East London, South Africa 🇿🇦
#1440
-33.01916, 27.899857
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | East London is a coastal city located on the southeast coast of South Africa, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 30-50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.054 USD, major banks include Standard Bank, Nedbank, and First National Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banking options like TransferWise and Revolut are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and long-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms are popular. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Jungle's Edge Backpackers and Hotel 8. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Talented Coworking Space, located in the city center, provides various workstations. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Cockpit is known for its friendly ambiance and good coffee, ideal for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are hosted by local chambers of commerce and tech meetups in East London. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in East London Facebook group connects newcomers for social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is popular in East London for reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options are available at local shops, but cycling infrastructure is limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nahoon Beach, known for surfing and scenic views, is a 15-minute drive from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink connects East London to major South African cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways provides international flights from nearby airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N2 highway connects East London to major cities such as Cape Town and Durban. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | East London Railway Station serves regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | City buses are available, but a fixed-route taxi system is more common for local travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect to surrounding towns, with private shuttles also available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Life East London Private Hospital offers quality medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Room East London offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active at Vincent Park provides various fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash & Fold Laundromat is convenient for expats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mr D Food and UberEats are popular choices for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Braai' which is South Africa's traditional barbecue. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Leaf Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Huckleberry's offers delicious baked goods and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Buffalo City Mall hosts various grocery and retail stores. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com is a popular online shopping destination. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Esplanade is known for its vibrant nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | East London Brewery offers local craft beer tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at 100 is a good spot for local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Beachfront vendors sell local snacks like bunny chow. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like The Raging Bull serve popular international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | East London Museum and the famous Bridle Drift Dam are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The East London Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Fort and Nelson Mandela Park are rich in history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. James Church is a notable place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The East London Arts Festival occurs annually, celebrating local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The beachfront area is known for its artisanal markets and cultural events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Emmanuel Adult Centre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The East London Sunday Market offers local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live local music can often be found at venues like Border Security Club. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art around the city showcases local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The East London Cooking School offers various classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Red Location Museum displays contemporary and historical art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Victorian buildings downtown. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's history relates to its origins as a military outpost. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sasol Nature Reserve offers stunning hikes and wildlife sightings. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is about 20 minutes away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Boardwalk along the beach allows for scenic walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Nahoon point lighthouse is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nahoon River Mouth is popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and The Courier Guy provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | QuickFix offers a range of electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The East London Sports Club has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools such as Ikota offer English learning for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The East London Public Library offers educational resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Frere Road Community Center organizes events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Zone offers video gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Hemingways Casino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 8,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 340,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 6,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 260,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 540,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 7,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 420,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 8,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 640,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 6,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 480,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax calculated based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% for property purchases. |