Pretoria, South Africa Report of what it's like to live there - 10/30/08
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?
No. Paris, Rome, Milan, Harare, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Canberra.
2. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
17 hrs direct flight.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Employment.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Single houses - USG owned properties in poor condition, leased housing poorly maintained by landlords. Compound housing is small, and often shabby. Do not come for the housing. Those days are gone here.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything you can imagine is avalaible.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Endless restaurants in all price ranges.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch for incoming mail, DHL for outgoing packages.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cleaners and garden help costs about US$15-20/day plus food and transport for a 7 am - 3 pm work day (live out). Do not expect real housekeepers/maids - workers w/ skills are hired in private sector. Plan to teach anyone who works for you exactly what you would like him/her to do.
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?
Everyone uses credit cards and ATMs constantly.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
All types of churches, temples, mosques are available.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Everywhere. Cable TV is realtively inexpensive.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
On the left - U.K. style.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No, no safe at all. It is a car culture.
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?
No need for SUV unless you plan to camp. Even Kruger Park has an extensive paved road network.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. The scene and prices are changing all the time - upgrading.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Easy to arrange on your first day in town.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Numerous phone schemes, Skype etc.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Pet care is top quality.
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?
No.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Like U.S.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. Security is a major problem. Crime is random and violent.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
None. Health care is first rate.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Easy - cool winters, warm summers, mostly blue skies.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
American Internaqtionl school makes an effort. But it does not cope well with the mix of South African students not in the local system, students from neighboring African countries, diplomatic and NGO children. Special needs students are mixed in with IB students w/o enough support for either group. Drugs/alcohol/sex scene in high school can be rough.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
They try to with some success. But do not expect a great deal and be prepared to fill in yourself.
3. 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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Vast.
2. Morale among expats:
Poor due to crime and fear of crime.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Endless opportunities.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for families though middle school. Rough for high schoolers.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes. Very very relaxed.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Race is always a problem in South Africa, but things improve each year.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel, art, gardening, music -participating, every sport known to man or woman.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Art. Very lively contemprary art scene. Buy quality crafts from serious dealers as there are many many fakes made who knows where at local markets.
9. Can you save money?
No. Prices are comprable to Washington DC.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. This is my second tour in South Africa. It will exasperate and delight you - often at the same time.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Old ideas about South Africa - it is dynamic and changing quickly.
3. But don't forget your:
Common sense. It is still Africa. Things happen slower. Social and cultural norms must be respected in a variety of cultural groups.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Commando by Denys Reitz on the Boer War, anything by Nadine Gordimer, Andre Brink, Laurens Van der Post, Athol Fugard the list goes on and on.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Commando by Denys Reitz on the Boer War, anything by Nadine Gordimer, Andre Brink, Laurens Van der Post, Athol Fugard the list goes on and on.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Blood Diamond, Tsotsi, O Gersalema, Sarafina, A Story like the Wind, Zulu, Biko, Cry the Beloved Country, and numerous music videos - just hit search on Amazon, there's lots to choose from.
7. Do you have any other comments?
Don't miss South Africa if you are the type that likes contradictions and unsolvable puzzles.
