Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦
#212
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pretoria is one of South Africa's three capital cities and the administrative capital, known for its historical architecture and jacaranda-lined streets. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 20-30 Mbps in most areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18 ZAR, cash and cards accepted widely. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C; prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank, and Capitec. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hostels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely including contactless payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, booking.com, and local serviced apartments available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Backpackers and The Capital Menlyn Maine. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Arcadia and Brooklyn are recommended for tourist accommodations near attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Hatfield and Menlyn are known for coworking spaces and a vibrant community. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workshop 17 in the CBD offers a vibrant coworking environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Whippet in Linden is popular among remote workers for its atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetups occur regularly, organized through platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Pretoria Expats group on Facebook connects the community for various gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt are widely used for safe and affordable transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes available through rental shops like Bike Zone. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is around 90 minutes away at Durban. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | South African Airways operates various local routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and British Airways offer direct international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to N1 and N4 highways enables convenient travel to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Pretoria Station connects to regional and intercity rail services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metrobus offers monthly passes, and the Gautrain is a rapid transit alternative. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibus taxis and regional bus services are available for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Steve Biko Academic Hospital is a major healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga at 36 offers various classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active and Planet Fitness have multiple branches in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats such as Laundry on the Spot are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mr D Food and Uber Eats are popular options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bunny Chow and Braai are traditional South African dishes to enjoy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Greenside and The Whippet serve excellent vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Patisserie is known for its gourmet pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Food markets like the Hazel Food Market offer great local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot and Computicket are popular for various online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Hatfield and Brooklyn are known for their nightlife and bar scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Pretoria Craft Brewery is a popular choice for local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Winehouse offers a great selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vendors at markets like the Pretoria Food Festival offer diverse options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bombay Brasserie serves excellent Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Natural History and Pretoria Art Museum showcase local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Church Square offers a glimpse into historical Pretoria. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Alban's Cathedral is a major attraction for visitors. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Pretoria Jazz Festival occurs every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the vibrant Melrose Arch for dining and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The State Theatre offers a variety of performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Pretoria Boeremark is a must-visit for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like The Mercury Lounge. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals in the Hatfield area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn South African cuisine at classes offered by The Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Association of Arts has rotating exhibitions to explore. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the Pretoria City Hall, an architectural marvel. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Voortrekker Monument represents South African heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Groenkloof Nature Reserve for hiking and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Wonderboom Nature Reserve is a nearby attraction. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Pretoria Botanical Gardens features scenic trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | From Meintjieskop, get stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the Rietvlei Nature Reserve for excellent birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires allowed at special sites in Rietvlei Nature Reserve. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and The Courier Guy offer reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Places like iFix offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer access to table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Learn languages at the Language School in Hatfield. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Pretoria Public Library offers quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Hatfield Community Centre hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out the Gamers Lounge for console gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Time Square Casino offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R15,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R600,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R19,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R1,140,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R13,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R780,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R18,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R1,440,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R12,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R960,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% is the standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% is applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | South Africa has a progressive tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% is the maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% is the standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Africa has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property taxes are based on municipal valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 8% is the tax rate applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | South Africa does not tax foreign income for non-residents. |