Windhoek, Namibia

"Before retiring in Windhoek, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other African countries. They should also research the availability of healthcare and medical facilities, as well as the quality of the local infrastructure. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, expats should consider the climate and the availability of recreational activities in Windhoek, as well as the safety and security of the city," said one expat in Windhoek.

"Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and is a great place for expats to live. It is a safe and friendly city with a diverse population. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in Windhoek is relatively high, so it is important to budget accordingly. English is widely spoken in Windhoek, but the official language is Afrikaans. Expats should also be aware that the climate in Windhoek is semi-arid, with hot summers and cool winters. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather. Finally, expats should be aware that Namibia is a visa-free country for most nationalities, but it is important to check the visa requirements before travelling," said one expat in Windhoek.

"One option for finding a place to live in Windhoek is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Namibia Property, Namibia Rental, and Namibia Real Estate offer a variety of rental listings in Windhoek. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in Windhoek rentals. They can provide you with more information about the rental market in Windhoek and help you find a suitable place to live. Finally, you can also look for rental listings in local newspapers and magazines," explained one expat living in Windhoek.

"Expat homes and apartments in Windhoek are typically modern and spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Many of the apartments have balconies or terraces, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape. The interiors are often decorated with contemporary furnishings and feature amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and high-speed internet. Expats in Windhoek can also find a variety of housing options, from luxury apartments to more affordable options," replied an expat in Windhoek.

"The cost of housing in Windhoek is generally considered to be quite high. Prices for rental properties vary depending on the size and location of the property, but the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around N$7,000 per month. Outside of the city centre, prices can be significantly lower, with two-bedroom apartments costing around N$4,000 per month," explained one expat.

"Expats in Windhoek can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as the Windhoek International Toastmasters Club, the Windhoek International Women's Club, and the Windhoek International Rotary Club. Expats can also join sports teams, such as the Windhoek Soccer Club, the Windhoek Rugby Club, and the Windhoek Cricket Club. Other ways that expats can meet people in Windhoek include attending local events, such as the Windhoek Jazz Festival, the Windhoek Beer Festival, and the Windhoek International Film Festival. Expats can also join local meetup groups, such as the Windhoek Expat Meetup Group, or join online forums and social media groups for expats in Windhoek," remarked one expat in Windhoek.

"When moving to Windhoek, it is important to pack clothing suitable for the climate. Windhoek has a semi-arid climate, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Additionally, it is important to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the sun. It is also a good idea to bring a first aid kit, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. Finally, it is important to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and proof of address," said a person living in Windhoek.

"Before retiring in Windhoek, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other African countries. They should also research the availability of healthcare and medical facilities, as well as the quality of the local infrastructure. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, expats should consider the climate and the availability of recreational activities in Windhoek, as well as the safety and security of the city," explained one expat.

"Foreigners often have jobs in the hospitality industry, such as working in hotels, restaurants, and bars. They may also find employment in the tourism industry, providing services such as tour guiding and transportation. Other common jobs for foreigners in Windhoek include teaching English, working in retail, and providing administrative support. Additionally, some foreigners may find work in the IT sector, as well as in the construction and engineering industries," explained one expat.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Windhoek is generally quite pleasant. The city is relatively safe and has a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to live and work. The cost of living is also quite low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is well-connected, with good internet access and plenty of coworking spaces. There is also a vibrant expat community, with plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people and make new friends. All in all, Windhoek is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful African city," said one expat in Windhoek.

"Expats in Windhoek appreciate the city's relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. They also enjoy the city's diverse cultural influences, from the traditional Himba and Herero cultures to the more modern German and Afrikaans influences. The city's vibrant nightlife and outdoor activities, such as hiking and game viewing, are also popular among expats. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's excellent infrastructure, which makes it easy to get around and access amenities," said one expat in Windhoek.

"Expats in Windhoek often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. English is widely spoken, but the majority of the population speaks Afrikaans or one of the local languages. Additionally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate for those who are not familiar with them. For example, Namibians tend to be quite formal in their interactions, and it is important to be respectful and courteous when interacting with locals. Additionally, the local cuisine can be quite different from what expats are used to, and it can take some time to adjust to the flavors and ingredients," explained one expat.

"Windhoek is generally considered to be a safe city. However, like any other city, there is some crime. Common crimes include pickpocketing, burglary, and car theft. Violent crime is relatively rare, but it does occur. It is important to take precautions when travelling in Windhoek, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight," explained one expat living in Windhoek.

"Windhoek is a diverse city with a population made up of many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. People in Windhoek are generally accepting of differences and strive to create a tolerant and inclusive environment. The city is home to a variety of religions, languages, and cultures, and Windhoek's citizens are proud of their diversity," explained one expat living in Windhoek.

"Windhoek is home to a number of excellent international and bilingual schools. The International School of Namibia (ISN) is a private, non-profit school that offers an international curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. ISN is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization, and offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Windhoek International School (WIS) is another excellent international school in Windhoek. WIS is a private, non-profit school that offers an international curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization, and offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond. WIS also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Windhoek Bilingual School (WBS) is a private, non-profit school that offers a bilingual curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization, and offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond. WBS also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. Overall, Windhoek is home to a number of excellent international and bilingual schools that offer a rigorous academic program and a wide range of extracurricular activities," wrote an expat with kids at in Windhoek.

"Hands down the best choice in Windhoek. Americans should not be turned off by the IB, on the contrary it is the only matriculation recognised outside of Namibia. The other private schools do not offer IB and thus the options are very limited for graduates who wish to study in Europe or US. Even to study in South Africa, students will find they may have to do additional courses. You are paying more but honestly there is no comparison with the quality of teaching - WIS learners are taught to be inquirers, they do not do rote learning and there is a lot of hands-on experimentation. My daughter is doing a class called Theory of Knowledge (age 16) and it pretty much offers university-level content. It's also a diverse and open-minded school: no uniforms, kids are accepted for who they, lots of diversity, respect etc ... unparalleled in Windhoek," commented one expat when asked about Windhoek International School in Windhoek.