Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦
#212
-25.745927, 28.18791
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Pretoria is one of South Africa's three capital cities and serves as the administrative capital. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.5 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speeds range between 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.055 USD, and local banks include Standard Bank and ABSA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable but advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular international banks like HSBC and local options are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and student housing platforms. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental services provide ample options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Backpackers Cloud provide affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workshop 17 offers a vibrant workspace for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Whippet in Linden is known for its work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and tech events can be found on platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Pretoria Facebook group hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely available and reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops like Ride-a-Bike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach, Durban, is about a 6-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | South African Airways serves various regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and British Airways provide international connectivity. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Close to the N1 and N4 highways for easy travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Pretoria Station serves as the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Gautrain offers convenient day passes for high-speed travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available for travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Steve Biko Academic Hospital is one of the top facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Rave offers various classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Planet Fitness has multiple locations offering 24/7 access. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Affordable laundries are available, like Granny's Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Mr D Food are popular for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss out on Bunny Chow. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Riche offers a range of delicious plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Pudding Shop is known for its delightful desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Greenstone Hill Shopping Centre has various budget options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Takealot are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay have grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | 54 On Bath offers a vibrant nightlife experience. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mad Giant Brewing Company offers craft beer experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Winehouse in Pretoria is popular for tastings. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food markets at Hazelwood offer excellent local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Wolfpack Restaurant serves delicious Asian fusion dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Pretoria Art Museum and the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History are noteworthy. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Church Square is a significant historical location. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The St. Alban's Cathedral is a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pretoria hosts the Universiteit Pretoria Open Day annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hatfield is known for its cultural vibrancy. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Lyric Theatre is known for performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Pretoria Farmers Market is popular for local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Pretoria Botanical Gardens hosts various local music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the arts district in Brooklyn for stunning murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Herbalife Studio offers exciting cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit the David Krut Projects for contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Arts Building of the University of Pretoria is notable. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Pretoria’s heritage is highlighted through various monuments. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the Groenkloof Nature Reserve for local wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Pilanesberg National Park is about a 2-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Wonderboom Nature Reserve offers stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Little Eden in the northeast is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Gather in designated areas at the Hartbeespoort Dam. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iRepair offer gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Play at the Pretoria Table Tennis Club. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Berlitz offer various courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Pretoria Central Library is an excellent study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Muckleneuk Community Centre offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming centers such as The Funhouse offer a diversity of games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Time Square Casino in Menlyn is a popular destination. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R14,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R560,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R18,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R1,080,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R12,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R720,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R16,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R1,280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R10,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R800,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident personal income tax is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Africa has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the municipal ratable value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer duty applies, starting at 0% up to 13%. |