Stellenbosch, South Africa 🇿🇦
#216
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Stellenbosch is a picturesque university town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, known for its historical architecture and beautiful vineyards. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds around 25-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ZAR ≈ 0.054 USD; local currency is South African Rand (ZAR). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and generally safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type M plugs are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Top mobile providers include Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; local banks include Standard Bank and Nedbank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available options range from hostels to guesthouses, Airbnbs, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban and commercial areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide various short-term accommodation options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Cape Town Backpackers and The Backpackers Lodge, typically priced around ZAR 300-600 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The town center and around the university offer numerous accommodations, dining, and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The central district and surrounding areas near the university are popular for long-term stays due to amenities and networking opportunities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Co-Working Space, located in the heart of Stellenbosch, offers high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Koppie, a trendy café with good seating and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at local hubs like The Assembly and informal gatherings via social media groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local newsletters inform of various expat gatherings in the area. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used in Stellenbosch for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops like Stellenbosch Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Muizenberg Beach, approximately 30 minutes drive from Stellenbosch. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | South African Airways operates regional flights, and domestic travel can be arranged via FlySafair. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and Qatar Airways service Cape Town International Airport, about 30 minutes away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the N1 highway connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Stellenbosch station provides train services to Cape Town and other regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public bus service is available but infrequent; use car hire for more flexibility. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses connect to Cape Town, Paarl, and other nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Stellenbosch Mediclinic offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Om Nama Shivaya Yoga Studio features a variety of classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Virgin Active Gym and Planet Fitness are popular fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Speed Queen and Wash & Fold provide affordable laundry options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mr D Food is popular for convenient food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bobotie, a traditional South African dish made with spiced minced meat and topped with an egg-based topping. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like The Green Room and Eats by B is offering diverse plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais is famous for elaborate desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Stellenbosch Slow Market for local foods at reasonable prices every Saturday. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Various options available, including Takealot.com for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Checkers and Pick n Pay provide grocery delivery options through their apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Dorp Street has a vibrant nightlife with multiple bars and pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Stellenbosch Brewing Company offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at the o.l.v. van de Kaap is a must-visit for local wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Stellenbosch Street Soiree offers various food stalls on selected days. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Hussar Grill serves a great selection of international grills and dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Stellenbosch Village Museum is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Stellenbosch Art Gallery showcases local and regional art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Stellenbosch Town Hall for its Cape Dutch architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Dutch Reformed Church on Church Street is an iconic landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Stellenbosch Wine Festival occurs annually and attracts local and international visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit Dorp Street for a blend of culture and history with numerous art galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Adam Small Theatre is a local favorite for performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Stellenbosch Market offers crafts, food, and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events often held at venues like The Ale House. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the vibrant street art scattered throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Stellenbosch Cooking School provides classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out the The Stellenbosch Art & Heritage Centre. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Oude Libertas Theatre is renowned for its architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The unique Cape Dutch architecture reflects the local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve offers stunning trails and scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Table Mountain National Park is within driving distance. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The managed cycling lanes in the area facilitate safe rides. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints along the Helshoogte Pass provide breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the town are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas within Jonkershoek Nature Reserve allow for controlled fires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Various options exist including DHL and local branches of PostNet. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech repair services; Tech Forward is a well-known provider. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check out Bergzicht Sport Grounds for table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering Afrikaans and English courses are available, such as Stellenbosch Language School. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Stellenbosch University Library is a vibrant study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Stellenbosch Community Centre offers various cultural and recreational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local internet cafés provide gaming lounges, such as MS-Game Land. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Stellenbosch, but options in nearby Cape Town are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 800,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 15,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ZAR 600,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 18,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 1,080,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 13,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ZAR 780,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ZAR 19,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,520,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ZAR 14,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ZAR 1,120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax applies to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rates can reach up to 45% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Africa has strict rules regarding CFC taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's value and local rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer duty applies, starting at 0% up to 13% based on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | South Africa does not have a specific tax incentive for digital nomads; residency affects tax obligations. |