Windhoek, Namibia Report of what it's like to live there - 07/10/24
Personal Experiences from Windhoek, Namibia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, this is our third overseas post. We've also been posted to West Africa and Central Asia.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Home is the Boston area. There are a few options to get back - Ethiopian through Addis, Discover (Lufthansa) through Frankfurt, or various US cities through Cape Town or Joburg. They all take a long time and some have very long layovers.
3. What years did you live here?
2021 - 2024.
4. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing is the best we've ever had at any assignment. Big enough for our family with great outdoor living spaces. Pools are common for stand-alone houses. Traffic is never a problem, as long as you don't have to drive between 13h00 and 14h00 when everyone in the city picks their kids up from school. Travel time to the embassy is six minutes by car.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I can find almost everything I need here. German, Portuguese, and South African goods are common. Plenty of non-dairy milks are available and tofu is available if you know where to look. The produce is decent but keep an eye on the seasons when certain things will disappear from the shelves (limes, avocados).
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Low-sugar jams, unsweetened peanut butter, unscented laundry detergent and fabric softener.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The Tap-a-Meal app delivers almost anything from pizzas to sushi. There are good restaurants around and you can quickly narrow down which ones you like best.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There have been snakes on some properties but the embassy sends a snake wrangler to come get them. Their number is included in the emergency contacts you receive when you arrive. Ants are common so we keep our cat food elevated on a tray filled with water. Get a scorpion light if you are a camper.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
You can send mail flat mail through NamPost but I've never had anything I've sent actually arrive at its destination. Others have had good luck. FedEx and DHL are available for international shipping at a premium cost.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We hired a housekeeper/cleaner and a gardener for very reasonable rates. Nannies are also popular. I think cooks and chauffeurs are less common here and I don't know anyone who has one. Some housekeepers can cook but it's not common.
The LE HR Specialist can walk you through registering as an employer so you can pay in to Namibia Social Security fund for your staff. This is inexpensive and it is the law.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Some places are safer than others as with any major city. Be smart and don't walk with your phone out. Put bags and packages in the trunk of the car if you're parking. Be wary of people following you.
There are two outdoor areas for biking, hiking, and dog walking. Both have had crime incidents in the past so travel with groups and be aware of your surroundings.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Virgin Active has two popular locations near the big malls. Memberships are reasonable. You can hire a personal trainer to kick your butt for a great value.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are common but the local banks charge a fee to use them, even if it's you bank. Everywhere takes cards so "swipe" and collect your points!
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is spoken everywhere except very rural locations.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The city is has very steep hills and inconsistent sidewalks. Most people drive from place to place even if it's close and store have marked parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The local taxis are very unsafe. Instead, use one of a handful of apps (Yango, LEFA, etc) or call one of the approved taxi companies.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
It depends on what you want to do. If you want to stay in the city or just visit the most popular tourist spots and the coast, any car will do. If you like camping and want to visit some of the farther-flung spots in the country, a high-clearance SUV would be a good choice. Prados, Land Cruisers, Hylux, etc. Do not bring an electric vehicle.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Fiber is available: ask a local for more information.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
MTC is the most common and best local provider. I use the pay-as-you-go plan called Super Aweh which is N$65 per week for 3 GB of data. Top up from your phone or a kiosk.
One thing to note is that Google Fi and eSIMS do not work here. Bring an unlocked phone with a space for a physical SIM.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes. Dr. Minty at Rhino Park is the best vet around. Care is cheap and good. There is no quarantine required. Make sure to check the titre test situation at least 6 month before departure if you are bringing a dog back to the states or to Europe as the lead time is LONG.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Many spouses have DETO or telework jobs based in the US. There are jobs in the embassy for EFMs who want them. The local salary is very low and expats have to jump through hoops to get a job on the local economy. The local unemployment rate is over 20% so they aren't going to make it easier for a foreigner to come and take a job.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
SPCA and other oportunities
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Dress is business casual in the workplace. Those who meet with outside contacts dress up more than those who don't. Outside the city, it is sundresses and safari chic! Everything will get dusty so durable clothes are a good idea.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Crime happens everywhere so be aware of your surroundings at all times.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The air is dry and dusty and those with allergies can suffer. Bring allergy medication from the States as it's better than the local stuff.
Medical and dental care is good but if you need a specialist, you may want to consider going to South Africa or the US.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air is dry and can be dusty. There is an annual fire season that causes a lot of smoke in the city. Generally the air quality is fine.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Pollen, dust, weird plants abound. Good restaurants should be able to accommodate food allergies, but I don't have experience with that.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not that I know of.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is hot and the sun is STRONG. Find shade whenever you are outside. The rainy season is short but serious. It can get very cold in July and August and the houses are not built to stay warm. Good slippers are a must for this time of year.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Expats generally like this post. There are a lot of expats from countries that aren't friendly with the U.S., so just be aware of who is sitting next to you at dinner.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
I don't know about any clubs or groups, but if that's your thing I'm sure you can find something. Everything here is on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp so don't shy away from social media here - you will miss out!
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I've heard that dating can be hard due to wealth inequality, but the singles do just fine. There is a lot to do for families with kids and childfree couples. Get out of town and experience the country! Be aware that not all lodges and game drives will allow children so call ahead if you plan to bring children.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I think the income inequality is the major barrier to making local friends. The people of Namibia are pretty diverse so I don't think a particular group would feel uncomfortable.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It is a weird time for the queer community. The supreme court just struck down the colonial-era sodomy laws but same-sex marriage is still illegal. Foreign same-sex marriage is still recognized.
There was a thriving monthly drag night that had to take a break due to threats but they are back in business now. Go see a show!
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
The country is very Christian so other religions can feel marginalized.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The most beautiful sunsets all year round Giraffes on the way to the airport! The lodges, game drives, camping, and scenery is the best we've experienced and locals get a special rate! Go to the coast, go on a canoe trip down the Orange River, visit Etosha National Park, the Erongo Mountains, sand dunes at Sossusvlei , the Zambezi river, get into birding...there is so much to see and do.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The fun is in the discovery! Ask around and you will find something amazing.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Leather shoes called vellies can be made from kudu, seal, or cow leather. hand-woven rugs, and the usual wooden carvings.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's very restful.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
There is a lot of information out there so I was pretty prepared.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
skis and snow boots.
4. But don't forget your:
sunhat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
There are a lot of cool YouTube videos made by tourists that show the best of what Namibia has to offer. I highly recommend doing a search.
