Expat Insights
Get news and useful articles for South Africans worldwide on our blog.
The Lowdown on Inheritance Tax in South Africa
If you’re a South African living abroad and you’ve got parents or close family back home, there’s a chance that you will be named as a beneficiary in someone’s Will some day in the future. If this is you right now and you’ve just been informed that you’re due an...
Best Buttermilk Recipe
Oh no! Your bags are packed, you’re in your seat and you’re about to jet off to a foreign country to start whole new life, and you just realize that Ouma Rusks are a South African thing. It’s true! Other countries don’t really know what “rusks” are…except in the UK...
Costs to Consider When Leaving South Africa
If you are thinking of leaving South Africa, you’re probably already obsessing about the costs involved. The currency conversion already puts anyone emigrating from South Africa on the back foot, but what if you think you have all the expenses catered to and suddenly...
Expat Tax Matters: How Does The New Expat Tax Law Affect Couples?
It’s not the most romantic topic for couples to discuss, but it’s one of those big adult things that needs to be addressed in every relationship: money. Specifically income, and income tax. It’s a discussion worth having, especially if you’re a couple living abroad...
Soetpatats
Everyone has a favourite ‘patat resep’ in South Africa! Soetpatats (or sweet potatoes as they are called in English) are a staple in the Saffa household and for two very good reasons: they are highly nutritious and they are absolutely delicious too! With so many ways...
Withdrawing from Retirement Funds Upon Emigration – Everything’s About to Change from March 2021
Have you heard the latest news regarding the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill that will change the way SA expats access their retirement annuity funds when emigrating from the country? Let’s talk about financial emigration and what happens to the money in your South...
Expat Tax Matters: Double Tax Agreements With South Africa
What are Double Tax Agreements? How do they work? If the idea of being taxed twice on your paycheque fills you with horror, read on, because you might find some relief in a Double Tax Treaty. As a South African tax resident living and working abroad the prospect of...
Hot Question: Can You Transfer From a Retirement Annuity to a Preservation Fund?
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible for you to transfer funds from a retirement annuity (RA) to a preservation fund, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve got the answers you’re looking for right here. Let’s take a look at what these retirement savings vehicles...
Magwinya recipe: Sweeter than usual vetkoek recipe
You don’t get a treat more South African than vetkoek, but let’s talk about a more African version of the vetkoek that belongs to the Zulu culture; aMagwinya. What is “Magwinya”? For a South African foodie, that’s an easy one to answer! Magwinya is sweet bread dough...
What is a Personalised Financial Emigration Plan™ ?
Relocating overseas is so much more than packing up your belongings, booking a flight and moving your family abroad. There’s a lot more to consider! For instance, have you thought about how your finances will work? How will you make your money work? If you’re suddenly...
Permanent Resident in Another Country? You Still Need to Emigrate Financially from South Africa
So you’ve just been granted permanent residency after leaving South Africa, which has got you pondering: do you still have to apply for financial emigration now that you’re a resident in another country? The answer is: yes. Read on to find out why… Why and how to...
Snacks that South African Travelers & Expats Miss the Most
When you jet off to a new destination and touch down on foreign shores, ready to start a whole new life, you might think that you have to leave the culture and flavours of your home country behind. You might have fears of missing grandma’s famous home-made Bobotie or...
3 Things That Happen On The Date You Cease To Be A South African Tax Resident
So what happens to you on the date that you cease to be a South African tax resident? What does it mean to cease tax residency in South Africa? Do you have to stop supporting the Springboks? Do you have to give back your South African passport? Is your citizenship...
Real Talk: Top Reasons South Africans Are Moving to America
There’s nothing quite like a pandemic to give you a dose of perspective to re-examine your priorities and come to the realisation that life is short. Health, safety, family and quality of living are the only things that really matter, and more South Africans are...
Mussels in White Wine: South African Edition
The thought of mussels in white wine just screams of a South African summer, doesn’t it? There’s certainly that summery feeling in the air and to celebrate the change of the cooler months to our sizzling festive South African summer season, we’re going to share not...