Pretoria, South Africa Report of what it's like to live there - 10/12/24
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, other Africa, Eastern 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?
US- Direct flights to Dulles or ATL. Long, but doable.
3. What years did you live here?
2021-
4. How long have you lived here?
3.5 years
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Great houses! We are in a compound near Hazelwood/ the Village and it may be the best neighborhood we’ve ever lived in.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Woolies is basically Whole Foods.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Salsa and queso!
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Eating out is very affordable. Dining isn’t as diverse or tasty as many places but it isn’t a low point by any means.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants, flies, mosquitos all have their season but it isn’t a major issue.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Affordable. We have a nanny and a gardener. Few households (even professional level local staff at the mission) wouldn’t have some housekeeping or nanny help.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Most run in clubs. Certain limited areas are safe to walk around at night.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms are affordable. Specialized studios less available. Biking and running clubs are popular for locals.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are common.
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. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No
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?
Decent clearance if you plan to drive out for safaris, etc.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. A few weeks.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local provider is fine.
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?
Vets are good, kennels are affordable as are pet sitters.
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?
Local employment is very hard to find.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Numerous, but it seems more of a place to make your own community in roads for impact.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Dress tends to be a bit more elevated than American norms.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Crime is a concern, but not nearly as much as you’d believe from statistics.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
A lot of good physicians have left the country or moved to the Western Cape. Decent care is still available but has declined. A family member has been routed to three different surgeons as the first two went overseas.
3. 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?
Moderate.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very mild.
Schools & Children:
1. 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?
Yes. Nannies are the norm for care and can fill in preschool time gaps.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not much.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large, to the point you will not know most expat families, even in your own mission. Because it is so large and developed, there is not much of a community. Morale is generally good as it is a nice city and post.
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?
Lots of running and cycling clubs you can join locally. Local people are very active with running, biking and hiking.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For families it is great. A ton of outdoor play areas and kids are a big focus amongst the locals. I imagine singles may struggle in Pretoria. Johannesburg provides a better singles scene.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
English is commonly spoken. Multicultural and accepting.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
South Africa has come a long way, but challenges remain.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Safaris and Western Cape are the obvious highlights but there are lots of travel opportunities.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots of nearby nature reserves where you can do small game drives.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Basotho blankets.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Fabulous weather, easy living.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Although things appear to be getting better, power outages were a big challenge for a while. Numerous daily outages really disrupted life in a country that has been built upon the expectation of consistent power. Traffic would be horrendous, food at grocery stores would spoil, you couldn’t make purchases at stores.
Now water outages are becoming common.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
serious winter gear.
4. But don't forget your:
bikes, hiking boots.
