Is South Africa a good place to raise a family?

Asked by: Samanta Funk  |  Last update: October 6, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (5 votes)

South Africa makes it into foreign expats' top 20 countries to raise kids. According to a survey by an international website InterNations, South Africa rates as one of the Top 20 best countries in the world to raise a family…but there is a caveat!

What are the disadvantages of living in South Africa?

South Africa Cons
  • Load Shedding. Load shedding may result in daily power outages of 1 to 6 hours every day for a few weeks. ...
  • High Crime Rate. South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world. ...
  • Inadequate Public Transport. ...
  • Unemployment. ...
  • Poverty. ...
  • HIV/AIDS. ...
  • Low Wages. ...
  • Inadequate Public Healthcare.

Is it a good idea to live in South Africa?

When you consider the amazing nature and landscapes, the relaxed lifestyle and the great work opportunities, South Africa has always been one of the most desirable and underrated countries to live in. So, if the idea of moving to South Africa is something that appeals to you, we are happy to help.

Which country is best to raise a family?

  • Denmark. #1 in Raising Children Rankings. ...
  • Norway. #2 in Raising Children Rankings. ...
  • Sweden. #3 in Raising Children Rankings. ...
  • Finland. #4 in Raising Children Rankings. ...
  • Canada. #5 in Raising Children Rankings. ...
  • Switzerland. #6 in Raising Children Rankings. ...
  • Netherlands. #7 in Raising Children Rankings. ...
  • New Zealand.

Why would someone move to South Africa?

Often, expatriates moving to South Africa are offered high salaries, and because of the cheap cost of labor in the country, expats can expect a high standard of living, being able to afford part-time or full-time domestic help. Eating out and alcohol is also considered cheap.

Pros and Cons of living in South Africa in 2023: What you need to know

18 related questions found

Is it easy for Americans to move to South Africa?

To move to South Africa, you must hold a long-term visa to enter the country. You can choose which visa to apply for depending on the reason you want to move there. To stay longer than three months, you must apply for a temporary residence permit upon entering the country.

How long can a US citizen live in South Africa?

Under the current visa-exemption scheme, American citizens can stay in South Africa for 90 days without a visa. If an American citizen wishes to stay longer than 90 days, for tourism or business purposes, or plans to reside long-term in South Africa, they will require a long-stay permit.

Which country has the happiest children?

Children in the Netherlands are among the happiest in the world, research has suggested, and experts say that there could be a number of reasons why this is the case. A UNICEF report published last year found that children in the Netherlands had the highest sense of wellbeing.

What is the best country to raise a girl?

Best Countries To Raise A Child In 2023 | GlobalRCG
  • Denmark.
  • Sweden.
  • Norway.
  • Finland.
  • Australia.
  • New Zealand.
  • Switzerland.
  • Canada.

Which country has the happiest parents?

Dutch parents are among the happiest people in the world
  1. Babies get plenty of sleep. ...
  2. Kids spend more time with both parents. ...
  3. Kids feel less pressure to excel in school. ...
  4. Kids are encouraged to express their own opinions. ...
  5. Kids eat “hagelslag” (chocolate sprinkles) for breakfast. ...
  6. Kids are encouraged to bike.

Is it safe for Americans to live in South Africa?

- CON: High crime rates

Expats do need to be aware that South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world. It is important to take sensible safety precautions to reduce the chance of being seen as an 'easy target' to crimes such as robbery, muggings, smash-and-grabs and hijackings.

Is it cheaper to live in South Africa than the US?

Cost of living in South Africa

Overall, South Africa is about 50% cheaper than the US, which is a massive boon for your wallet.

How much money is enough to live in South Africa?

Numbeo estimates that a family of four would need R30,775 per month, excluding rent, while a single person would need around R8,875. Below is a breakdown of how much it costs to live in the largest South African cities compared to other major cities around the world.

Is South Africa considered a Third World country?

1 Defining the Third World

The Third World includes all countries of Africa (except South Africa), Asia (except Japan), and Latin America and the Caribbean, and some states and territories of Oceania.

What living in South Africa is like?

South Africans are largely a friendly and welcoming people, so don't be surprised if you're invited to a 'braai', not unlike a barbeque, where you can enjoy a few drinks, some charcoal-cooked food and good company in the open air. Sport is also an important part of South African life.

Where are South Africans moving to?

The South African diaspora consists of South African emigrants and their descendants living outside South Africa. The largest concentrations of South African emigrants are to be found in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

Which nationality is best to marry?

  1. Ukraine. Ukrainian women are extremely fabulous and are a great choice for marital relationship. ...
  2. Mexico. Mexico is a country known for its rich culture, warm climate, and beautiful landscapes, but it is also a great place to find a wife. ...
  3. Thailand. ...
  4. Colombia. ...
  5. Vietnam. ...
  6. China. ...
  7. Argentina. ...
  8. South Korea.

What is the most female dominated country?

Countries with More Women Than Men 2023
  1. Nepal. There are only 84.55 males in Nepal per 100 females as of 2020. ...
  2. Hong Kong. The 2019 reported population proportion of women here in Hong Kong is 54.12%. ...
  3. Curacao. ...
  4. Martinique. ...
  5. Latvia. ...
  6. Guadeloupe. ...
  7. Lithuania. ...
  8. Ukraine.

Which country is safest in the world?

Iceland. Iceland is the safest country in the world, yet again, according to the latest Global Peace Index data. The index is comprised of a variety of factors, including the number of homicides, the level of violent crime, and the availability of small arms.

Which country has the best behaved children?

IN THE international naughty league, children from Puerto Rico and the United States are the worst behaved, while those from Sweden are angelic in comparison. British children show the same level of bad behaviour as the Germans and the Dutch, according to a study.

Where does USA rank happiest country in the world?

Despite its rise in the ranking, the United States' average life evaluation fell slightly from 6.977 out of 10 in 2022, to 6.894 in 2023. But in 2023, the United States bumped Germany down to 16th on the list.

Do Americans retire in South Africa?

This beautiful country has much to offer retirees – a mild climate, favorable exchange rates, and a large English-speaking expat population. These factors make retiring in South Africa a popular choice for expats from all over the world.

Do you need vaccinations to go to South Africa?

All travelers to South Africa should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and measles-mumps-rubella.

Do I need any vaccinations for South Africa?

The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus. Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. Jab lasts 3 years.