Expat Insights
Get news and useful articles for South Africans worldwide on our blog.
South African employed abroad? How does the foreign income exemption work?
First tax year working abroad? Here's what you need to know about expat tax back in South Africa to ensure you stay on the right side of the law when it comes to income tax. Is foreign income taxable in South Africa? South Africa has a residence-based tax system,...
Dessert on the braai
Before you say another word, yes, you can cook anything on the braai, including dessert! In fact, any Saffa worth their salt will agree that if it can't be cooked on the braai, it's not worth eating, and that goes for desserts as well. While rather a strange concept,...
In case you missed it: Financially emigrated doesn’t mean Tax emigrated
If it seems like there’s a lot going on when it comes to emigration, that’s because there is and it’s no wonder if you find yourself getting confused with all the terminology and jargon, because it sounds so similar. If you find yourself puzzling the difference...
The Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill: what’s the big deal for consumers?
In 2011 South Africa began implementing a new regulatory framework for the evolving financial sector. Dubbed the ‘Twin Peaks’ regime, South Africa is the eighth country in the world to adopt such an approach to governance. With the Conduct of Financial Institutions...
Hertzoggie cupcakes
Decadent puffs of chewy coconut meringue, apricot jam, and rich butter pastry make up the delicious hertzoggie, a South African teatime, in fact, any-time favourite! Saffas home and abroad will remember many childhood teatime visits complete with chatting around the...
What does it mean to be a South African tax resident temporarily abroad?
In a residence-based tax system, residents are taxed on both their local and worldwide income. South Africa has such a tax system, and legislative updates in the form of the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill effectively brought residents living overseas back into the tax...
Financial emigration from South Africa is cancelled – now what?
In an effort to simplify and modernise South Africa’s antiquated exchange control a number of changes were made that resulted in the process of formal emigration being phased out. Previously, South Africans who had permanently relocated abroad could have their...
Pinotage
Pronounced pee-na-taj, this wine is not just any wine but rather a signature South African wine. It derives its name from a blend of Pinot Noir and Hermitage, otherwise known as Cinsault. However, many Saffas and tourists don’t realise that Pinotage wine is steeped in...
Oros
While predominantly known for our South African food, many Saffas, young and old, agree that there's only one best tasting drink to be had. In fact, no other drink provides as much refreshment under the hot African sun than, dare we say it - Oros! After all,...
New year, new offshore transfer allowance for South African residents abroad
New year, new you? Forget it. This is even better than short-lived resolutions. A new calendar year means that offshore transfer allowances have reset, allowing South Africans to use their single discretionary allowance (SDA) and foreign capital allowance (FCA)...
Cape herb and spice
Everyone knows that for a dish to be truly exceptional, you need the right blend of herbs and spices to enhance the aromatic flavours of your food. For example, curry without the right masala blend would just be stew and, even then, a rather bland stew if the right...
What the FAQ? The FYI on cashing in your South African Retirement Annuity
Since formal emigration has been phased out, the question we hear most often from people is: what happens to my South African retirement annuity when I emigrate? For those South Africans who want to know whether they can still cash in their retirement annuity, we take...
How should I invest my pension payout?
It’s a question that we get asked often by future South African expats who have recently retired: how should I invest my pension payout? If you’re looking to invest in a pension payout to cover daily living costs while spending time abroad, answering this important...
What’s the deal with emigration now that the rules around citizenship, exchange control and tax residency have changed?
In a recent blog article, we unpacked the changes to the South African exchange control regulations that have an impact on South African citizens and tax residents. This was only the tip of the iceberg, and today we’re back with another lesson in how these rule...
La Colombe
La Colombe Are you visiting family or friends in South Africa sometime soon? Or perhaps you’re planning a special celebration? Then, La Colombe, South Africa, is a MUST. While a trip to Africa is memorable in itself, a visit that includes the La Colombe restaurant...