Living and Working in South Africa
Quick links: Accommodation / Bank Accounts / Phones / Healthcare / Pay & Bens / Tax / Visas / Travel
Accommodation
Properties for rent are advertised in South African newspapers and magazines, including expatriate publications. You can also start your property search before you’ve left your home country. The best newspapers in the UK, for example, are the Sunday Times, Sunday Telegraph and Observer, all of which contain classifieds from British homeowners in South Africa.
There is a booming property market which has resulted in there being plenty of accommodation to rent and buy in most of the desired suburbs at a variety of prices. Before choosing where to live, it's advisable to check your means of transport to and from work.
The following are the best places to find information on renting properties in South Africa:
Bank Accounts
Ask your friends, neighbours or colleagues for their recommendations. You must be at least 18 and provide proof of identity, your address in South Africa - a passport and utility bill will usually suffice. Before choosing a bank, it’s wise to compare the fees charged for international money transfers and other services, which can be high. A bank’s website usually has details of charges.
The major banks in South Africa are Standard Bank, ABSA Bank, FNB and Nedbank.
Maestro/switch cards can be used at ATMs and as debit cards in shops (chip and pin).
Credit cards - South Africa thrives on a 'credit driven' lifestyle, particularly with the up and coming middle classes. You should find most banks willing to make credit facilities available to you, the extent of these depending on your income and financial liabilities.
You will find that credit cards are accepted in most places, including restaurants and bars.
Mobile phones
The main mobile phone providers in South Africa are MTN, Vodacom and Cell-C.
Healthcare
Private health is a much better choice than state. The standards are high and the costs are rather lower than in many western countries. Around 18 per cent of South Africa’s population are members of medical schemes that give them access to private healthcare and the number of private hospitals is growing.
Two of the largest private healthcare providers are Netcare, and Mediclinic. Your insurance should include cover for private ‘rapid response’ emergency services, the private equivalent of ambulances.
Pay & Benefits
While unemployment is high, a telling indicator of job opportunities is the country's graduate unemployment rate, which is just 2.9 per cent. Salaries are lower than in Western Europe but this is offset by the significantly higher standards yet lower cost of living. Benefits are in-line with best practise around the world.
Tax
Value-added tax is levied at a flat rate of 14% with no exceptions. The corporation tax rate was cut from 29% to 28% on April 1st 2008. The highest (marginal) rate of personal income tax is 36%.
Everyone who is liable for income tax in South Africa must acquire a South Africa Revenue Services (SARS) tax number. This can be done through your local tax office. More information and details on this and other tax related matters can be found at: www.sars.co.za.
Visas
There are three types of permit: for employees; for those setting up a business on their own; and for those setting up a partnership. Applications for work permits can be made in your home country or in South Africa; they’re initially granted for a maximum of a year but can be extended and they are regarded as a kind of temporary residence permit.
More information can be found on the Public Services website.
Travel
In South Africa they drive on the left and the speed limit is 120km/h. Any valid driver’s licence is accepted provided it has the photograph and signature of the holder. South African petrol stations are not self-help: an attendant will fill the car, check oil, water and tire pressure and, if necessary, clean the windscreen. Tipping is mandatory. Do not stop to feed wild animals.
There are scheduled bus services between Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban and other cities, as well as connections to neighbouring countries. The main bus companies are: Greyhound, Intercape Mainliner, Translux and SA Roadlink, with bookings done via Computicket.
Spoornet is the national rail operator, offering budget passenger services, known as Shosholoza Meyl and first class services between Johannesburg and Cape Town. To book tickets, phone Central Reservations; you can pick up and pay for the tickets later at any train station.
There are also commuter trains in larger cities – Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London. These are run by Metrorail.
