51ԹϺ

Our Expat Community in South Africa Welcomes You!

Siya namkela nonke, welkom, isibinglelo, and a very warm welcome to our expat community in South Africa! As a community dedicated to making life easier for expats from around the world, 51ԹϺis here to ease your transition into South African life. Whether you're thinking of relocating here, in the process of doing so, or you've already arrived, you can make use of the user-contributed resources and expert guide articles on our site to ease your way into your new home.

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Sandro Pedace

Sandro Pedace

With InterNations, you'll meet interesting expats wherever you go - both online and offline.

Stephanie Gainsbourg

Stephanie Gainsbourg

51ԹϺprovided me with an "entrance" to the expat circles of Pretoria, so to speak, and helped me get to know other French expatriates.

An amazing community is waiting for you!

Meet international people at local events

Meet international people at local events

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Socialize, enjoy hobbies, and make friends

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Get info, and feel at home abroad!

Why you'll love 51ԹϺin South Africa

59,218
members in South Africa
27
monthly events
26
interest-based groups
44
event hosts

and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!

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Living in South Africa: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in South Africa, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in South Africa. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

What are the most common nationalities in South Africa? As an expat in South Africa, you'll meet people from many different cultures (especially if you're an 51ԹϺmember!) The top nationalities in the 51ԹϺCommunities in South Africa currently are:

  • British
  • Zimbabweans
  • Germans
  • Germans

Which cities are most popular among expats in South Africa? Some cities attract more expats than others. These are the cities with the largest expat communities in South Africa:

  • Cape Town
  • Durban
  • Johannesburg

How much rent do expats pay in South Africa? Your personal situation plays a role here. Single expats spend on average 750 USD on their accommodation per month, while expat families spend around **1.245 USD **. And of course, rents can also vary greatly depending on the location and city within South Africa.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some rent averages for the most popular cities in South Africa.

Average rent in Cape Town

  • Single expats: 755 USD
  • Expat families: 1.565 USD

Average rent in Durban

  • Single expats: 475 USD
  • Expat families: 815 USD

Average rent in Johannesburg

  • Single expats: 475 USD
  • Expat families: 945 USD

How safe is South Africa? You may be wondering about safety. In general people perceive their personal safety situation in South Africa as very unsafe. People rate the risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) as very high. They consider the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) very high. And, they rate confidence in the police force and related local authorities as very low.

How safe is South Africa for women? Female expats rated the safety situation in South Africa as rather unsafe. This is based on the feedback of expat women living in South Africa (rather than actual crime statistics). So obviously this can be highly subjective and depends on factors such as where people live.

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Join Our Online and In-Person Events in South Africa

Attend our many events to get to know like-minded expats, both in South Africa and around the world! Our new online events even let you find connection and inspiration without leaving your home.

Sunrise & Connections: Guided Lions Head Sunrise Hike for Expats
New in Cape Town? Join a Sunrise Hike & Meet Fellow Expats! If you’re an expat or solo traveller looking to experience Cape Town properly — and meet a few like-minded adventurers along the way — this one’s for you. We head out at 4am, catch the sunrise from the Lion’s Head summit, and you’re back
New in Cape Town? Join a Sunrise Hike & Meet Fellow Expats! If you’re an expat or solo traveller looking to experience Cape Town properly — and meet a few like-minded adventurers along the way — this one’s for you. We head out at 4am, catch the sunrise from the Lion’s Head summit, and you’re back
Live Music Event
Live Music Event
Join us for the Tuesday Funk 2025 Finale hosted on the 16th of December 2025. You can buy your entrance tickets on the following url link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/353086-that-tuesday-funk/?ref=events-list#/
Join us for the Tuesday Funk 2025 Finale hosted on the 16th of December 2025. You can buy your entrance tickets on the following url link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/353086-that-tuesday-funk/?ref=events-list#/
LIVE Jazz & Comedy Event
LIVE Jazz & Comedy Event
LIVE Jazz & Comedy with Trevor Gumbi & the Kings Kraal Band LIVE in Johannesburg at Kings Kraal, Bryanston Enjoy a dinner off Kings Kraals A'la Carte Menu (Dinner Not included with your booking) to the background rhythms and beats of King Kraal's LIVE Jazz Band King Kraal's LIVE Jazz Band will
LIVE Jazz & Comedy with Trevor Gumbi & the Kings Kraal Band LIVE in Johannesburg at Kings Kraal, Bryanston Enjoy a dinner off Kings Kraals A'la Carte Menu (Dinner Not included with your booking) to the background rhythms and beats of King Kraal's LIVE Jazz Band King Kraal's LIVE Jazz Band will
Deutschsprachiger Stammtisch - German-Speaking!
Deutschsprachiger Stammtisch - German-Speaking!
Nora Sasvari organisiert den deutschsprachigen Stammtisch. Er findet statt um 18 Uhr im Café Paradiso in der Kloof Street. Bitte WhatsApp-Nachricht an Nora Sasvari (+27812546219). Attention: This event is for German-speaking people.
Nora Sasvari organisiert den deutschsprachigen Stammtisch. Er findet statt um 18 Uhr im Café Paradiso in der Kloof Street. Bitte WhatsApp-Nachricht an Nora Sasvari (+27812546219). Attention: This event is for German-speaking people.

