Johannesburg, South Africa Report of what it's like to live there - 09/18/16
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, spent two semesters in Austria during college.
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?
Flew out of Denver. Lots of different ways to go. The most direct being DEN, ATL, JNB.
3. How long have you lived here?
Seven months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Personal move.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We are not with the Foreign Service. If you are looking to move to South Africa on your own, this is a very good time with the favorable dollar to rand exchange rate. We bought a beautiful home in a lovely neighborhood.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Anything you could ever want is here, and much more. The only things that aren't as common are: mac and cheese, the huge cold cereal selection - mostly corn flakes or Cheerios/Granola, and Pillsbury biscuits.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Again, no need to ship anything but mac and cheese if that's your thing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Um.. Everything! McDonalds delivers! KFC has been here a long time. There is also Burger King, Domino's Pizza. But better yet, support the local chains or small family-owned restaurants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
No real problem with mail. I believe Amazon now ships to SA as well.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many people willing to work domestically. If you want help, finding it won't be an issue. But best to ask a friend or neighbor for a referral. Because, really, you are letting a total stranger in your home. Anything valuable have locked away, including mail with personal (banking) information.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots of gyms. Also the crime isn't "so bad" that you wont see both men and women jogging by themselves.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Just like the States.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, many Christian. No problem there.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Learn some phrases in Zulu. Not because you need to in order to get by, but because the Zulu speakers will really appreciate having their culture acknowledged.
Transportation:
1. 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?
Cars are more expensive here. Also, getting used to the "correct" left side of the road can take a long time.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
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?
Lots of vets.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
The women tend to dress up more.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
You can't help every single person who asks for money. Be aware of your surroundings, just like in any big city. From a terrorism perspective, it is safer than many other parts of the world.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good health care, but do your hospital research before hand.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Lovely. But the houses really are poorly insulated. So if it's cold outside, it's cold inside, etc.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Go with a local school, if possible.
2. 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?
Preschools everywhere.
Expat Life:
1. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Wonderful for families. The black Africans, in particular, love children. Not uncommon at all to have a black man truly smile at your baby.
2. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, but come prepared.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Ideas of "darkest Africa."
3. But don't forget your:
Knowledge that some people really suffer. There are very few, and very limited, social safety nets.
4. Do you have any other comments?
We chose to move here to be near family after many years in the States. There is something a little "magical" about South Africa. The charm of the people, the magnificent thunderstorms, the tea gardens and flowers. No place is perfect, but South Africans are very resilient, and are worth getting to know. We are glad to be here.
