Bloemfontein, South Africa 🇿🇦
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bloemfontein, known as the City of Roses, is the capital of the Free State province and one of South Africa's three capital cities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average upload speed is around 25 Mbps, download speeds are about 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.055 USD; major banks are Standard Bank, ABSA, and FNB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but consider using a filter for better taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. Prepaid options are readily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Facilities such as local banks (FNB, Standard Bank), and international services like Revolut are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels like the Protea Hotel by Marriott. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb, local listings, and serviced apartments. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include hostels like Thabong Guesthouse. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Work Space, a popular co-working venue in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop Co., known for its quiet atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events on Meetup and local Facebook groups focused on entrepreneurs and freelancers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Bloemfontein Facebook Group for networking and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is the most popular and reliable ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; most locals prefer to use cars or public transport. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches in Bloemfontein, but the nearest coastal area is about 4-5 hours drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink provides domestic flights from Bloemfontein. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Emirates operate from larger airports nearby. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the N1 national road, linking to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bloemfontein Railway Station, for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; taxis and private cars are more common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to surrounding areas, particularly from the central bus station. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mangaung Hospital is the primary facility for healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers various classes for different levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active is a popular choice among locals. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Haven Laundry and other service points available around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats offers a variety of local food options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bunny Chow, a hollowed-out loaf filled with curry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mochachos and various health food spots cater to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Treats is famous for its cakes and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Bloemfontein Flea Market provide budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay offer online delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Central area, particularly around Du Toitspan Road, has lively bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bloemfontein Brewery offers craft beer and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Winehouse Bloemfontein is a local favorite. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Bloemfontein Market on Saturday offers a variety of street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Perfect serves international and local pizza options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Anglo Boer War Museum and the National Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Oliewenhuis Art Museum showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Fourth Raadsaal is an important historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Bloemfontein Cathedral is a prominent landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bloemfontein Rose Festival takes place annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Central Bloemfontein has a variety of cultural spots. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Oliewenhuis Art Gallery occasionally hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bloemfontein Flea Market is open every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bluestone is a popular venue for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city has several murals and street art displays around the central area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes can be found at various community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery in Bloemfontein showcases local artworks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Presidency building is a must-see for history buffs. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The City of Roses has deep historical ties to the Boer War. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Franklin Game Reserve is a short drive away for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Golden Gate Highlands National Park is about an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens has scenic paths for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Naval Hill offers stunning views of the entire city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby Franklin Game Reserve is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The Bloemfontein Zoo has designated picnic and bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and The Courier Guy provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix and other local shops provide device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Schools and community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Speak Afrikaans offer classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bloemfontein Public Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bloemfontein Community Centre hosts various local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming centers such as Game Café offer a good spot for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Windmill Casino is a popular entertainment venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 12,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 480,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 9,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 360,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 11,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 660,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 8,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 510,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 7,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 560,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% applicable. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists for foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Rates vary based on local municipal valuations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% of property value. |