Expat Community > South Africa

Erick7
Joined 2009
Posts: 7

Ask a South African

9 years ago

I am amazed to read the advice of some members on this forum regarding cost of living and crime in South Africa. I am South African and I wouldn’t dare to advice someone about the cost of living in South Africa or any other country without proper knowledge of that country.
Living in the country for a few months or a couple of years does not make me an expert adviser on living in a place that I don’t know fully and completely.
As an experience State Agent in Johannesburg, I must point out that Sandton is not the only safe place to live in Johannesburg, in fact is one of the most expensive areas to live.
To the north of Johannesburg you will have many suburbs that are suitable for a middle class, that you could afford and to live in comfortably, more that than most people are use to live in their own country.
I have traveled plenty and I can safely say that South Africa will offer a very comfortable and safe standard of living that you won’t find in many other count tries. Yes we do have crime like in many other countries, for that reason you will have to take care and be careful not to adventure to dubious places, without proper advice.
South African are friendly people and will assist you and advise you properly.
Banking is South Africa is expensive, however very modern and efficient.
We live in a country with a blessed weather and with plenty space.
We have modern and varied Shopping Mall everywhere as well as supermarket and the staff is very amiable and friendly.
The public transport is scarce and therefore you will need a car.
We do have a first world infrastructure.
I am currently in Brazil for personal reason and here the cost of living is nearly 5 times more expensive than in South Africa. The crime is horrendous especially in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The variety and the quality of product are very poor, but still an amazing and great country with fantastic people and so is South Africa. However my experience in Brazil does not make me an expert in the country, because everybody has a different perception and reality of country and I respect that, therefore my opinion is personal according to my experience and what I expect of the country.

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