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Guide
George, South Africa 🇿🇦
#217
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
🏙️ City | George is a town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. |
👥 Population | Approximate population of 205,000. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | South African Rand (ZAR). 1 USD ≈ 18 ZAR. |
🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it's advised to use filtered water. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Most major banks are available, including Standard Bank, Absa, and FNB. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short-term rentals. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Backpack and local guesthouses offer affordable options. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Garden Route area, offering proximity to beaches and attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central George and areas near the Mall for convenience. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Work Space George, perfect for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Corner, known for its fast Wi-Fi and cozy atmosphere. |
💼 Networking Events | Local Meetups happen regularly; check community boards. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook group 'Expats in George' hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in George. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rental shops found in the city center. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Herolds Bay is about a 15-minute drive from George. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink services the region connecting to major cities. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Major international flights handled through nearby George Airport (GRJ). |
🛣️ Highway Access | Access to N2 highway provides easy travel to other cities. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | George Station connects to regional services. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited; most travel is by car. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Mediclinic George is a major private healthcare provider. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and Wellness Studio is popular among locals. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Planet Fitness and Virgin Active are available. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available throughout the area. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Checkers 60/60 and Mr D Food for delivery services. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try traditional Braai (barbecue) dishes. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Hungry Herbivore offers great plant-based meals. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Black Forest bakery is famous for its cakes. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | George Market for budget-friendly fresh produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot and Loot are leading online shopping sites. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Woolworths provide grocery delivery. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Explore bars in the central district; popular spots include The Duchess. |
🍻 Local Brewery | George Brewing Co. offers local craft beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Tasting at various vineyards on the Garden Route. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit local markets for a variety of street food options. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various options including Italian at PizzAmore and Indian at Spice Route. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the George Museum and the Outeniqua Transport Museum. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The George Museum offers insights into local history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The old Railway Station is a notable historical attraction. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Dutch Reformed Church is a prominent landmark. |
🎉 Annual Events | The George Agricultural Show takes place annually in September. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Eden Arts Centre for local art and exhibits. |
🎭 Theater Venues | The George Arts Theatre hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | The George Saturday Market features local crafts and food. |
🎼 Music Scene | Check out local gigs at The Coffee Corner. |
🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in the central area. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at our local community center. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Haus offers exhibitions from local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | St. Mark's Cathedral showcases beautiful architecture. |
🏴 Local Heritage | George is known for its historic timber railway history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Garden Route National Park for breathtaking scenery. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Access to the Tsitsikamma National Park is a short drive away. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Garden Route Coastal Path offers scenic views. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The View Point at Seven Passes is a must-see. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Wilderness National Park is renowned for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Find designated areas in Wilderness Beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and PostNet offer reliable shipping services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local stores provide repairs for phones and laptops. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools teach Afrikaans and English. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | George Library is a quiet place for study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Check out the George Community Centre for events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local shops host gaming nights and events. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Garden Route Casino is located in George for gaming. |
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 12,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 480,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 13,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 780,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 10,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 600,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 14,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,120,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 11,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 880,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 28% standard corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% tax rate on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation on worldwide income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% maximum personal income tax rate. |
🧾 VAT | 15% standard Value Added Tax. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable under South African law. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on the municipal valuation. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 8% transfer duty for properties above ZAR 1 million. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits; tax applies as per the residency rules. |