Living in Cape Town: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Cape Town.
On the south west of the country, Cape Town is a seductive town in South Africa for relocation. Expatriates choosing to settle here to live and work can indeed enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a pleasant quality of life. The natural landscapes, the mild climate, the cosmopolitism of the city and the perfectblend of colonial and African influences are assets inviting expats to live here whether in family or alone.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Cape Town with general information to discover the destination.
Discovering Cape Town
Knowing the history, societal habits and customs of a country or city before moving there is one of ...
The local culture in Cape Town
Cultural habits, interpersonal relations, security issues, etc. When you decide to travel or ...
The Pros and Cons of living in Cape Town
Curiously, opinions on life in Cape Town are often divided: there are those who express reluctance ...
Work
Dive into the Cape Town labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Cape Town.
Working in Cape Town
The reality may seem discouraging, but before tackling all the necessary steps to be able to work ...
Cape Town's labor market
Cape Town attracts expatriates as well as South Africans from other provinces who want to live, ...
Jobs in Cape Town
Discover professional opportunities in Cape Town and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Cape Town. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Cape Town
Cape Town lies between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a cosmopolitan, active and ...
Buying property in Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most popular cities for overseas property buyers and is one of the top 5 ...
Find your ideal home in Cape Town
Explore real estate listings in Cape Town to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Cape Town.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Cape Town.
Getting around Cape Town
Because of the exceptional preservation of the environment and its specific structure, its easy to forget that Cape Town has 4 million official ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Cape Town.
Sports in Cape Town
Sport is a serious matter, and staying fit is one of the priorities of Cape Towners. The lifestyle ...
Gastronomy in Cape Town
The multicultural heritage of South Africa is reflected in its gastronomy. Cape Town, with its many ...
Things to do in Cape Town
Cosmopolitan, creative, festive and very friendly, Cape Town is a city where life is good and where ...
Articles from the magazine
5 good reasons to move to Cape Town
You have opened Google maps, and you are scrolling the globe, up and down, left and right, looking for an answer to “what's next?” If you are ready to expatriate and you are keen on taking up a new challenge, we are giving you five excellent reasons to consider Cape Town — South Africa's Mother City.
Agnieszka: "Salaries in Johannesburg are quite a lot higher"
Agnieszka comes from Poland. She moved to Johannesburg 8 years ago following a job offer. She particularly enjoys the outdoor scene, green spaces, restaurants and the weather.
From Africa, With Love
My name is Caroline Collie and I'm originally from the 'Original' Washington which is in the eastern part of North Carolina in the USA. My husband is originally from South Africa, but we met in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Expatorama
Hello, Hi, Howzit. I'm Nicola. I'm originally from the UK, but have had the good fortune to live in a few different countries. Currently our family of four is getting cosy in Jozi, the City of Gold.
2Summers
My name is Heather Mason and I'm from Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States. I've been living in Johannesburg, South Africa for the past six years and I write a blog, 2Summers.
Cape Town, South Africa, through the eyes of an expat
After having spent many years living in London, Cambodia, and Singapore, Mei now calls Cape Town home. Coming from a mixed background herself, Mei has always had a deep interest in exploring other cultures, and loves to discover new places. She tells Expat.com about her life in the Mother City, her observations of South Africa, and the abundance of leisure activities at her doorstep.
Proposed tax amendment heralds change for South African expats
Questions and some concern have arisen following the South African government's proposed amendment to its taxation of residents who are working overseas. The proposed amendment suggests removing the exemption for those earning an income abroad and working in a foreign country for more than 183 days a year, in order to prevent expats potentially paying very limited or no tax.
Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity
Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.
