Are you contemplating relocating and shifting to South Africa?

Whether or not it’s the pull of hotter climate and sunny seashores, there are numerous causes to to migrate to this lovely nation just like the tradition and the gorgeous surroundings and unimaginable biodiversity or the nation’s distinctive rugby staff.

Nonetheless, earlier than you may determine, it’s worthwhile to know all of the details. That’s why we’ve outlined the most important professionals and cons that can assist you reply the all-important query: ‘Ought to I transfer to South Africa?’

Professional ─ It’s extra reasonably priced

Whether or not you reside within the UK, Europe, or additional afield, you’re in all probability conversant in excessive dwelling prices. Nonetheless, in accordance with a 2022 Value of Dwelling Survey, that is the place South Africa actually excels.

This survey analyzed the price of dwelling in 227 main cities, from London and New York to Paris and Dubai. Three South African cities have been included: Johannesburg got here in at 193, Cape City at 194, and Durban at 216. In distinction, London completed at quantity 15.

When evaluating South Africa to London, groceries value 40% much less, client costs are 47% decrease and lease is 63% cheaper.

Con ─ Struggling healthcare system

Supply: internationalinsurance.com

Based on healthcare analysis from Numbeo, the healthcare system in South Africa leaves one thing to be desired. The Well being Care Index by Nation 2023 lists South Africa at quantity 49, placing it under the UK (17), Canada (29), and america (35).

Nonetheless, in case you have the money to spare then you definately’ll discover that South Africa additionally has a wonderful non-public healthcare system. In truth, the nation has greater than 200 non-public hospitals and healthcare amenities. You may as well discover particular non-public medical insurance insurance policies accessible for individuals who are planning on shifting from abroad.

Professional ─ Take pleasure in a bigger dwelling

South Africa provides an abundance of appealingly priced properties. This makes getting on the property ladder extra reasonably priced, which might can help you spend money on a bigger dwelling.

In 2021, the common property worth in London was £521,146 however the common property worth in South Africa was 1,575,214 Rand – a determine that was value roughly £65,000. It’s additionally value noting that Cape City is the most costly metropolis in South Africa, so due to this fact there’s loads of bargains to be discovered.

Con ─ Larger ranges of crime

Supply: iol.co.za

Whether or not you’re contemplating shifting for a profession alternative, to be nearer to family and friends, or to start out a brand new chapter, you need to be sure to’re selecting an space the place you’ll really feel secure.

Based on an article by Enterprise Tech, South Africa’s crime statistics put the nation at 187 out of 192 international locations. The report used information printed between 2019 and 2021 and ranks South Africa because the sixth most harmful nation on the planet.

Professional ─ You’ll be able to benefit from the nice open air

South Africa is a captivating mixture of pure wonders and vibrant cities, which suggests you may take pleasure in the perfect of each, all whereas having fun with the sunshine. This contains Nationwide Parks and mountains, seashores and deserts, in addition to wildlife and forests.

Stand on the purple sands on the Kalahari Desert, take pleasure in panoramic views from God’s Window at Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve or calm down on the seaside at Tsitsikamma Nationwide Park. From Cape City to Durban, you’ll discover nature is all the time a brief drive away.

Con ─ Energy cuts can occur

South Africa has skilled rotational blackouts since 2007 resulting from continued provide shortages. The blackouts are part of what it calls ‘load shedding’ to try to cut back the longer influence of the blackouts.

Whereas this does have some profit, in that residents aren’t all the time plunged into darkness, the worldwide power disaster does imply these blackouts have gotten longer and worse lately. Nonetheless, the recommendation given to newcomers is to take a look at investing in a generator that you just use if you want it to your property.

Professional ─ There’s a way more pleasurable working tradition

When you’re in search of a working atmosphere the place you may work onerous, however play onerous, then South Africa is good.

Based on specialists, South Africans prefer to be direct and get on with their jobs, however social gatherings and occasions on the office are common occurrences and also you’ll be anticipated to become involved with them. Such goings-on aren’t nearly getting out of the workplace, South Africans (significantly within the enterprise world) additionally deal with these occasions as well-deserved rewards for onerous work and are sometimes used as a way of attending to know colleagues higher.

Con ─ Public transport isn’t nice exterior main cities

Supply: saice.org.za

When you don’t drive or aren’t prepared to drive, then you may wrestle to succeed in places which are exterior of the key cities. The general public transport accessible inside city areas although may also depart loads to be desired; it isn’t particularly dependable and at occasions may be unsafe in some neighbourhoods.

Non-public taxis and different autos are some of the in style choices for those who don’t drive themselves, however if you wish to head out of city areas, this may be costly.

Professional ─ LGBTQ+ rights are largely equal

South Africa can also be a nation that scores extremely on the ‘Equality Index’, in relation to the rights of these within the LGBTQ+ group, with a present score of 76%. Public opinion on this topic can also be a lot increased than in lots of international locations and Cape City itself has a vibrant LGBTQ+ tradition – a lot so it has earned the moniker of ‘homosexual capital of Africa’.

There’s in fact an extended strategy to go when it comes to true equality – like many different international locations – plus there are nonetheless some extremely conservative areas to be discovered, however issues like discrimination throughout totally different features of society are unlawful and are serving to to current South Africa as fairly progressive on this space.

When you’ve thought of the entire above, a ultimate factor to consider is getting your visa utility sorted properly upfront of your transfer if you happen to do need to come to South Africa from overseas. These are required if you wish to search employment however the technique of getting these sorted has traditionally been fairly prolonged and might require chasing up.