Expat Insights
Get news and useful articles for South Africans worldwide on our blog.
Roompoffertjies
Poffertjes, or roompoffertjies as they’re known in Afrikaans, are Dutch mini pancakes with a part risen flying saucer shape. Roompoffertjies are a true nostalgic treat traditionally made from buckwheat flour with added yeast to ensure they puff up during baking. The...
Smart South African entrepreneurs – lessons from the brains behind Yuppiechef
It’s a household name in South Africa, and for good reason. It’s a brand that stood the test of time and its humble beginnings make for one of the best kinds of stories - a tale that warms both the heart and ignites an entrepreneurial spark in people. Today Yuppiechef...
Saffa style broccoli and cauliflower salad
Typical South African food includes the likes of broccoli and cauliflower, but have you ever thought of putting these two ingredients in a salad? Most people are used to having these veggies warm as part of a Sunday roast or even a midweek stew. But Saffas who know a...
The South African Dream – what’s that all about?
Why do we limit ourselves to thinking the perfect dream is the American dream? It’s not the only dream worth dreaming - what about the South African dream? It’s a real dream too! A so-called third world country, South Africans are known for being hard workers, big...
Why can’t I withdraw from my Retirement Annuity?
It happens to us all. A financial crunch hits, and we start thinking about the funds we’ve squirreled away in our retirement annuities. Being able to cash in your retirement annuity might help you out of a pickle today but would leave you in even more of a pickle in...
Tomato bredie
When hearing the words "tomato bredie", most of us are transported back to our childhoods, our memories entwined with the joy of this delicious yet oh-so-simple traditional dish. There are many different ways to serve tomato bredie, be it with rice, stywe pap or just...
Meeting up with South African family
Coming home is an exciting experience, especially if you have been away for a long time. Blame it on Covid, finances, studies or personal situation; travelling to see the family has not been the easiest for anyone in the past few years. It's the same the world over;...
Can I cash in my retirement annuity if I have formally emigrated?
By now, it should be common knowledge that formal emigration from South Africa facilitated by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is no longer an option for South African expats. This legislative change had a far-reaching impact on how South African emigrants are...
Gordon Ramsay’s burgers on the braai in SA
If the words braai or South African recipe don’t have you automatically reaching for your apron, it’s time to get your South African reflexes checked! You’ve either been on the wrong side of the equator for too long or suffering from amnesia, in which case, it’s time...
Connecting with South Africans online
Heading overseas is exciting – you’re soon to be a South African expat, revelling in all that is new and shiny about a foreign country. Not only have you planned every finite detail, from which flights to take to how to pull off the best space-saving packing...
Emigrating from SA after 55 – the tax implications you need to know about
One of the most exciting things about retiring is that it’s a whole new chapter of possibilities. Usually by now the kids have grown and moved out of a house that’s paid off. What comes next? That’s entirely up to you. While there’s probably very little stopping you...
South African snacks
If there’s one thing all visitors comment on when visiting our stunning part of the world, it’s our love of snacks. Of course, our infamous impromptu get-togethers and lekker weekend kuiers with family and friends haven’t helped this observation. After all, what...
Expat Money Matters: Can I really move my money out of South Africa?
If you’re already living overseas, you’re probably making plans to complete your financial transition. If you’re still plotting your international relocation, it helps to know exactly how you’re going to get your money out of South Africa, and what the rules are...
Clearing up misconceptions around South African retirement savings and moving abroad
There has been much confusion in the expat community since the concept of formal emigration through the South African Reserve Bank was phased out, effective 01 March 2021. These changes seem to have raised more questions than they’ve answered, so we’ve put together...
Trout on the grill
While most braai recipes call for a massive selection of meat products, mostly beef, trout on the grill is just as popular and equally tasty! What could be better than fish on the braai when getting together with friends and family? Granted, steak on the braai is more...