For years, South Africa has been a country widely visited by digital nomads. With its breathtaking landscapes, nice temperature and affordable living, this country offers an ideal mix for anyone looking for an inspiring place to work and live. Especially in the Dutch winter, many people go there to work remotely, as it is summer there. Especially the capital Cape Town is immensely popular. In this blog I share some tips and insights about working remotely in South Africa.
Why work remotely in South Africa?
- Natural beauty: From Durban’s vast beaches to Cape Town’s majestic Table Mountain, South Africa offers a wealth of natural beauty. These environments are perfect for adventurous nomads who want to work and enjoy nature at the same time.
- Cultural diversity: The country is a mix of cultures and offers a rich cultural experience. From the vibrant art scene in Johannesburg to traditional dances in Zululand, there is always something new to discover. There is much to learn about the country’s history. Personally, I think Robben Island (Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here) is really a very impressive place you must have seen.
- Little time difference: A major advantage of working remotely in South Africa is that there is only a 1-hour time difference. Because you are going fairly straight down, the time zone barely changes and so you can stay fairly even with Dutch time.
- Culinary delights: South Africa has a rich culinary tradition. Taste local dishes such as biltong, bobotie and melktert, and enjoy the many wineries in the Western Cape. A road trip along the wine route near Cape Town is highly recommended.
- Cost of living: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in South Africa is significantly lower. This makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to minimize their expenses.
Would you like to work remote in a sunny place in winter, but not so far away? Then check out the top 5 destinations for your winter workation in the sun.
Tips for digital nomads in South Africa
If you study remote working in South Africa, you quickly come across the term load shedding. Then you realize for a moment that you are going to Africa, and things go a little differently than in the Netherlands. It means that at times there is no electricity, due to too much demand for power in the country. So no wifi, no power for your laptop, no light, etc. These times are planned though, so if you take them into account, it is doable. Besides this challenge, there are a number of other things to consider as a digital nomad:
- Visa and bureaucracy: Make sure you are aware of visa requirements. A standard tourist visa is often valid for 90 days, but it is important to check the latest information and possibly apply for an extension if needed.
- Safety: While South Africa has much to offer, there are also areas where you, as a foreigner, should be wary. Inform yourself about the safest neighborhoods, don’t go out alone after dark and avoid carrying valuables in public, for example. I generally felt safe, but also know that sometimes you do have to pay attention.
- Accommodation: Platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com offer a wide range of accommodations, from luxury apartments in Cape Town to cozy cottages in the wine countries. For longer stays, you can also look at colivings.
- Co-working spaces: South Africa has a growing number of co-working spaces that are ideal if you will be working remotely. Popular spots include Cape Town Office, Workshop17 and WeWork in Cape Town. These places offer not only good Internet connections, but also networking opportunities with other professionals.
- Internet and connectivity: While Internet access is usually good in urban areas, it can be less reliable in remote areas. Make sure you have a good mobile data plan and consider a portable Wi-Fi router as a backup.
- Networking: Meet other digital nomads, use platforms like Facebook groups and Meetup to do so. This is a great way to get tips, make new friends and network with like-minded people. Also try to explore the local culture and get to know locals or even work together.
- Health and insurance: Get a good travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses abroad and your valuables such as your laptop and phone. Don’t forget to turn on global coverage. Also set the number of travel days properly.
Tour in South Africa
I did a 3-week tour of South Africa. You can also do this with organized group tours, but then nothing comes of working. You will be relatively short everywhere and you will not have time to do your work. Do not be mistaken about the long distances between different places. On a map it may not seem far, but in practice you can easily spend a whole day or half a day traveling to another city. I started in the north of the country, in Johannesburg. Personally, I would not recommend this place to go. Perhaps I was too put off by the repeated messages that I should be careful for my safety as a white tourist, but that did not make me feel comfortable walking around. Especially not as a woman on her own. Then we moved on to the bush, The Kruger Park. One of the best travel experiences ever! I really loved the safaris here and was lucky enough to spot the big five. The coastline and wine route in South Africa is also beautiful and really worth exploring.
My favorite city: Cape Town
Cape Town is by far my favorite place in South Africa. When I was in this city several years ago, I spontaneously started considering staying there for a longer period of time. I was there in January, so then it is summer there. It was just under 30 degrees with often some wind, the ideal temperature as far as I was concerned. It is the perfect place to escape the Dutch winter.
In this city you will find beautiful nature and vibrant city life. A nice combination for a digital nomad. So you can first do your work in a nice workspace and then enjoy the nature. There have been numerous co-working spaces added in recent years, many nice cafes and restaurants and is therefore a popular choice for digital nomads.
Conclusion
South Africa is a country full of opportunities for digital nomads. Whether you’re drawn to its beautiful landscapes, cultural diversity, or fine climate, this country has something for everyone. With the right preparation and an adventurous spirit, South Africa can be the perfect base for your next remote work experience. Pack your bags and discover for yourself why so many digital nomads fall in love with South Africa!
Learn more about workations and remote working:
- Working remotely in Curacao, is that possible?
- How Alieke created a remote (work) life
- Guatemala: the place to work remote and enjoy!
More and more people are choosing to exchange the boring office garden or home office for a remote workstation for a while. Learn everything you need to know to be Remote Ready in this online course. Find out how to prepare a workation, where you can all go and how to work productively from a sunny destination. On to a freer life!
