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Hermanus, South Africa 🇿🇦
#1998
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hermanus is a coastal town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, renowned for its stunning landscapes and whale watching. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.065 USD, 1 USD ≈ 15.38 ZAR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, with good quality water available. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Absa, Standard Bank, and First National Bank are common; ATMs are widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses and B&Bs to apartments on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, especially restaurants and shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer many options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hermanus Backpackers and Hermanus Youth Hostel are popular budget-friendly locations. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Hermanus town center offers easy access to beaches and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Westcliff is recommended for its ocean views and tranquil environment. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive, a local coworking space known for its good atmosphere and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop is popular among locals and offers free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are organized through platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook Events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Hermanus Facebook Group hosts regular social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Hermanus and is popular for convenient rides around town. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Hermanus has several bike rental shops, including Hermanus Cycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Gansbaai Beach is just 30 minutes away, known for its beautiful views. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink connects Hermanus with major cities like Cape Town. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international airlines like British Airways and Emirates operate flights to Cape Town International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The R43 highway provides direct access to and from Hermanus. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hermanus does not have a train station; public transport is mainly via buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local MyCiTi buses are available but limited; use cash or cards. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Hermanus to nearby cities such as Cape Town and George. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mediclinic Hermanus provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Healthworks Wellness Centre offers yoga and fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active has a well-equipped gym and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry facilities available at most guesthouses; local laundromats also exist. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mr D Food is popular for food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Braai (barbecue) is a must-try, along with fresh seafood options. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Greenhouse offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Shop is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Hermanus Waterfront Market provides fresh produce and affordable eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops may not have many options online; consider international sites like Takealot. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay offer grocery delivery services in Hermanus. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The town center has several bars and pubs for nightlife, including The Marine Hotel Lounge. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Hermanus Brewery offers craft beers and guided tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Glass is a popular spot for wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors set up during the holiday season at the Hermanus Waterfront. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants serve Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Old Harbour Museum and its historic whale bone mooring are iconic landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Contemporary Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Old Harbour dates back to the 1800s and offers picturesque views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Peter's Anglican Church is worth visiting for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Whale Festival in September is an exciting event attracting many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The local markets exhibit the culture and art of the region. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Hermanus Theatre hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hermanus Country Market is great for handmade goods and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found in local bars like The Whale House. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found around the town center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Hermanus Cooking School offers classes for tourists and locals. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The One-Stop Gallery is noted for contemporary South African art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Mission House is a site of historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Hermanus is known for its rich marine heritage, especially related to whale conservation. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers trails and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Walker Bay Nature Reserve is just a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The cliff path along Walker Bay is scenic and popular among walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at Klipgat offer breathtaking ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Fernkloof Reserve is a known hotspot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide delivery services in Hermanus. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Hermanus Electronics offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis is available at some community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Afrikaans and English language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hermanus Library is a quiet place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Hermanus Community Centre offers various activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes provide areas for gaming, but specialized lounges are limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Hermanus; the nearest is in Cape Town. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R12,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R480,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R400,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R11,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R660,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R540,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R10,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R840,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R8,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R640,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency tax system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the municipal valuation of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | It varies; typically around 7% for properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific exemptions for digital nomads; subject to South African tax rules. |