Moving to Johannesburg


Well-known for its role in South Africa's tumultuous history, the city is founded on gold, dust, contrast and conflict. The pace of life in Joburg can be frenetic as business people pursue their ambitions and consumers shop with apparent abandon. The nickname eGoli, given to the city by locals, means "place of gold" and refers not just to the gold found below the ground but also the proliferation of wealth above it.

Despite its industrial reputation for mining and commerce, Johannesburg is not without its own unique brand of natural beauty. Its affluent neighbourhoods are spacious, leafy and quiet, and beyond the electrified fences one can find landscaped gardens of pastoral splendour.


That said, many Joburg locals simply head to the city's mega malls for shopping, socialising and movie watching.

There are, however, downsides to life in Johannesburg. It is a fast-paced, vibrant metropolis characterised by continuous growth, but the shadows of its wealth hide an underside marred by crime and poverty. Kamikaze-like minibus taxis, which function as the most commonly used public transport, make owning a car essential. Walking in certain areas is also inadvisable due to safety concerns. 


Expats often remark on the ideal climate that Johannesburg enjoys, and the weather certainly is one of the major attractions for many people moving to Joburg. Summer is characterised by hot, clear days and spectacular late afternoon thunderstorms, while its frosty winter mornings resolve into dry, warm days.


Expat Health Insurance Partners

Aetna International


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Cigna Global


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