Moving to a different country can always be challenging, especially when it involves leaving your home country. Despite the difficulties, change can sometimes be good for personal and career growth. It can help broaden your horizons and get you acclimated to a foreign culture.
South Africa is a country filled with natural wonders and can be an amazing place to live in. But the country and its living conditions can be drastically different from what Americans are used to. Here are a few helpful guidelines for an American moving to South Africa.
1. Speaking English
The 4th most spoken language in South Africa is English. If you plan on living in one of the major cities, you shouldn’t have any communication issues. However, communicating with the locals in rural areas and small towns requires you to hire a translator as they only speak local languages in smaller towns and villages.
2. The Capitals
The country has not one but three capitals.
a) Cape Town
This city is the “legislative capital” of South Africa and is where the parliament sits.
b) Pretoria
This city is the “administrative capital” of the country and is the home of the country’s president.
c) Bloemfontein
This city is the “judicial capital” of the country and is the home to South Africa’s Supreme Court.
3. Diverse Food
The country is a melting pot for multiple cultures, which is reflected in its languages and food. Living in South Africa, you will come across many combinations of local and foreign cuisines in each city. Bunny Chow and Vetkeok are among the many dishes everyone should give a try.
3. Sports are big in South Africa
South Africans simply love sports. From rugby to football to cricket, every sport is played and watched by the majority of the population.
5. The Beaches
South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of the beaches are perfect for longboarding and many other beach sports. Let Eyal Dulin guide you about some of the most famous sites for water sports and other activities in South Africa.
6. World’s Beer Capital
South Africa was home to the world’s second-biggest brewery in the earlier centuries. Today, you can find smaller craft breweries around the country, which has given South Africa the title of “Beer Capital of the African Continent.”
7. Greeting the Locals
Greetings and small talk rules are mostly just as simple in South Africa as in any other country. However, it’s best for expats to become familiar with the culture and norms of the locals. Try to observe and read these social or corporate situations before mingling with the locals to avoid misunderstandings.
Take the help of Eyal I Dulin and his consulting services to navigate efficiently in South Africa and run your corporate affairs with his expert advice.