Johannesburg
South Africa
Africa's financial powerhouse, reinventing itself neighbourhood by neighbourhood
Overview
Johannesburg grew from a gold rush camp into the economic capital of the continent, and it still moves faster than anywhere else in Africa. It is a city of enormous contrasts, where inner city regeneration in Maboneng and Braamfontein sits alongside deep inequality inherited from apartheid. The creative output is extraordinary, with music, fashion and art scenes that set trends across Africa. It is also the greenest large city on earth by tree count, sitting high on the Highveld with a mild sunny climate almost year round. Living here requires street smarts and rewards them.
Why Expats Love It
Career opportunity across Africa, an outstanding creative scene, big houses, sunshine and safaris a few hours away.
Must Dos
The essential, top gem experiences for the full tourist experience.
Apartheid Museum
The clearest and most affecting account of twentieth century South Africa anywhere.
Constitution Hill
A former prison that held Gandhi and Mandela, now the Constitutional Court.
Soweto and Vilakazi Street
The township that shaped the liberation struggle, with the Hector Pieterson Museum.
Maboneng and Braamfontein
Inner city arts districts with rooftop markets, galleries and Saturday food halls.
Cradle of Humankind
Sterkfontein Caves, where some of the oldest hominin fossils on earth were found.
Neighbourgoods Market
Saturday food and design market in Braamfontein, the social centre of young Joburg.
Off the Beaten Path
Live like a local. Special, lesser known experiences for adventurers who want real local flavor.
Wilds Nature Reserve
A restored 1930s hillside garden in Houghton, once dangerous, now a sculpture filled park.
Melville Koppies
A protected ridge of Iron Age smelting sites and indigenous grassland inside the city.
Victoria Yards
A workshop and gallery complex in Lorentzville built around urban food gardens.
Kliptown and Walter Sisulu Square
Where the Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955, in Soweto's oldest area.
Lindfield Victorian House Museum
A private home in Auckland Park preserved and toured entirely in period.
Delta Park Bird Sanctuary
A hundred hectares of hides and trails in the middle of the northern suburbs.
Cost of Living
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$430/mo
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$950/mo
Restaurant Meal
$9
Monthly Groceries
$280/mo
Monthly Transportation
$90/mo
Monthly Healthcare
$110/mo
Climate
Subtropical highland with warm sunny days, dry winters and dramatic summer thunderstorms
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to November for mild dry weather
Visa & Residency
Written for US citizens
Many nationalities receive 90 days visa free on arrival. South Africa now issues a digital nomad visa for remote workers meeting an income threshold, alongside critical skills and general work visas.
These notes assume a US passport. If you hold a different nationality, your visa options and timelines may vary. Always confirm current rules with the official embassy or consulate before you commit.
Safety
Crime rates are high and require real precautions. Drive with doors locked, avoid walking at night, use secure complexes and take local advice on which areas to avoid.
Healthcare
Private hospitals such as Netcare and Mediclinic are world class and much cheaper than Europe. Public healthcare is strained, so private cover is essential.
Culture & Lifestyle
Culture
South Africans are direct, warm and quick to socialise. Braai culture is the default weekend, and conversations about history and identity are open and ongoing.
Lifestyle
Gym before work, coffee in Parkhurst, First Thursdays gallery crawls, weekend braais. Weekends mean the Magaliesberg, Pilanesberg game reserve or the Cradle of Humankind.
Language
English, isiZulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans and eight other official languages
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Timezone
SAST (UTC+2)