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Knysna, South Africa 🇿🇦
#1439
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Knysna is a town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, known for its stunning lagoon and surrounding forests. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 76,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.052 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | FNB and Standard Bank are popular choices. Cards accepted widely. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available on Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in commercial areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rentals are commonly available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as The Backpackers Paradise. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Waterfront area provides scenic views and easy access to activities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Knysna Heights offers quietude and proximity to nature while still accessible to amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Knysna - a shared workspace catering to remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Project Cafe - known for its great ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at The Hive and entrepreneurship workshops. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Knysna Expats Club on Facebook is a vibrant community for activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Knysna Cycle Tours offers bike rentals for recreational use. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Buffalo Bay Beach, approximately 20 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink provides services to major local destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways serves international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N2 highway connects to major cities like George and Port Elizabeth. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Knysna does not have a train station; bus services are the main transit options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Intercity bus services like Greyhound and City to City available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Knysna with nearby towns like Plettenberg Bay and George. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Knysna Private Hospital - offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Room offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Knysna Gym - provides fitness facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Fresh & Clean are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Mr D Food for local cuisine delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood curry and traditional South African braai. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Olive Tree offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Niggles offers great cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Knysna Village Square has various shops and eateries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com offers extensive shopping options online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay offer online grocery deliveries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Knysna Waterfront has a vibrant selection of bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Knysna Brewing Company produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Turbine Wine Cellar offers wine tasting experiences. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various vendors in the Knysna Market on Saturdays. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Perla serves Italian cuisine and seafood. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Knysna Heads and the Knysna Lagoon are scenic highlights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Knysna Fine Art offers local exhibitions and creativity. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Mill and Fisherman's Path are notable historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Andrew's Anglican Church is a prominent local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Knysna Oyster Festival is a renowned celebration each July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Knysna Waterfront is a hub for art, shopping, and dining. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Knysna Mall has a cinema for films and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Knysna Market offers local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues include The Turbine Hotel and local pubs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found around the waterfront area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with Love offers local culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Mosaic Art Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Gaol and other colonial-era structures showcase history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The town has a rich history related to the timber trade. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Garden Route National Park is easily accessible for hikes and nature explorations. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tsitsikamma National Park is about an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Promenade along the lagoon is popular for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints at Knysna Heads offer breathtaking ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Knysna Wetland area is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Buffalo Bay Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PostNet provides reliable parcel and postal services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iRepair offer electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at community centers such as the Knysna Sports Centre. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community colleges offer English and Afrikaans classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Knysna Library has study areas and a good selection. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Knysna Community Centre hosts various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Knysna does not have dedicated gaming lounges but some cafes have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is in George, about 30 minutes away. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 16,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 640,000) |
| 🏢 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 15,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 900,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 11,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 660,000) |
| 🏡 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 10,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 800,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | South Africa follows a residence-based tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Africa has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on municipal rates and regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for non-residents. |