Moving to Joburg | ExpatWoman.com
 

Moving to Joburg

1848
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 April 2017 - 11:10
Thanks girls, feel a little more reassured. One things I'm not sure about is how do teens go about socialising? Obviously there is no public transport and people say don't drive late at night? I Dubai, they would get the train or Kareem taxi thing, where we currently live, we have a driver. When we go to Joburg, I'll then be the driver again. Any thoughts During the week they do after school sport and that is kind of like socialising. After school sport in SA is on a totally different level than Dubai. In Dubai its below average compared to SA. On weekends kids have sleepovers or stay over at each others homes until a parent comes to pick them up. Compound kids just ride bicycles to each others homes and stay&play there. Xbox and Playstation is very popular among the older kids of course. Younger kids more swim time and running around the garden when not watching cartoons.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2017 - 15:49
Uber is a good option. We use it a lot when on holiday in South Africa and its not badly priced. Much cheaper i think than other taxis and safer.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 April 2017 - 14:53
You may be able to find a reliable old boer who runs a one man taxi service - driving about for his private clients to make ends meet. They did exist a few years ago.
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 April 2017 - 13:20
Thanks girls, feel a little more reassured. One things I'm not sure about is how do teens go about socialising? Obviously there is no public transport and people say don't drive late at night? I Dubai, they would get the train or Kareem taxi thing, where we currently live, we have a driver. When we go to Joburg, I'll then be the driver again. Any thoughts
1848
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2017 - 00:13
Half of my family stays in Johannesburg and have not been affected by crime. You just need to not be flashy and stay low key. Your son will have an excellent social life as Saffas are very friendly and welcoming. Dainfurn to Rosebank is a 32 minute drive so good location. Dainfurn to AISJ is about 18 minutes drive. Everything give or take depending on traffic. You will be fine.
56
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2017 - 11:59
HI Tim Tam Dainfern is a good compound and community to live in and is very secure, but please remember as the other ladies have commented on keep door locked on your cars at all times when driving, put your handbag under the seat, not in view of anyone passing by. also your house doors. I grew up in Joburg, lived and worked in Sandton and Rosebank, before I returned back to the UK and now I am in Dubai, it comes down to remaining vigilant at all times, I know its not nice to think of, but you have to. It is a beautiful country, unfortunately it has its problems, wish you all the best with the move,
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2017 - 17:18
Thanks CB and lilyuae, We are in a bit of a dilemma as husband will be working in Rosebank, but our son will go to AISJ (American International School of Joburg) He will be doing his IB Diploma (only school that offers it). So other ends of the earth. We are looking at Dainfern Golf estate, but it will be a 1hr commute for my husband. Yet safe for my son and I and better social life for him. There isn't a perfect option really. Dainfern sounds like the Truman show estate come Wisteria Lane (Desperate Housewives):biggrin:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 March 2017 - 20:47
Hi, Hope I'm not too late in providing a response. I'm an expat from Joburg and grew up there. It's true that it isn't a safe country to live in, however, if you are vigilant and take daily necessary precautions it limits your risk; examples; never keep your bag on seats or floor of car - put in boot; keep valuables like phone out of sight whilst driving; keep your doors locked and windows closed at traffic lights. It sounds daunting but it's part of life in SA and you quickly become accustomed to it. The beauty is the weather, people are friendly, there's customer centricity and it's so green despite being a large city. If you are going to be working in Rosebank, try considering areas that are in close proximity- traffic is bad and it is very common for traffic lights to not work. Areas to possibly consider; Northcliff; Fairland; Sandton (traffic is a nightmare though), Parkhurst; Illovo. Try living in a gated complex with security - it's safer and you have neighbours in close proximity. Good luck!
175
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2017 - 10:09
i've not lived in Joburg but i grew up in SA, originally from the UK My husband is from Joburg so been there a few times If the job is in Rosebank, you're best bet is to look at staying in Sandton area, that is close by and a nice area. Also Morningside, although further to drive around 30mins something you might want to consider, just so you feel more at ease which is what i would definitely do if i move back there, is to put the Anti smash & Grab tint on the car. I'm sure if you google you will find tons of places that will do it. And just be vigilant and have common sense. Like dont leave your handbag on the passenger seat like many of us do in Dubai, keep it on the floor on the passenger side out of sight. Just simple things like that & you'll be fine also i'd recommend living in a gated community which will make you feel more secure. There are plenty in Joburg with 24hr security at the gates
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2017 - 08:04
Unfortunately not easy to avoid when the job is there for 2 years. There are loads of South African's in Dubai, hopefully someone will answer
767
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2017 - 17:58
Hope you get some reply, I'm interested to know too, not that I ever been, but always heard that Joburg is a place to avoid. There are so many South Africans in Dubai, you could perhaps try to find a SA group on Facebook and they could advice.
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2017 - 15:22
Hi, we have just been advised we'll be relocating for my DH job, he'll be working in Rosebank and our children will most probably go to AISJ as they are currently in the IB system. We have been there as tourists but have no idea what it's like to live there. We know all the horror stories about crime, carjacking etc, people are already telling us we are crazy, but you go were the jobs are. Can anyone give advise on what areas we should be looking to live in? We don't know our budget yet, but wanted to start to have a look to get an idea. Any other recommendations about anything would be great. Thanks :)
 
 

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