Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦
#210
-26.205, 28.049722
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5.6 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 30 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18 ZAR, with major banks like Standard Bank and Absa providing services to expats. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type M and Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C, with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Absa and Standard Bank offer services tailored for expats, including multi-currency accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb and serviced apartments to longer-term rentals in neighborhoods like Melrose or Rosebank. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted; however, cash is still useful in certain areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, StayEasy, and local agencies like Property24 for flexible leasing. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Backpack and Anew Hotel can offer affordable options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workshop 17 in Rosebank, known for its vibrant community and excellent facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brewed Coffee Company located in Parkview, offers great Wi-Fi and a conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups at StartUp Grind or the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce regularly host networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Johannesburg Expats Facebook Group organizes social meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used and reliable for getting around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Wheels2Rent offers bike rentals; Lime offers electric scooters in parts of the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is on the coast at Durban, about a 5-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | South African Airways offers regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and British Airways provide extensive international flights from OR Tambo International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access is via the N1, N3, and N14 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Park Station is the primary hub for trains and is centrally located. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Gautrain offers convenient travel options with single and return tickets. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Inter-city buses from companies like Greyhound and City to City connect Johannesburg to other major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Netcare Milpark Hospital is a prominent facility providing comprehensive care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Heart located in Parktown North offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active and Planet Fitness have multiple locations across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry & Dry Clean City offers convenient laundry services at various locations. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is the most popular option, delivering from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bunny Chow is a must-try local dish, particularly from places like The Bunny Chow Shop. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Greenside Cafe and Salvation Cafe in 44 Stanley cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Patisserie in Parktown North is known for its exquisite pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Bryanston Organic and Natural Market offers fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com is South Africa's largest online retailer. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Woolworths offer reliable grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Melville and Rosebank have vibrant nightlife scenes with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mad Giant in Braamfontein offers craft beers and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Living Room in Maboneng provides a unique rooftop experience with a great wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Find diverse street food options at markets like Neighbourgoods Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like Marble in Rosebank offer fine dining with international flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Apartheid Museum and Soweto are significant cultural landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Johannesburg Art Gallery showcases a broad spectrum of art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Constitution Hill is an important historical site with a rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Johannesburg Mosque is a notable place of worship and open for visits. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Johannesburg International Film Festival takes place annually, attracting global filmmakers. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Maboneng Precinct is a thriving cultural hub featuring street art and local boutiques. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Market Theatre is famous for its plays and performances, focusing on local stories. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Neighbourgoods Market hosts local artisans and food vendors every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Bassline in Newtown is known for live music performances across genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The streets of Maboneng are adorned with vibrant street art and murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The South African Cooking School offers classes in local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Everard Read Gallery showcases contemporary artworks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Rand Club is an iconic Victorian building with a rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's diverse cultural heritage is celebrated in events like the Soweto Gospel Choir performances. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to explore nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pilanesberg National Park is about a 2-hour drive and is home to the Big Five. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Braamfontein Spruit Trail offers scenic paths for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of the Nelson Mandela Bridge provides stunning views of the skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Emmarentia Dam is popular among birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens has designated picnic areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and The Courier Guy offer reliable parcel delivery in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | CPT Tech and iFix offer device repairs across Johannesburg. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Islington Sports Club has facilities for playing table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Schools like The Language School provide various language classes, including Zulu and Afrikaans. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Johannesburg Public Library is a great place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Hillbrow Theatre serves as a community space with various programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Escape Gaming Lounge in Sandton offers gaming facilities and competitions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Montecasino is a prominent entertainment complex with a casino in Fourways. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R25,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R1,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R2,240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R22,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R1,760,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, stringent CFC rules are applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax rates vary from 0% to 8%, based on property value. |