Durban, South Africa 🇿🇦
#211
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Durban is a coastal city in South Africa, renowned for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 30-50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.055 USD (1 USD ≈ 18.18 ZAR) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable in most areas but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C are popular providers for mobile connectivity. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard Bank, ABSA, and FNB are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, local guest houses, and serviced apartments are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, card payments are widely accepted but cash is still common in some areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental companies offer short-term options throughout the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Backpackers on Tour, a hostel with prices starting at ZAR 200 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Golden Mile, known for its beachfront, hotels, and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Berea and Glenwood, known for their cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workshop in Florida Road offers hot desks and dedicated offices. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Terbodore Cafe, known for its strong coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Durban Tech Meetups, regularly held at various venues for entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Durban Expats Facebook Group organizes meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates efficiently in Durban. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Gauteng Bike Tours offers bike rentals for exploring the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | uShaka Beach, which is just a short walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | FlySafair offers flights to various domestic destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways mainly operates international flights from King Shaka International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N2 and N3 highways provide major road access to and from Durban. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Durban Station serves as the main transit hub for regional and national trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The GoDurban Transport Pass offers affordable access to public transportation. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services (Metrorail) connect Durban with nearby cities like Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Netcare Umhlanga Hospital is the premier healthcare facility in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga 4 You in La Lucia offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active and Planet Fitness gyms are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Durban Laundry Services offers convenient cleaning for expats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Mr D Food are the most popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bunny Chow, a local street food staple consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan & Vegetarian Cafe in Morningside caters to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Ice Cream Lab serves unique artisanal ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Victoria Street Market offers great deals on local produce and spices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot is the largest online shopping platform in South Africa. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Woolworths offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife is bustling in Florida Road and Umhlanga with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Darling Brew offers tours and tastings at their brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Winehouse offers a vast selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls at the beachfront offer local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Fish Grill in uMhlanga serves excellent seafood. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Durban Botanical Gardens and Moses Mabhida Stadium are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts displays local talent. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Fort, which showcases Durban's colonial history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Paul's Cathedral is a prominent structure in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Durban International Film Festival is a highlight each July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Victoria Street area is famous for its Indian heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Playhouse Company hosts local and international performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The I Heart Market is a vibrant market showcasing local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Blue Lagoon hosts various live music events throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found around Glenwood and the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Durban Curry Cooking Class offers immersive culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artspace Durban showcases contemporary South African art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The City Hall is a stunning example of Edwardian architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The coastal city has a rich Zulu heritage that is celebrated in various festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Drakensberg Mountains are perfect for hiking and are a few hours away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along the beachfront is perfect for walking and jogging. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Moses Mabhida Stadium offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve allows controlled fires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide international shipping and parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers gadget repair services across Durban. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Durban Table Tennis Club is open for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language Schools KwaZulu offers Zulu language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Durban Central Library offers quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Durban Cultural Centre hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Esports Lounge has facilities for competitive gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Suncoast Casino provides gaming, entertainment, and dining options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 18,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 720,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 13,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 520,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 22,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 1,320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 16,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 990,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 2,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 18,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,440,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends paid to non-residents |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based in South Africa. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign residency income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the municipal value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% on the property purchase price above ZAR 1,000,000. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax laws may provide certain exemptions for remote earners. |