Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦
#210
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Johannesburg, often referred to as Joburg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5.5 million residents |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of around 30 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.053 USD, 1 USD ≈ 18.75 ZAR. The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable in most areas, but it's advisable to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type M sockets commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C, offering competitive prepaid deals. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include Standard Bank, ABSA, and FNB; international cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnbs, serviced apartments, and various hotels, with prices ranging widely depending on the area. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management firms offer robust short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Backpacker hostels like the Backpack and affordable guesthouses in Maboneng. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Sandton is popular for its malls and business district; Maboneng offers a vibrant cultural scene. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Melville and Parkhurst are favorite spots due to their café culture and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork in Rosebank is a popular choice for many nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Father Coffee in Braamfontein is known for its excellent atmosphere and strong Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events and meetups can be found through platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Johannesburg group on Facebook is a great resource for social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are widely used for safe transportation in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Zagro offers bike rentals, and there are electric scooter options available through platforms like Bird. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest major beach is Durban's shores, about 600 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink is notable for regional travel within Southern Africa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and British Airways are major carriers operating from O.R. Tambo International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the N1 and N3, providing key routes to various destinations. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Johannesburg's Park Station is the main train hub, offering domestic and limited international services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Gautrain card is an efficient way to travel between Johannesburg and surrounding areas. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | The Gautrain provides convenient access to Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Netcare Milpark Hospital is recommended for its excellent facilities and services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Power Yoga in Rosebank offers a variety of classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active Gym and Planet Fitness have multiple branches throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services like Laundromat South Africa are widely available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Mr D Food dominate the food delivery market. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bunny chow is a must-try dish, originating from Durban but enjoyed throughout South Africa. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Loving Hut and The Whippet in Linden offer great plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Patisserie in Craighall is famed for its exquisite desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Neighbourgoods Market provide great produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot is South Africa's largest online retailer. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Woolworths and Checkers offer grocery delivery services through their online platforms. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Maboneng Precinct is known for its vibrant nightlife with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mad Giant Brewery in Braamfontein is well-regarded for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Living Room in Maboneng offers a fantastic rooftop setting with a great wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food vendors at 44 Stanley provide a variety of local and international flavors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa offer exceptional fine dining experiences. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Apartheid Museum to understand South Africa's complex history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Johannesburg Art Gallery holds an impressive collection of artworks. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Constitution Hill is a historic site that showcases South Africa's journey to democracy. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Regina Mundi Church is an important site in the struggle against apartheid. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Johannesburg Jazz Festival attracts both local and international artists each year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Maboneng is a vibrant area known for its arts and crafts scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Market Theatre in Newtown is renowned for its theatrical productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Neighbourgoods Market is a thriving market for local produce and artisanal goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like The Orbit host live jazz music that showcases local talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Maboneng Precinct features numerous murals by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookery in Parktown North offers various cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like the Goodman Gallery showcase contemporary South African artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Johannesburg City Hall is a beautiful example of Edwardian architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Nelson Mandela Bridge symbolizes the city’s commitment to unity and social cohesion. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden for a tranquil escape from city life. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kruger National Park is about a 5-hour drive away, offering incredible wildlife experiences. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Golden Harvest Park has scenic paths for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Top of Africa at the Carlton Centre for panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Theig Old Mutual Park has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Couriers such as PostNet and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix tech repair services are available for quick fixes on gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers offer table tennis equipment for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council in Johannesburg offers English classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Johannesburg City Library is a quiet place for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Braamfontein Community Centre hosts cultural and social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | LAN gaming lounges like The Gamer's Lounge cater to video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Montecasino features a variety of gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 25,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 1,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 18,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 720,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 22,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 1,320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 15,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 900,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 12,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 960,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based tax system where residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Africa has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on local municipal rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% transfer tax on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives for foreign income, with specific regulations for digital nomads. |