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Mossel Bay, South Africa 🇿🇦
#218
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mossel Bay is a coastal town located along the Garden Route in South Africa, known for its beautiful beaches, whale watching, and outdoor activities. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 70,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 25 Mbps, with some providers offering faster fiber options. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.053 USD; major banks include ABSA, FNB, and Nedbank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is recommended for tourists. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C, with prepaid options readily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely, and account services available from major banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, Airbnb, and hotels ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer a variety of short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Back to Basics and various guesthouses. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Point and the Waterfront area offer stunning ocean views and easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Around Mossel Bay City Center and the Marina area for easy access to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mossel Bay Coworking Space offers flexible desks and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop at the Point is popular for its ambience and fast Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups at the Mossel Bay Business Centre are held regularly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Mossel Bay Expats' provide opportunities for community and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, providing convenient on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mossel Bay has several bike rental shops including Hornbill Cycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dias Beach is known for its scenic views and is less crowded. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Airlink services flights to major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and British Airways provide flights in and out of nearby George Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The N2 highway connects Mossel Bay to Cape Town and Durban. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mossel Bay does not have a train station; bus services connect with nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; shuttle services are available for longer distances. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from local companies like Greyhound and Eldo Coaches connect to surrounding towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mossel Bay Private Hospital provides quality healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the Woods offers classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness & Wellness Center offers gym facilities and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Driveway Laundromat offers convenient laundry services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mr D Food and Uber Eats are popular choices for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood, particularly calamari, which is a specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Blue Orange offers a variety of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Pudding Shop is famous for its sweet treats and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Mossel Bay Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot and Raru offer a wide selection of products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Spar provide grocery delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Point area is known for its vibrant nightlife including several bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mossel Bay Brewing Company offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at the Point serves a variety of South African wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the Waterfront during evenings for local street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzas at Pizza Express and Asian dishes at the Sushi Restaurant are highly recommended. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Diaz Statue and the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Mossel Bay Museum showcases the area's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Post Office Tree is a notable landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Peter's Catholic Church is a beautiful site worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Mossel Bay Festival celebrates local culture and is held in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Waterfront area often hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Mossel Bay Theater hosts performances and local shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Garden Route Market is popular for crafts and local foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are held frequently at local pubs and during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Keep an eye out for murals around the Point area that showcase local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at the Kitchen Shack offer insights into local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Artists' Gallery features works from local artisans. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several historic buildings can be seen around the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mossel Bay is rich in cultural heritage with influences from indigenous Khoi-San and European settlers. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hiking trails in the nearby Garden Route National Park offer stunning scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Garden Route National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Coastal Pathway offers picturesque views along the shoreline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cape St. Blaize offers breathtaking vistas of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas can be found at some beaches, such as Santos Beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PostNet and the local post office offer parcel delivery and logistics services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops provide phone and laptop repairs, including iTech. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local community centers may have sports facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools such as The Learning Center offer English and Afrikaans classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Mossel Bay Library provides a quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Mossel Bay Community Centre hosts events and activities for locals and visitors. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often have gaming nights; check out The Coffee Shop at the Point. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Mossel Bay; however, nearby George has gaming facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500,000 ZAR (€80,000) for studio apartments near the city center. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,000,000 ZAR (€53,000) for studios further from the center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,200,000 ZAR (€118,000) for one-bedroom apartments in prime locations. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500,000 ZAR (€80,000) for one-bedroom apartments in suburban areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000,000 ZAR (€160,000) in central residential areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200,000 ZAR (€118,000) for suburban 2-bedroom apartments. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% is the standard corporate tax rate in South Africa. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% applies to dividends distributed to shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% is the maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Africa has CFC rules regulating the taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on the municipal valuation of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer duty applies between 0% and 13% based on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Generally a flat rate on income; specific tax incentives for business activities may be applicable. |