21 Secrets About Living In South Africa To Know Before Moving

With breathtaking landscapes, glorious weather, a rich diversity of cultures, divine food, and a more relaxed lifestyle – life in South Africa is the dream.

Here is everything you need to know before moving to the beautiful country of South Africa.

Sections

1. There are 11 official languages

South Africa boasts eleven official languages, with another two dozen or more unofficial languages spoken across the country.

That just shows how beautifully diverse South Africa is – a place where countless different cultures, languages, and people live in harmony despite their differences.

What does that mean for you? You’ll be learning something new every day! And you might find yourself feeling unsure of how to act in new situations. But don’t worry – the locals will always be happy to educate and guide you when needed.

2. The cost of living in South Africa

Compared to Western countries, the cost of living in South Africa is much more affordable. It’s on average 37.08% lower than the United States.

The South African rand is significantly weaker than pounds, dollars, and euros – so if you are lucky enough to be employed by an overseas company while living in South Africa, you’ll be getting even more bang for your buck.

Numbeo estimates that a single person’s monthly expenses are R8,901.02 (about $609.55) without rent. And rent in South Africa is, on average, 62.01% lower than rent in the US.

Moving to South Africa for the cheap cost of living is becoming increasingly popular among foreigners.

3. They have 3 capital cities

One capital wasn’t enough. South Africa has three of them, all equally diverse and strategically placed throughout the country.

Each of the major cities hosts a separate segment of the nation’s government:

Cape Town in the Western Cape: The legislative capital – where the Parliament is located
Bloemfontein in the Free State: The judicial capital – with the Supreme Court of Appeals
Pretoria in Gauteng Province: The executive or administrative capital – home to the Union Buildings and the President.

4. They are called the rainbow nation

South Africa’s diversity is well reflected in the colors of the rainbow; a large variety of different groups, races, languages, tribes, creeds, religions, and landscapes – all together in one country.

The colorful national flag is a symbol of this beautiful rainbow nation.

5. Sweeping landscapes and tropical forests

South Africa is the definition of natural beauty. The wild beaches, magnificent mountain ranges, lush forests, and the most heavenly amber sunsets you’ve ever laid eyes on will leave you feeling like you’re living in a dream.

There are endless incredible places and hidden gems to explore, that even the locals tend to feel like tourists in their own country!

Be sure to visit the following locations:

Coffee Bay, Wild Coast
The Cederberg Mountains
The wetlands of Elephant Coast
Sabie Waterfalls, Mpumalanga
Table Mountain National Parks
The South Peninsula, Cape Town

6. They produce some of the best wine in the world

South Africa is a wine enthusiasts’ paradise with its reputation as one of the best wine producers worldwide.

Whether you prefer crisp sauvignon blanc or plummy shiraz, make a stop at the vineyards in Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl – close to Cape Town, for some of the finest wine you’ve ever had the privilege of tasting.

7. No need to worry about the water

Unlike in many other parts of the world, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with.

Although, if you find yourself in a rural area, you might want to stick with bottled water – just because it may contain bacteria that can upset your stomach, but it’s not dangerous.

Just ask a local if it’s okay to drink when in doubt.

8. Tipping is expected

After you’ve had your morning coffee at a local cafe, or enjoyed a fabulous dinner at a restaurant, you’re expected to tip your waiter at least 10% of the bill. If you’re especially impressed with the service, 20% (or more) will be greatly appreciated.

If you rent or buy a car, you will also be expected to tip the car guards in parking lots (attendants who keep an eye on your car and help you to reverse out of the parking space – yes it’s a thing) usually with a coin or two.

9. They love their sports

You get sports fans, and then you get South African sports fans. Whether it’s football, cricket, or rugby – you’ll likely encounter tons of sports fanatics!

Sport manages to unify this nation like nothing else. If the opportunity arises, attend a rugby match and experience the captivating atmosphere firsthand.

10. You can find the Big 5 here

Imagine being up close to Africa’s greatest wild animals? Well, it’s certainly possible if South Africa is your home country!

The famous Big Five includes lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo.

Now don’t stress, you won’t be ambushed in the street – just pay a visit to one of the country’s incredible game reserves, like the Kruger National Park. An African safari is a truly unforgettable experience!

11. The food is great

South African food is truly unique and oh so tasty!

You will very likely be invited to a braai (communal barbecue), one of the most popular ways for locals to gather and enjoy a huge feast of different meats, including boerewors (traditional sausages), lamb chops, and chicken drumsticks.

Speaking of meat, nothing beats South Africa’s biltong and droewors – dried beef slices or sticks, spiced with coriander seeds (almost like beef jerky, but better).

Other delicious proudly South African treats you must try are:

Bunny chow: A hollow loaf of bread filled with vegetable or meat curry
Vetkoek: Deep-fried dough, either filled with mince, or with jam, syrup, or honey
Cape Malay Bobotjie: A sweet, spicy mince curry with an egg-based topping
Malva pudding: Caramel-like sticky sponge cake served with cream or custard
Melktert (milk tart): A creamy custard-filled pastry crust topped with cinnamon
Koeksisters: Syrupy, crispy twisted donuts

12. Strict laws on drinking and driving

South Africa takes drinking and driving very seriously, with the legal blood alcohol limit being 0.05%.

