Hermanus, South Africa 🇿🇦
#1998
-34.4175, 19.236111
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hermanus is a coastal town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, famous for its whale watching and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-50 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18 ZAR; major banks include Standard Bank and ABSA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment methods include major credit cards and electronic transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and self-catering units. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is highly popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Backpackers is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hangout Hub is a well-known coworking space with good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shack offers a cozy atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local Chamber of Commerce occasionally hosts networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Follow the Hermanus Expats group on Facebook for various meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Hermanus and is preferred for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycle Hermanus offers bike rentals for local exploration. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Grotto Beach is the most popular beach, known for its beauty. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink connects Hermanus with major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and British Airways fly into Cape Town International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N2 highway provides access to Hermanus from Cape Town. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kleinmond station is the nearest train access. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Minibus taxis are available, but there are no formal monthly passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly between Hermanus and Cape Town. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hermanus Medi-Clinic is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hermanus Yoga Studio offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active is a well-equipped gym option. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Pik-a-Laundry offers laundry services in the area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates in Hermanus for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the fresh seafood platter at The Fish Shop. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Room is known for its vegetarian menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gansbaai Bakery offers delectable desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Hermanus Country Market is popular for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com is a good online shopping option. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers Grocery Delivery is available in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The marine bar is a leading nightlife venue. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Hermanus Brewery offers craft beer tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Glass offers a good selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for fresh biltong and Boerewors vendors at local markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurant, La Pentola, is a local favorite. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Old Harbour Museum for local history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Hermanus Art Museum showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Harbour is a historical site transformed into a tourist attraction. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Hermanus Baptist Church is a notable place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Whale Festival in September is a major highlight. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center is full of galleries and artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hermanus Performing Arts Centre hosts various events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hermanus Market on Saturdays offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occur regularly at local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals in the town center area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cooking School offers traditional South African cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out the Studio 4 art gallery for local artworks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Harbour is lined with historic buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Hermanus has a rich heritage tied to local fishermen and whaling. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fisherhaven is a beautiful lagoon area nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Walker Bay Nature Reserve is close and offers stunning scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Hermanus Cliff Path stretches 12km along the coastline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the New Harbour provides breathtaking vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Klein River Lagoon is a hotspot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check for designated areas at Gansbaai beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PostNet offers reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Cape Cellphone Repairs is popular for tech services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis is available at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Afrikaans language classes are offered at Hermanus Community Centre. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hermanus Library has quiet areas for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Hermanus Community Centre hosts various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes have gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is approximately an hour away in Caledon. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 480,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 1,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 1,800,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 1,080,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 900,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 2,500,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 2,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 2,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | South African tax system is based on residency and income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% on property purchases. |