community Group
Cape Town Community Group
Durban Community Group
Durban Community Group

Get Tips and Info on Life in South Africa from Iranian Expats

Being an expat in South\ Africa means much more than packing your belongings and taking care of paperwork. Keeping in touch with your Iranian compatriots is a big part of the expat experience and can help you understand the South\ African people and their culture better. With InterNations, meeting other Iranians in South\ Africa is a breeze, no matter if you are in Johannesburg, Cape\ Town, Durban or any other expat magnet across the country. Just take our network of Iranians in Cape\ Town, for example.

If you are in the mood to speak your mother tongue again, to learn about the best spots to shop for Iranian food, or to discuss your favorite sports team’s latest match, join the Iranian InterNations Community:

  • In our huge expat network, you can easily find like-minded expatriates from Iran.
  • Our South\ Africa Expat Forums are a great place to share experiences and advice – for example how to find a nanny speaking your language or where to get nan-e\ kabab in Cape\ Town...
  • The InterNations Places database for South\ Africa helps you find institutions like the nearest Iranian embassy.

From the\ Highveld's\ Gauteng\ City\ Region to the\ Garden\ Route,\ a\ scenic\ stretch\ along\ the\ south-east\ coast, we’ll get you in touch with helpful and friendly Iranian expats in South\ Africa.

Meet Fellow Iranians in South Africa at Our Many Expat Activities

Participating in our regular expat events and activities in South\ Africa is another wonderful advantage of your membership. Our events cater to virtually all interests, ranging from a nice dinner with your fellow expats to enjoy some famous bobotie, South\ Africa’s national dish, to large expat get-togethers with hundreds of guests in some of Cape\ Town’s most exclusive locations. Looking for a weekend getaway? Simply join one of our expat excursions with a group of fellow Iranians in Cape\ Town and discover the\ wilderness\ trails\ of\ Kruger\ National\ park, the\ Cape\ of\ Good\ Hope, and other impressive landmarks across South\ Africa.

Our events and activities are a great way of meeting fellow expats from Iran and all around the globe in a casual atmosphere. Does this sound interesting to you? Then sign up for membership and you’ll hear a heartfelt Dorood\ bar\ shoma from our Iranians living in South\ Africa!