Even a ‘small drink’ or just one shot of tequila could be over the limit.

Law enforcement conducts frequent, random roadblocks to enforce their zero-tolerance policy. If you’re caught over the alcohol limit, you’ll be arrested and face a minimum fine of R2 000 ($137 or more), 2 years in prison, or both!

Avoid drinking and driving at all costs – it’s not worth the risk.

13. The weather is glorious

Living in South Africa means you get to experience a lot of sunshine, with an average of 2,500 hours of sun every year.

The average annual rainfall is about 464 mm, which is low compared to the world average of about 860 mm.

Take advantage of the spectacular weather (especially summer in Cape Town) at the country’s gorgeous beaches, beautiful forests, and majestic mountains.

14. A country still healing from the scars of apartheid

Racial prejudice, corruption, poor education, and a large gap between the rich and the poor remain evident in a country recovering from apartheid.

Apartheid was a white supremacist system that enforced racial segregation against non-white citizens from 1948 until 1990. Nelson Mandela pioneered the movement against apartheid and was later elected South Africa’s first black president.

If the subject comes up in conversation, be sensitive and willing to listen to other people’s experiences.

15. Learn the local slang

It’s always useful to know some of the local slang before visiting a new place. But in South Africa, it’s essential. You’ll be confused the entire time if you don’t.

The word ‘shame‘ is used in almost every social scenario. But not referring to pity or misfortune. Locals use it to show endearment. For example, “Shame man, you didn’t have to pay for our drinks.” Or when something is cute, “Shame, look how small it is.”

Another one that you’ll hear is ‘now’. “Now” doesn’t mean now. It means sometime soon. It could be in a few minutes, a couple of hours, or maybe a few days – who knows? “Just now” means in a moment, so it’s sooner than “now”. But if someone says “I’ll do it just now,” you can expect to wait a while until it’s done. If you’re in a hurry, you want to hear the words, “now-now“. It’s the most immediate term.

A party is a “jol“. If you think something is good, great, or awesome – it’s “lekker“, and traffic lights are “robots” – you heard me, robots.

16. Underfunded public healthcare system

Public healthcare in South Africa is critically underfunded and understaffed. South Africa is ranked 127th (out of 195 countries) in the world for healthcare, according to a study in 2018.

Before moving to South Africa, you should consider getting medical insurance to cover potential private healthcare fees. Their private healthcare is in line with the best in Europe and the US. You’ll be receiving first-class care at top facilities with highly trained medical staff.

Although government healthcare is a whole lot cheaper, you’ll be waiting in long lines to be seen by a doctor, or even be put on a waiting list for days, or months.

17. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is still ongoing

HIV/AIDS is sadly still a reality in South Africa. According to the World Population Review, 7.7 million people are living with HIV in the country.

South Africa currently has the fourth-highest prevalence rate in the world and the biggest ART (antiretroviral) program, which has been successful – the national life expectancy has increased from 56 years in 2010 to 64 years in 2022.

It’s important to be aware and stay safe while living in South Africa.

18. Language, culture & etiquette differ throughout the country

With nine provinces and eleven official languages, South Africa truly is a “rainbow nation”.

While large cultural differences are inevitable, South Africans are known as some of the warmest, most welcoming people in the world.

Locals will always welcome you with a smile and offer their assistance in times of need.

19. High level of crime

Although the rate of serious crimes has gone down over the last few years, South Africa still has a high crime rate compared to other countries. And much of it is sadly linked to income inequality.

Don’t let this put you off moving to South Africa. As long as you’re street smart, observant of your surroundings, and don’t go walking around alone late at night – you will be safe.

20. They have one of the oldest mountains in the world

Table Mountain, one of the World’s 7 Wonders, has rocks that are estimated to be over 600,000,000 years old!

A ride in the cable car up to the top of the mountain should be on your bucket list. Or if you’re feeling fit, you could take an awesome hike instead. (I mean 1086m-high-mountain kind of fit)

21. They host the world’s largest bicycle race

The annual Cape Town Cycle Tour attracts locals and foreigners alike – an exhilarating 109 km race around Cape Town’s southern tip (the peninsula). This includes Chapman’s Peak Drive which is arguably the most beautiful mountainous coastal road in the world.

Roughly 35,000 cyclists take part, from beginners to world-class athletes.

FAQs

How long can you stay in South Africa on a tourist visa?

A visitor’s visa is granted for up to 90 days. The visa-exempt countries can be found here.

What is North West South Africa known for?

South Africa’s ‘platinum province‘ is known for its abundant underground resources and the world’s largest platinum mines.

What language is spoken in the Northern Cape?

About 68% of the population speaks Afrikaans – a language derived from Dutch.

What is special about the Eastern Cape?

The Eastern Cape is known for its incredible landscapes, distinct Xhosa culture, and having some of the friendliest people in all of South Africa.

Make sure to visit areas like Port St. John’s, and the world-renowned coastal town, Coffee Bay.

What is the capital city of the Western Cape?

The capital city of the Western Cape is Cape Town. It’s known as the jewel of South Africa and has been voted the most beautiful city in the world several times.

Final Thoughts

Any visit to South Africa will be filled with beautiful landscapes, tantalizing cuisines, and an array of unique and wonderful cultures. There’s a reason some travelers never want to leave!