Expat Insights
Get news and useful articles for South Africans worldwide on our blog.
The future expat files: Moving abroad and cashing in your South African retirement annuity
The number of South Africans seeking international relocation opportunities is undeniably on the rise. There’s nothing quite like a global health pandemic to give you the perspective to reassess your life priorities, and come to the conclusion that life is too short...
South African croquettes
While we cannot claim that the croquette hails from our ‘truly’ South African heritage, nothing says South African food quite like taking a recipe and “South Africanising” it! The delicious croquette originates from France, and it’s thought to have been a way of...
What happens if you ceased tax residency in South Africa a number of years ago without notifying SARS?
South Africa has a residence based tax system. This means that if you are considered a resident for tax purposes, you are expected to pay income tax on your worldwide income to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). However, if you left South Africa, and you’re no...
Mother’s Day gift ideas 2021
What do you know, Mother’s Day in South Africa is just around the corner. Are you ready to spoil your mom with the best Mother’s Day gifts? If you are, well done! If not, don’t worry; we’ve got your back with a list of our favourite spoils – perfect for the South...
Top 5 countries attracting SA expats
It seems as though more and more people are expanding their horizons and traveling abroad, but the question begs to be answered; why are South Africans emigrating? Roughly 23 000 people emigrate from South Africa each year – that’s a lot of people if you think about...
Iconic South African veggie sides
The smell of steak and sausages sizzling on the braai grid over hot coals is a memory most South Africans cherish. The hustle and bustle of the family in the kitchen preparing the vegetable side dishes while the ‘braai-kings’ hold fort over the fire and watch the meat...
Top 10 things SA expats miss about home
South African expats heading for foreign shores often overlook what makes South Africa unique. Once there, it hits them like a ton of bricks: South Africa is unique and there’s a lot to miss about “back home”. Something that we often hear expats say is that they are...
How do I transfer my inheritance overseas from South Africa?
If you’re a South African living abroad with family back home, it’s likely that you’ll be included in someone’s last will and testament at some point. Cross-border inheritance claims can get complicated quickly, so it’s worth ensuring you have a grasp of things you’ll...
A marriage of cultures: paella on the braai
Paella on the braai, a marriage doomed to fail? The road to fine cuisine has been paved with doomed recipes causing the divorce of many a good chef and their pans! However, in this case, a paella braai can only mean one thing. Good food, succulent flavours and...
How to connect with an expat community when emigrating
So, you’re a South African expat; now what?! Having spent a large majority of your life in the same country, growing up with - and spending time with - the same people, the concept of moving to an entirely new environment with no familiar faces might seem a little...
Using your foreign investment allowance – what you need to know and documentation required
If you’re a South African living abroad, and you haven’t formalised your emigration or wrapped up your financial affairs back home, you’re entitled to use your Foreign Investment Allowance to transfer abroad up to R10 million per calendar year. There are certain...
Repurposing Easter eggs
When Easter passes, and everyone has had their fill of Beacon marshmallow easter eggs, what do you do with all of the leftovers? You know what they say; “waste not, want not”, especially when it comes to chocolate treats! Instead of throwing your pile of uneaten...
Do I have to get a job when moving to Australia on a work visa, or can I freelance?
Many South Africans have their eyes set on Australia as their next home country. In fact, you might be one of them. If you are eyeing out the land down under, there are a few things you need to research before you pack your bags and leave. For starters, do you know...
Living annuities vs guaranteed life annuities: what is the difference?
At retirement, you’ll be faced with one of the most important decisions of your life, and it’s likely that you’ll have to have to choose between a living annuity and a guaranteed life annuity. Regardless of other investments you hold, if you belong to a retirement...
South African oxtail potjie
All hail the South African Oxtail Potjie! What could be better than sitting under the huge African sky, the potjie pot bubbling on the open fire, surrounded by family and friends? Can you smell the smokey fire intertwined with the tantalising flavours of the...