Pretoria, South Africa Report of what it's like to live there - 10/31/14
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?
Yes.
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?
Washington DC, about 17 hours with a connection through Atlanta, GA.
3. How long have you lived here?
4 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse traveling with USG employee.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing here is pretty nice other than you can feel like you are in prison. There are electric fences on top of concrete walls around all housing units and bars on all windows. Doors have 3-6 locks on them and everyone takes a different key. Many of the housing units even have 24/7 guards posted at the main gate entrance. As for location, many are near local stores and the farther out houses are about 30 minutes or less commute time to the Embassy. Some are only 10 minutes away. There is a difference with how houses are constructed here compared to the U.S. They attempt to keep electrical outlets away from water sources so there are usually no outlets in the bathroom and your kitchen sink may be in the attached room called the scullery. All walls are concrete with limited electrical sockets and light switches that may require some trial and error to figure out what turns on and off with that switch.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries vary in price with many things cheaper than in the States but then there are other items that are more expensive. As for availability, you can find most things here but there are some items that you will find it cheaper to order online.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I would suggest you talk with your sponsor. Share your shopping regularities and allow them the chance to provide with feedback. Many things are here but if like certain items, they may or may not be here and even if they are, they may be a little different than from what you are used to. Due to the mailing system (limited to 16oz of liquid per shipment) - I would recommend that you ship any liquids (liquid = anything that would leak if the container was damaged) that you consider a must. This would include peanut butter, canned vegetables, salad dressings, other sauces or condiments.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
You can find just about everything imaginable here and the cost is usually cheaper than the States. If you like to eat out often, this place is a good place to live.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are bugs here but none I would consider a problem. There are many flies that are persistent on landing on your head just like in the States. I hear about ants that show up after it rains but have yet to experience that for myself. And malaria is an issue when you travel to lower elevations but there is medication to prevent that problem.
Daily Life:
1. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Get a credit card without foreign transaction fees and use it everywhere. I do not use ATM's since we get all cash from the Embassy - it's safer.
2. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Many Christian denominations can be found here.
3. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, English is widely used but not all English is the same. You will find it fun to discover the differences.
4. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It would be challenging to live here with physical disabilities but not completely impossible. There are handicap parking spaces, handicap accessibility at most malls and some stores, and even elevators at some places. The issue would require learning where one with limits would have to go to accomplish the things that life requires. As for taking advantage of safaris and other great things to do here, most of them are not yet handicap friendly.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The train is said to be safe and affordable. Buses and taxis are not to be used. In fact, taxis are dangerous and a threat to all who live in this country. Always keep your eye scanning for the crazy taxis - you will hear them coming - honk, honk, honk, all the time.
2. 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 only import RHD (right hand drive) vehicles. As for what vehicle to purchase once here - there is no need to have a SUV, the roads are fine for all vehicles. An SUV would be of use for those individuals who are tall because many of the vehicles sold here are not as roomy as in the States.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet access is available with varying speeds available (1,2,4,10,20 Mbps). Cost can be considered more expensive since you are required to have a house phone and an adsl line which are provided by TELCOM (Government Owned Monopoly) and than you choose which ISP provider you want to pay for your internet access. In total, it will cost you about US$100 per month for the 4 Mbps which should be fast enough to let you stream online. Of course 10 and 20 Mbps are faster and cost more but are not available at all housing locations.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Work usually will provides one for the government employee. As for spouses, you can get a prepaid sim card for your phone or get a prepaid phone plan here. It cost less than the States but the plans are different, not all inclusive like in the U.S. Wi-Fi is available here but not the same as in the States - you usually need to pay for the data that you use from a "free" Wi-Fi location. This is accomplished with an add-on to your cell phone plan to cover your data usage over wi-fi.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Poverty is very obvious here and with that comes people who will do what they need to survive. There is also a mindset here that if you have "it," you should give to those who don't have "it," therefore you need to be mindful of where you are and what is going on around you. This place is really no different than any major city in the U.S. but I would say that you need to avoid certain areas because the crime rates here are higher than most U.S. cities.
2. 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 quality is good to very good in my opinion. Someone who is sensitive to dust may have issues but overall I think most will find it more than acceptable here.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Seasons are reverse compared to the U.S. It gets cool during the winter evenings/mornings but very nice during the daytime and the summer days are very comfortable without the humidity. The only hot you will feel is from the sun shining on your skin, the sun is stronger due to the elevation. Another plus is there is very little rain (so far) which means there are always outside activities to enjoy. The downside to a lack of rain is the dust in the air. Not so much dust that you can see it in the air, just dust that shows up on the surface of everything, inside and outside of your house.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Not sure of size because it is spread throughout the city. As for morale, there is not a community feel here since there is much to do. The housing areas are all U.S. personnel but each one kind of does his or her own thing, much like it is in the States. So it is what you make it. The Embassy does offer events and outings to give you a chance to gather and enjoy life together.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This place has everything you need to make life happen. Stores do close earlier than in the States so this does require everyone to make adjustments but again I think everyone can make this place a good city to live in.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It is obvious that gay/lesbian people live here and there are businesses that cater to that clientele.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are racial issues here.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Safaris, of course. There is many places to go to check out the wildlife and country landscape. It can keep you busy for your whole tour.
6. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Weather.
7. Can you save money?
You can always save money regardless of where you live. Saving is a choice. I save because I hope to retire and retirement is not free.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Your expectation of timely response. It can takes weeks or months to get paperwork processed with the local government offices.
4. Do you have any other comments?
I agree with the Post from January 2012 - well written.
