Bloemfontein, South Africa 🇿🇦
#214
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State province in South Africa, known as the 'City of Roses' due to the abundance of these flowers. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 26 Mbps, with options for higher speeds available from providers like Telkom and Vodacom. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.058 EUR. Major banks include Standard Bank, ABSA, and FNB. Currency exchange services are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; however, it is recommended to use filtered water for the best taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, and Telkom provide good coverage and prepaid SIM options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services like Wise and Revolut are useful for expats managing multiple currencies. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and short-term rentals through platforms like Property24. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept cards like Visa and Mastercard, and mobile payment options like SnapScan are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and LekkerStays offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Accommodations like the Happy Rest Guest House and Sunflower Guesthouse provide affordable stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city's historical center, near attractions like the Fourth Raadsaal and the National Museum. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Grahamstown area is recommended for a vibrant atmosphere and accessibility to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Business Hub Bloemfontein offers modern workspace facilities, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Blue Willow Tea Shop provides a cozy environment with good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups at The Business Hub and other local entrepreneurial events are frequently organized. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Bloemfontein Expats Facebook Group for community gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Bloemfontein, providing reliable rides around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycling is popular, and local bike rentals can be found at various shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is approximately 700 km away at Durban, about a 7-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Mango Airlines and South African Airways serve local routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways offer international flights connecting from Johannesburg. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The N1 highway runs nearby, connecting Bloemfontein with major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bloemfontein railway station is the main transit hub for passenger trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available; however, schedules may vary. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity bus services like Greyhound and Intercape connect Bloemfontein with other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Universitas Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Bhoomi Yoga Studio offers yoga classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active and Planet Fitness have locations providing modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats like Just Wash offer reliable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Mr D Food are popular for meal delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bunny Chow - a traditional South African dish of curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Roots and Shoots Café offers excellent plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cinnabon at the Bloemfontein Mall is famous for its sweet rolls. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Dros Restaurant & Pub offers budget-friendly meals and drinks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com is a leading online marketplace in South Africa. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay offer grocery delivery services via their apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Willows and Church Street host vibrant nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Funky Brews offers craft beers and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Woolworths Wine Bar provides a great selection of regional wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local markets feature various street food options, including boerewors rolls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Indian Curry Shop serves delicious Indian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Anglo-Boer War Museum and the Fourth Raadsaal are essential historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Bloemfontein offers insights into the local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Constitution Hill in nearby Johannesburg is an important historical landmark worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Bloemfontein Cathedral is a notable religious site in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bloemfontein Rose Festival occurs annually in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center showcases a mix of cultural and historical attractions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Oliewenhuis Art Museum often hosts theatre performances and art exhibitions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bloemfontein Market offers local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city hosts various music festivals and performances throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Significant street murals can be found around the city, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn South African cuisine at The Cooking Studio. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the Oliewenhuis Art Museum for contemporary and historical art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Presidency is a key historic building worth exploring. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Identify with Bloemfontein's heritage through the various museums and cultural sites. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Franklin Game Reserve offers a scenic getaway with wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | A late-day drive to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is recommended. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Visit the Loch Logan Waterfront for pleasant walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Naval Hill viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Bloemfontein Zoo and surrounding parks are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the N3 highway allow for safe bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PostNet and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Look for iFix and local mobile repair shops for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports clubs such as the Bloemfontein Sports Club provide facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like the University of the Free State offer language courses for international residents. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bloemfontein Public Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bloemfontein Civic Theatre hosts various community activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes provide spaces for both casual and competitive gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Times Square Casino offers gaming and entertainment options. |
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 9,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 380,000). |
| 🏠 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 10,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 840,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 7,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 600,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% tax rate applied to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income, and non-residents on South African-sourced income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on municipal valuations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 8% standard rate on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax benefits exist for digital nomads, but residents benefit from various deductions. |