Living in South Africa

I moved to South Africa without a promise of a job or help from immigration firms. I’ve had to figure things out as I went, spending countless hours scourging the web and talking to whoever that’ll listen. This page may be most relevant for expats living in South Africa to ease the administrative burden, and free up time to appreciate the finer things in life.

Most of you will likely receive assistance from relocation specialists and some won’t. Both groups will have to gather and provide documentation. It may be better to be prepared and align expectations to prevent additional stress of adjusting to life in mzansi.

Let’s jump right into it. I recommend getting these six things done during your first month in South Africa.

1. Traffic register number at department of motor vehicles – you need this to be able to register your car in South Africa
   • Your details are linked to the vehicle. Instead of the cops pulling you over to issue traffic fines, camera take pictures of your vehicle and mail you the fine
2. Registering your vehicle
   • Traffic register number and driver’s license required
3. Tax Identification number at South African Revenue Service (SARS)
   • Need this to get paid by your company – HR department may help you with this
4. Bank account with four major South African banks
   • FNB
   • Standardbank
   • Absa
   • Nedbank
5. Mobile phone – The Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA) makes it compulsory for everyone in South Africa to register their cellphone numbers – expect additional documentation.
   • Telkom
   • Vodacom
   • MTN
   • CellC
6. Internet for home
   • ADSL works on the back of existing copper landline – legacy technology
     1. Capped –
     2. Uncapped
   • Fiber or broadband – if available in your area
   • On the back of your mobile plan – there is usually a cap on this and the most expensive option, usually

Wherever you open/modify/renew accounts, you’ll be asked for Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) verification. All copies should be certified (when in doubt). Certification is free at any police station or with legal counsel at your company. A major royal pain for expatriates not used to such onerous documentation requirements, but there is nothing we can do but comply.

Calling ahead and checking website for a list of prerequisites before arriving will prevent repeat visits? So I thought! Not true! Plan at least few visits to the office!

To minimize the number of visits, always take copies of:

1. Passport
2. Driver’s license
3. Work permit
4. Home address (not older than 3 months)
   1. Utility (electricity/water) – In South Africa, the landlord will forward the tenant the bill as it’s a pain to get names changes with the local Municipality
   2. Telephone/ADSL/Fibre bill
   3. Store account statement, bank statement, DSTV account, and etc.
   4. A declaration by a third party confirming that you share an address with them and provide the third party’s proof of ID and proof of address (less than three months old).
5. Traffic Register Number
6. Work contract – if you’re opening new account
7. Lease contract – if you’re opening new account

The joys of paper weight. I haven’t even mentioned the immigration joys to be had with Home Affairs.
That will be on a separate post.