What would life be like if I moved to South Africa next month?

it's one of the most dangerous countries on earth especially for young females most houses have electrified barbed wire round them and private security guards, hi-jacking at traffic lights is common and intertribal violence is widespread, even black people who have the wrong features are targets if they go outside their usual area, ordinary people keep uzis and m16s in their cars and under car flame throwers to dissuade attacks and muggings are common

Firstly @ Harley drive - ordinary people do NOT keep uzis and m16s in their cars and under car flamethrowers are exceptionally illegal. It would really depend on what city you are planning to move to. As far as job opportunities are concerned you would have the best luck in Johannesburg. However, because of BEE legislation its more difficult for whites to find jobs. It would also depend on the field you are looking for a job in and what experience and qualifications you have. If you're looking in Jhb then you would want to stick to the more affluent areas like Houghton, Bedfordview, Illovo, Sandton and the like. Mostly the Northern Suburbs are safer than most other areas and you definitely want to stay away from the townships and inner city. Of course these places can ask as much as R8000/m for a bachelor or one bedroom flat so rentals can be extremely high. Food would usually cost between R800 and R2000/m depending on what your tastes are. Many places include water and electricity as part of the rental asked but not always - you would have to ask the lessor about that. You would have to have a car because public transport is less than reliable and never runs after 10pm. This means that you would also be looking at paying insurance if you bought a vehicle - renting one would cost you a fortune every month. Before you would be permitted to work in SA you would have to have a job already in place so that they could issue you a work visa. After that you can apply for resident status if you would like to stay here. So make sure that before you arrive you have a job (with a signed contract), a visa and somewhere to stay. SA can be a culture shock for some people. There is crime and it can be quite dangerous if you dont know the area you're in and dont keep your wits about you. It would be safer for you to find a room in a commune until you get an idea of the area and you learn where to go and where not to go. Also it can be dangerous to have a young woman living alone. A room in a commune could cost you between R2000 and R4000/m depending in the area, the room and amenities the commune offers. Pretoria is also a pretty good area but is predominantly Afrikaans speaking in the white areas so you could possibly have language issues. Also jobs are thin and often pay less than the bigger cities. I cant really give you too much information on Cape Town and Durban seeing as the only way i know them is through short business trips and holidays. Thats all I can really think of right now. If you have any other questions send me an email and I'll do my best to answer them.

I suggest you move to one of the 'bigger cities' like Cape Town or Durban. @Harley: It's easy to see from your description that you're not South African or know anything about the country.

Well, I live in Johannesburg... if you are careful, it is fine! Johannesburg is the most beautiful country in the world. We have amazing weather! Look for jobs in the Sandton, Bedfordview area as these areas are quite good. Not the Johannesburg CBD as it isn't safe. Just be careful with our public transport. Don't take a taxi, but the Gautrain is lovely! @Harley, you clearly don't live here and don't have a clue what you're talking about!

Go and stay in Cape Town! My wife and I spent 2 months out there in Feb/ Mar 2010. Great place. Do lots of research. Start here for all the basics you need .. it is all my opinion with no commercial bias... http://sites.google.com/site/guide2capetown/Home

Try somewhere else.

Stacey, first of all, which city would you be moving to? Also I wouldn't really take "Die Antwoord's" depiction of life in SA seriously, its not really like that, lol