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Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in South Africa

From Ethiopia, living in Pretoria

From Ethiopia, living in Pretoria


From South Africa, living in Pretoria

From South Africa, living in Pretoria


From South Africa, living in Pretoria

From South Africa, living in Pretoria


From South Africa, living in Pretoria

From South Africa, living in Pretoria


From South Africa, living in Pretoria

From South Africa, living in Pretoria


From Argentina, living in Pretoria

From Argentina, living in Pretoria


From Argentina, living in Pretoria

From Argentina, living in Pretoria


From Argentina, living in Pretoria

From Argentina, living in Pretoria


From Argentina, living in Pretoria

From Argentina, living in Pretoria


From Argentina, living in Pretoria

From Argentina, living in Pretoria

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Our Global Partners

Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends

Do you like culture and music? Books? Food? Or is having a relaxed coffee and a chat more your thing? Whatever you're into, we've got the group for you. So go ahead and do more of what you love in South Africa - or learn something new!

Pretoria Community Group
Pretoria Community Group
Johannesburg Community Group
Johannesburg Community Group
Cape Town Community Group
Cape Town Community Group
Durban Community Group
Durban Community Group

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Embark on Your Life as an Expat in South Africa

Complete with dazzling city skylines, rolling mountains, and refreshing waters, South Africa's landscape is beautiful to behold. Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg are just some of the South African cities popular among expats. Your money will go a lot further in South Africa compared to many Western countries, which means you may find yourself living in an expansive property with plenty of land to roam in. As a paradise for those who love animals, nature, and adventures, South Africa offers plenty of activities. The cuisine is delightful too, with Qunu in Johannesburg offering excellent wine tasting, Mzansi of Cape Town featuring traditional South African cuisine, and the Tin Roof Cafe of Pretoria acting as a hidden gem. Worried about educational facilities? South Africa is home to some of the best schools and universities. This includes UNISA, which offers distance learners the chance to make educational gains at a fraction of their home country's prices.

51ԹϺis the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. 51ԹϺmakes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Peru or France, 51ԹϺallows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Get to Know Interesting People Even before You Move to South Africa

51ԹϺis a global community of individuals who can offer a plethora of advice on life for expatriates in South Africa. Using the guidance of our carefully chosen members, you can begin feeling like a local in no time. 51ԹϺoffers large social events at classy venues on a regular basis, allowing you to make new friends shortly after your arrival. If you'd like to kick start your new social life with activities, try some of the groups our members have set up. These include going to the theater in Cape Town, hiking in Johannesburg, and getting together for drinks in Pretoria. As a member of InterNations, you'll gain a valuable insight into South African expatriate life from those who have seen and done it all. Whether you're confused by the banking system, trying to find a good school, or looking for a reliable real estate agent, our members can point you in the right direction.

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