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Originally Posted by LadyM  If you have done this, are doing it now, or will be doing it. please give me any ifo you think I should have. I am nervous and excited about my new opportunity and I am so looking ofrward to my 8 weeks there. |
One planning to live in South Africa should take care not to underestimate the cost of living, which has increased considerably in the last decade. South Africa isn’t a cheap destination any more, particularly following property price increases in the 21st century.Inflation was currently running at almost 10 per cent in 2003 but it has been significantly reduced and a rate of 5 per cent is expected for 2005.
The cost of living in the popular (with expatriates) parts of South Africa’s major cities is much the same as in cities in Australia, France, Germany, the UK and the US. Luxury and quality products are expensive, but wine and spirits are relatively inexpensive, as is dining out, although there are fears that the steep price rises seen in some restaurants and hotels over the last couple of years will deter tourists from visiting South Africa. (An investigation by the Congress of South African Trade Unions, fearful of job losses among its members if visitor numbers decline, identified 40 per cent price increases in 2004 among some businesses in the tourist sector, but these are the exception.)