5 reasons British expats are migrating to South Africa
Just over 4.5 million Britons live abroad and an estimated 319,000 of them have chosen to settle in South Africa, making it Africa’s top destination for expats.
Here are five reasons Britons seeking job opportunities, a better quality of family life, or a change of scenery for retirement are choosing South Africa as their new home.
- There is something for everyone
South Africa is vast, with 2,798 kilometres of coastline stretching across two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic. Covering 1.2 million square kilometres, it is the 25th-largest country in the world, which means there’s something in SA that’ll grab everyone’s fancy.
2. It has Cape Town and it also has Johannesburg
Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful, multicultural cities in the world. It offers a blend of heritage sites, modern infrastructure and vibrant urbanisation. From breathtaking views to hikes and several outdoor activities, Cape Town has so much to offer the expat.
Joburg is the bustle to Cape Town’s calm. It is a highly sought-after destination for expats as it is the centre of the South African mining industry and a thriving financial and employment hub. Property prices tend to be cheaper than in Cape Town and it’s certainly more affordable to live there than in major cities in Australia, Canada, France and Hong Kong.
3. It offers an outdoor lifestyle second to none
The weather is glorious; there are beautiful landscapes and coastlines to enjoy; and amazing wildlife. It’s a great place for expats raising children as well. In fact, a recent expat survey by InterNations found that South Africa is one of the best countries in the world for leisure activities for kids.
4. It’s affordable
Financially, British expats can do well in South Africa. Assuming that they have a nest egg or a steady income, their money goes further in South Africa than at home. The cost of living is 36% lower than in the UK, while rent is reduced on average by 49%[1].
5. Loads of Britons already live in SA
There is a well-established British expat network that proves very comforting and useful to newcomers. You’ll find yourself with an instant group of friends who understand what you are going through and can offer invaluable advice and guidance.
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[1] Source: Numbeo.com – data based on 13509 entries in the past 18 months from 1134 different contributors from all cities in South Africa. Last updated February, 2017.