Johannesburg, South Africa Report of what it's like to live there - 08/01/23
Personal Experiences from Johannesburg, South Africa
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we've also lived in Africa, Middle East, and Europe.
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?
Non-stop options from Atlanta and Newark (both around 15 hours) make it a long, yet direct, way to get to post. You can always go through Europe, but the flight from London, Paris, Frankfurt, etc to Joburg can still be 10-11 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
More than a year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic posting.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We have a modern, four-bedroom home in small (10 unit) compound. It's got an open floor plan, small yard and pool. The compound provides a gardener and security. The house is within a 5 minute drive to several shopping centers and 10-15 minutes away from the U.S. Consulate in Sandton.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are widely available and cost approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of similar products in the United States. Specialty grocery stores can be found in several neighborhoods, such as Kosher World and Asian Mart.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
No need to ship household or grocery items to post, its cheaper and better here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
This city has world class dining options at 1/3 the D.C. price.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is available and costs approximately $15-25/day.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
World class gyms with pools, sauna, steam modern equipment, etc for approximately $60-80/month.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are accepted. I would not use ATMs due to security concerns. Getting a local back account is recommended.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English gets you everywhere you need to be.
5. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Uber is preferred for local trips, and its pretty cheap. The Gautrain is an option between Pretoria and Joburg.
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?
I would avoid the most stolen cars - such as a VW Polo. Other than that, you can find any type of car you want here...from Ferrari to Ford.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
high speed internet is available for $30-50/month and usually takes a few weeks to install.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use Vodaphone and pay $10/month.
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?
While there is no quarantine, the entry process for animals is challenging to overcome. Best to use a professional pet shipper from South Africa, such as Global Paws.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Cirme is no joke. Treat security seriously, but its no worse than other places in Africa and South America.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AISJ is the primary school to use for consulate and embassy kids. In my opinion, it's a hot mess and in need of strategic vision. The one hour commute for kids from Johannesburg and over an hour commute for kids from Pretoria doesn't help. In my opinion, the lack of a sense of community, bullying, and unmotivated teachers is an AISJ-built problem that could be solved when the new school director arrives in 2024.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Morale is good, expat community is large.
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?
Enjoy some world class and cheap restaurants, go hiking on the weekend, take a trip to Madikwe or the Drakensbergs.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, very open.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Where to start...how about reading Long Walk to Freedom
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Cost of living, world class culture,
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Yes.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
YES!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
left-hand drive car.
4. But don't forget your:
winter jacket.
