George, South Africa 🇿🇦
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | George is a coastal city located in the Western Cape province known for its stunning landscapes and a mild climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 205,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is South African Rand (ZAR) - 1 ZAR = 0.054 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Standard Bank, First National Bank, and ABSA. Popular options for expats include Revolut and Wise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options available including Airbnb, Holiday Rentals, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, card payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer short term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include The Backpackers, The George Lodge International, and guesthouses. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workspace offers a great environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kursk Coffee is a popular spot with WiFi and soothing ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups and digital nomad gatherings can be found through platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat Facebook groups in George facilitate social gatherings and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in George for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at various local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Victoria Bay is the closest beach, approx. 8 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | South African Airways provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N2 highway connects George to major cities like Cape Town and Durban. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | George Station is the main rail hub in the region. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No widespread public transport pass; minibus taxis are prevalent. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles operate to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | George Regional Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Karma Yoga and The Wellness Centre offer various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active and Planet Fitness are popular gym options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats include George Laundry & Dry Cleaners. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mr D Food and Uber Eats are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Bobotie, a traditional South African dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Healthy Harvest offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Coffee Club is known for its amazing pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit George Farmers Market for affordable local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | York Street is known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | George Brewery is an excellent spot for craft beer enthusiasts. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Visit The Wine Cellar for local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy local street food at the George Farmers Market on Saturdays. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Himalaya Restaurant offers great Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Outeniqua Transport Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The George Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the historic town of George, founded in 1811. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Dutch Reformed Church is a historical landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | George Agricultural Show is an annual highlight. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The CBD offers a glimpse of local culture and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater @ The Arts is a venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | George Farmers Market operates every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found at local pubs like The Curious Pig. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various parts of the CBD. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at the George Culinary School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out The Old Jail Art Gallery for local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | George City Hall is an architectural gem worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local heritage is celebrated through various festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the George Nature Reserve for hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Garden Route National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Promenade Trail along the coastline is popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Pass above George offers stunning scenery. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Garden Route National Park is an excellent spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in regional parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and PostNet provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local stores such as iFix and Cell Phone Repair offer tech services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like LAL offer English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | George Library is a great spot for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The George Community Centre hosts activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are available at local malls for casual gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Garden Route Casino is the main gambling venue in the area. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 15,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 600,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 14,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 870,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 9,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 570,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 13,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,040,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 8,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 680,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | South Africa uses a residence-based tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Africa has CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on municipal valuations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 8% for properties above ZAR 1 million. |