Pretoria, South Africa Report of what it's like to live there - 06/13/12
Personal Experiences from Pretoria, South Africa
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
4th expat experience. Have lived in the former Soviet Union, Israel, South Asia.
2. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
4th expat experience. Have lived in the former Soviet Union, Israel, South Asia.
3. 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?
Washington, DC. 20 hours via the direct Delta flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta with a connecting flight to Washington, or about 17 hours direct from Johannesburg to IAD on South African Airways (United codeshare).
4. 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?
Washington, DC. 20 hours via the direct Delta flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta with a connecting flight to Washington, or about 17 hours direct from Johannesburg to IAD on South African Airways (United codeshare).
5. How long have you lived here?
1 year
6. How long have you lived here?
1 year
7. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Embassy employee.
8. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Embassy employee.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is great here. Large houses in the suburbs of Pretoria. Most expats live in Brooklyn, Waterkloof, Waterkloof Ridge, or Menlyn Park. Shops are nearby, but due to security concens and the lack of sidewalks it is necessary to drive. The Embassy housing pool has both "stand-alone" houses and compound housing. The stand-alone houses are sometimes bigger and have much bigger yards, many with pools. Compounds consist of gated communities with a guard and anywhere from 4-10 houses. A few gated communities have pools, and yards are small. Houses are huge and almost all have maids' quarters and ample storage space. The commute time is great -- about 10 minutes for us. The longest commute takes about 25-30 min. Traffic is not bad at all here.
2. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is great here. Large houses in the suburbs of Pretoria. Most expats live in Brooklyn, Waterkloof, Waterkloof Ridge, or Menlyn Park. Shops are nearby, but due to security concens and the lack of sidewalks it is necessary to drive. The Embassy housing pool has both "stand-alone" houses and compound housing. The stand-alone houses are sometimes bigger and have much bigger yards, many with pools. Compounds consist of gated communities with a guard and anywhere from 4-10 houses. A few gated communities have pools, and yards are small. Houses are huge and almost all have maids' quarters and ample storage space. The commute time is great -- about 10 minutes for us. The longest commute takes about 25-30 min. Traffic is not bad at all here.
3. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Nice grocery stores stocked with everything are located in all neighborhoods. Groceries seem to be a bit cheaper than in the US if you buy South African goods. American brands are available and are a bit more expensive, but not outrageous.
4. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Nice grocery stores stocked with everything are located in all neighborhoods. Groceries seem to be a bit cheaper than in the US if you buy South African goods. American brands are available and are a bit more expensive, but not outrageous.
5. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I would have left some things back in the US as everything is available here.
6. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I would have left some things back in the US as everything is available here.
7. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything -- McDonald's is here and seems to be the same price as the US. Cinnabon is here, and South Africa has there own fast food. There are many choices of restaurants in Pretoria and Jo-burg -- some of which are excellent. Prices are lower than the US. There is a lack of independent restaurants and most are part of large South African chains, but quality is good. It costs about $25 for a casual dinner for 2 including wine or beer.
8. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything -- McDonald's is here and seems to be the same price as the US. Cinnabon is here, and South Africa has there own fast food. There are many choices of restaurants in Pretoria and Jo-burg -- some of which are excellent. Prices are lower than the US. There is a lack of independent restaurants and most are part of large South African chains, but quality is good. It costs about $25 for a casual dinner for 2 including wine or beer.
9. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Organic foods are available everywhere and are much cheaper than in the US. Gluten-free products and diabetic products are freely available.
10. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Organic foods are available everywhere and are much cheaper than in the US. Gluten-free products and diabetic products are freely available.
11. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are hardly any issues with insects, other than ants that come after the rains in the summer.
12. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are hardly any issues with insects, other than ants that come after the rains in the summer.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic pouch. But they say the post works well here.
2. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic pouch. But they say the post works well here.
3. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Expats pay about US$300-$500 dollars/ month for a full-time, live in housekeeper/ nanny.
4. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Expats pay about US$300-$500 dollars/ month for a full-time, live in housekeeper/ nanny.
5. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. Excellent gyms -- most more spacious than the gyms in metro areas of the US. I pay about $50/month for a gym with a huge selection of cardio equipment, free weights, and 2 pools.
6. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. Excellent gyms -- most more spacious than the gyms in metro areas of the US. I pay about $50/month for a gym with a huge selection of cardio equipment, free weights, and 2 pools.
7. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATM machines are everywhere. If they are in malls or in lighted areas they are safe. Be careful about using them at night in dark areas. Credit cards are accepted everywhere and I use a card for all purchases here.
8. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATM machines are everywhere. If they are in malls or in lighted areas they are safe. Be careful about using them at night in dark areas. Credit cards are accepted everywhere and I use a card for all purchases here.
9. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes -- in many different religions.
10. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes -- in many different religions.
11. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
DSTV is available and has 100s of English channels (different packages available). I think I pay about $70/month for the "premium" package 100s of English-language channels and movies.
12. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
DSTV is available and has 100s of English channels (different packages available). I think I pay about $70/month for the "premium" package 100s of English-language channels and movies.
13. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. English is spoken by all.
14. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. English is spoken by all.
15. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I've noticed many public buildings and restaurants have handicap access. All of the malls are accessable.
16. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I've noticed many public buildings and restaurants have handicap access. All of the malls are accessable.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Available, but they say they are not too safe. Taxis aren't readily available but there are 1 or 2 companies that you can call. Unfortunately they take 45 min to an hour to come. There is a new high-speed train called the "Gautrain" that connects Pretoria to Jo-burg and the airport. This is safe, inexpensive, and fast.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Available, but they say they are not too safe. Taxis aren't readily available but there are 1 or 2 companies that you can call. Unfortunately they take 45 min to an hour to come. There is a new high-speed train called the "Gautrain" that connects Pretoria to Jo-burg and the airport. This is safe, inexpensive, and fast.
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You can't import a vehicle from the US because South Africa is right-hand-drive. Vehicles are very expensive here, both new and used. But it is what it is. Resale value is high and car values don't depreciate much here so you can sell it for close to what you paid for it if you service it regularly.
4. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You can't import a vehicle from the US because South Africa is right-hand-drive. Vehicles are very expensive here, both new and used. But it is what it is. Resale value is high and car values don't depreciate much here so you can sell it for close to what you paid for it if you service it regularly.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, expensive because Telkom has a monopoly and you need to lease a phoneline for the Internet and pay a monthly fee. This comes to over $70/month for a so-so connection. It's reliable though.
2. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, expensive because Telkom has a monopoly and you need to lease a phoneline for the Internet and pay a monthly fee. This comes to over $70/month for a so-so connection. It's reliable though.
3. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You need one. They are readily available here.
4. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You need one. They are readily available here.
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?
2. 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?
3. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
4. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
2. 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?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Short sleeves and khakis in the summer, a bit more formal in the winter.
4. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Short sleeves and khakis in the summer, a bit more formal in the winter.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. Things are very nice here and the crime rate has dropped, but there are still break-ins and carjackings. Expats are not targeted, but things happen. This doesn't stop us from going out, but no one stays out too late at night and we all live in fortresses with electric fences and alarm systems.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. Things are very nice here and the crime rate has dropped, but there are still break-ins and carjackings. Expats are not targeted, but things happen. This doesn't stop us from going out, but no one stays out too late at night and we all live in fortresses with electric fences and alarm systems.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Not many. SA has the best health care on the continent, too.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Not many. SA has the best health care on the continent, too.
5. 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?
Very good. There is no pollution in Pretoria, clear almost every day.
6. 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?
Very good. There is no pollution in Pretoria, clear almost every day.
7. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
They say South Africa has the best weather in the world. Seasons are opposite those in the US with winter from June-August, Spring in September, summer from October-April, and Autumn in May. Winters are mild with highs of 65-70 F. degrees during the day and lows of 35-45 F. at night. Summers are great -- no humidity, highs of 80 F., and lows of 65-70 at night. It only rains here for a few minutes a day in the summer. Winter is the dry season and we have blue sunny skies every day.
8. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
They say South Africa has the best weather in the world. Seasons are opposite those in the US with winter from June-August, Spring in September, summer from October-April, and Autumn in May. Winters are mild with highs of 65-70 F. degrees during the day and lows of 35-45 F. at night. Summers are great -- no humidity, highs of 80 F., and lows of 65-70 at night. It only rains here for a few minutes a day in the summer. Winter is the dry season and we have blue sunny skies every day.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
3. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
4. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
5. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Many preschools scattered around town-- close to either home or work. Embassy families put their kids in several different preschools. Most are very good.
6. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Many preschools scattered around town-- close to either home or work. Embassy families put their kids in several different preschools. Most are very good.
7. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, many. Inside and outside of schools. Swimming lessons are also available.
8. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, many. Inside and outside of schools. Swimming lessons are also available.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large but not cohesive.
2. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large but not cohesive.
3. Morale among expats:
OK. It's a great place to live, but sometimes the work could be dull and cause morale to be low, depending on what agency you are with and which sector you work in. If you are interested in HIV/AIDs work, its the place to be. If you are interested in other development or political issues, not much going on and this isn't a priority for the US. However, it is a regional hub and if your agency/supervisor is not retired in place. it makes the work fulfilling and morale is better.
4. Morale among expats:
OK. It's a great place to live, but sometimes the work could be dull and cause morale to be low, depending on what agency you are with and which sector you work in. If you are interested in HIV/AIDs work, its the place to be. If you are interested in other development or political issues, not much going on and this isn't a priority for the US. However, it is a regional hub and if your agency/supervisor is not retired in place. it makes the work fulfilling and morale is better.
5. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
So much to do -- restaurants, etc.
6. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
So much to do -- restaurants, etc.
7. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for families. Probably hard for singles. Although there is a lot to do, everything closes early and there doesn't seem like there is much of a singles scene here.
8. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for families. Probably hard for singles. Although there is a lot to do, everything closes early and there doesn't seem like there is much of a singles scene here.
9. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Probably. There are openly gay South Africans and Americans here.
10. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Probably. There are openly gay South Africans and Americans here.
11. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes. There is a rough history with race issues and the culture is still fragmented.
12. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes. There is a rough history with race issues and the culture is still fragmented.
13. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Safaris, trips to Cape Town, sightseeing in Victoria Falls
14. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Safaris, trips to Cape Town, sightseeing in Victoria Falls
15. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Safaris, lion park, monkey sanctuary, elephant orphanage, trips to Capetown, wine tours, nice hotels, shopping, hiking, swimming, bird watching.
16. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Safaris, lion park, monkey sanctuary, elephant orphanage, trips to Capetown, wine tours, nice hotels, shopping, hiking, swimming, bird watching.
17. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Crafts, art, world-class safari lodges.
18. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Crafts, art, world-class safari lodges.
19. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Endless recreational opportunities. There is so much to do. Domestic and international travel is reasonable due to various low-cost airlines operating out of Johannesburg.
20. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Endless recreational opportunities. There is so much to do. Domestic and international travel is reasonable due to various low-cost airlines operating out of Johannesburg.
21. Can you save money?
Some, but there is so much to do that it is hard.
22. Can you save money?
Some, but there is so much to do that it is hard.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, although do some research on your job and boss if you work for the USG. This place isn't known for great management.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, although do some research on your job and boss if you work for the USG. This place isn't known for great management.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
consumables and wine. Everything is available here. SA wine is great and affordable.
4. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
consumables and wine. Everything is available here. SA wine is great and affordable.
5. But don't forget your:
Fall jackets and sweaters. Although it is mild and not as bad as Washington DC winters, we still have winter and it gets chilly at night.
6. But don't forget your:
Fall jackets and sweaters. Although it is mild and not as bad as Washington DC winters, we still have winter and it gets chilly at night.
7. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
8. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
9. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
10. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
11. Do you have any other comments?
Although this is Africa, you can have a real life here, and life is similar to working and living in the Washington, DC area. There is a huge expat presence but there is no real sense of community so you need to make your own friends and find your own circles.
12. Do you have any other comments?
Although this is Africa, you can have a real life here, and life is similar to working and living in the Washington, DC area. There is a huge expat presence but there is no real sense of community so you need to make your own friends and find your own circles.
