- Accomodation |
- Healthcare |
- Bank account |
- Phones |
- Tax |
- Insurance |
- Useful contacts
accommodation
Though South Africa is not as busy in terms of tourism and those seeking employment as the United Kingdom and other European countries, there is a booming property market which has resulted in there being plenty of accommodation to rent and buy within varied price ranges and most of the desirable suburban areas. Before choosing where to live, it's advisable to check where client's businesses are located and to plan your means of transport to and from work. Any of our consultants will be able to assist and advise you on these matters.
The following are the best places to find information on renting properties in South Africa:
Doctors and health
South Africa's health system consists of a large public sector and a smaller but fast-growing private sector. Health care varies from the most basic primary health care, offered free by the state, to highly specialised hi-tech health services available in the private sector for those who can afford it.
The public sector is under-resourced and over-used, while the mushrooming private sector, run largely on commercial lines, caters to middle and high income earners who tend to be members of medical schemes (18% of the population), and to foreigners looking for top-quality surgical procedures at relatively affordable prices. The private sector also attracts most of the country's health professionals.
You should register with a family doctor/general practitioner upon arrival in South Africa who is ideally located within 10 - 20 minutes of your home. To find a local doctor you can try asking neighbours, friends or colleagues for recommendations or request a list from your insurance company. You can look in the phone book for listings near your residential or work address.
Dentist
Choosing a dentist in South Africa is very much like finding a doctor. You can ask neighbours for references, or look in the phone book. As with doctors, people generally stay with the same dentist, so you should choose carefully. Further, most insurances do cover basic dental care. However, for the highest quality of care it is advisable to find out if supplementary dental insurance is more beneficial.
Opening a bank account
Your salary will usually be paid directly into your bank account by your employer.
The major banks in South Africa are Standard Bank, ABSA Bank, FNB and Nedbank
Opening a bank account is straight forward in South Africa and much like most other countries. You'll need as much ID as possible, including your passport, proof of address (bills, rental receipts or a lease) and a letter from your employer/Robert Walters.
Maestro/switch cards - these can be used at ATMs and as debit cards in shops (chip and pin)
Credit cards - South Africa thrives on a 'credit driven' lifestyle, particularly with the up and coming middle classes. You should find most banks willing to make credit facilities available to you, the extent of these depending on your income and financial liabilities. You will find that credit cards are accepted in most places, including restaurants and bars.
Mobile phones
- Ensure that you obtain a South African mobile number as soon as you arrive in South Africa - this is the best way to keep in touch with your consultant and for us to keep you updated with job opportunities
- The main mobile phone providers in South Africa are MTN, Vodacom and Cell-C
Tax
Everyone who is liable for income tax in South Africa must acquire a South Africa Revenue Services (SARS) tax number. This can be done through your local tax office. More information and details on this and other tax related matters can be found at: www.sars.co.za
Insurance
You should obtain adequate travel insurance before arriving in South Africa. Ensure that it covers loss of passport, baggage and money.
Useful telephone numbers
Emergency Services
10111
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