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East London, South Africa 🇿🇦
#1440
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | East London is a coastal city located in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is 35 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 South African Rand (ZAR) ≈ 0.055 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most major banks like Standard Bank, First National Bank, and Capitec are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including local guesthouses, Airbnb, and rentals through local agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management companies like Rawson are common. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Backpackers and The Haven. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area near the East London Coast Nature Reserve. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas such as Gonubie and Beacon Bay with good internet connectivity. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Works East London. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Jolly Roger Cafe, known for its Wi-Fi and cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are organized through Facebook groups and platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The East London Expat group on Facebook organizes various social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is popular among locals for ride-sharing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are offered at various local shops along the beachfront. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Gonubie Beach, suitable for swimming and sunbathing, is just 15 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink operates flights from East London to major South African cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways offers international flights from East London. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N2 highway provides good connectivity to other major cities like Durban and Port Elizabeth. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | East London Railway Station serves local and regional rail services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No dedicated public transport passes; buses and taxi services operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses such as Greyhound and Intercape run from East London to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | East London Private Hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Hub and Noteworthy Health are popular spots. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Planet Fitness East London and Virgin Active offer various fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry facilities are available at The Laundry Basket and Wash & Go. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mr D Food and Uber Eats operate in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood platter featuring fresh fish and calamari. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Green Room and The Veggie Bar cater to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kream Cafe is known for its decadent desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Stirling Market is a great place for local produce and budget goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local and international shopping can be done on Takealot. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Groceries can be ordered via Checkers and Pick n Pay apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Esplanade is a popular area for nightlife with various bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | East London Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Rack is recommended for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food stalls are found along Oxford Street on weekends. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian cuisine can be enjoyed at Panarottis, located at various shopping centers. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | East London Museum, famous for its unique exhibits including the Coelacanth. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ann Bryant Art Gallery features local and regional artworks. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The South African Air Force Museum is a notable historical attraction. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John's Cathedral is an architectural gem in East London. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The East London Arts Festival is held annually showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Quigney area is known for its vibrant cultural scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Guild Theatre hosts various performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The East London Terminal Market features a variety of goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be enjoyed at venues like The Venue and The Music Room. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is prevalent in areas like the city centre. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at The Kitchen at The Hill. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery on the Square exhibits contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Railway Station building has historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich heritage tied to its coastal location and diverse cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Emerald Vale Brewery offers beautiful farm scenery and brewery tours. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Addo Elephant National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Nahoon River Mouth provides scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Buffalo Park offers scenic views of the Buffalo River. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The East London Coast Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Gonubie has areas designated for bonfires on the beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Courier services such as Dawn Wing and DHL are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Techie Town is a reliable choice for electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis can be enjoyed at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Afrikaans and Xhosa classes are offered at local community colleges. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The East London Library offers quiet areas for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The East London Community Center hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer areas for video gaming and competitions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Hemingways Casino offers a variety of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 7,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 300,000) |
| 🏠 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 6,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 408,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 8,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 656,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 6,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 488,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Calculated based on the property value and varies by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer duty is based on property value, ranging from 0% to 13%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads but relatively low taxation compared to other regions. |