If you are travelling to South Africa from Nigeria, this post was written with you in mind. South Africa is a beautiful country, no doubt. However, travelling to South Africa when you are a Nigerian can be a big decision but make you no scatter your brain. We have 15 tips to help you plan well well!
A man cannot sit down alone to plan for prosperity – Nigerian Proverb
1. Location
South Africa has 9 provinces (states) and over 70 towns and cities. Choose your preferred location wisely o.
In the United Kingdom, East London is a popularly and informally defined part of London. In South Africa, East London is a city in the Eastern Cape province. Know the difference! Do not get scammed.
Ask Yourself: Before travelling to South Africa from Nigeria, which province and town/city will I live? How much do I know about the place? Is the area safe for African immigrants? Do I know anyone in that area? Has this area had issues with xenophobic attacks?
2. Accommodation
Use property websites such as Property24 and Private Property to find accommodation in South Africa while you are still in Nigeria.
Unlike in Nigeria, rent is paid monthly in South Africa. Rent can be relatively expensive depending on the property type and where you are renting the property.
Ask Yourself: How much do different properties, such as a house, flat, townhouse, etc. will cost in my preferred province? Will I be renting from an agency or directly from the homeowner? Am I going to be living alone or sharing the property will other people? Will I be renting a room or the whole property? What are my rights as a tenant?
3. Before Travelling To South Africa From Nigeria, Ask Yourself About INCOME
The average cost of living for one person living in the City of Johannesburg is R8500 (N225 462.55) per month (University of the Witwatersrand: 2017).
South Africa has an expanded unemployment rate of 36.3%, which means over 9.2 million people are unemployed in South Africa (Statistics South Africa, 2018).
Your income will need to cater for rent, food, and transport (among other things). You need a job or a business that will cover your monthly expenses. If you are going the job route, then find the job while in Nigeria. By the way, there are fantastic opportunities for highly skilled Nigerians in South Africa. If you are going the business route, then start it while in Nigeria, if possible. Ensure that you have permission from the South African government (a valid permit) to work or conduct business in the country.
Already in South Africa but struggling to find a job or business opportunities? You may consider networking by volunteering at one of the Registered Non-Profit Organisations for Nigerians in South Africa.
Ask Yourself: What is my current source of income in Nigeria? What will be my source of income in South Africa? How much will I need to earn every month to cover my living expenses?
4. Currency
Change your money into the local currency (South African Rand) at the airport before travelling to South Africa from Nigeria or at the South African Airport when you arrive.
Do not pay for anything in dollars in South Africa. Think in Rands and Nairas, and not Dollars.
Find out local prices and naira equivalent while you are still in Nigeria, e.g. taxi fare, airtime/credit, food, accommodation. Convert South African Rands to Nigerian Naira on https://themoneyconverter.com/ZAR/NGN.aspx.
Ask Yourself: Before travelling to South Africa from Nigeria, will I have enough money to survive in South Africa for at least six months? How much does everything cost in South African Rands versus Nigerian Naira?
5. Banking
Money is a sensitive matter. Do not resort to using other people’s accounts to bank your money. This can get very complicated very quickly.
Unlike most banks, Standard Bank has different banking solutions for foreign nationals and all you need is a valid passport, permit, or visa, and your proof of residence.
Ask Yourself: Which bank offers banking solutions for foreign nationals? How much will my bank charges be every month?
6. Communication
Buying a South African sim card at the airport is less complicated – all you need is your passport. If you do not buy it at the airport and try to buy it later at a retail shop, you will be asked for your passport and proof of residence. Your +27 sim card is your gateway to communicating with locals as well as family and friends back home.
A new study by Research ICT Africa shows that South Africa has the highest data costs among the continent’s leading economies, which include Egypt, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Kenya
Calling an MTN Nigeria subscriber back home? MTN offers discounted international calling rates such as their “R30 International Calling bundles with discounted rates”.
Ask Yourself: Which network provider will I be using? How much is airtime (credit)? what is the cost of data? How do I buy airtime? Where do I buy airtime?
7. Explore
If you are staying with friends of friends, do not let anyone keep you indoors or collect your money to buy things on your behalf. Explore your surroundings – go to the nearest park for a walk or the shopping mall for some window-shopping at least! Take note not to explore your surroundings at night; prioritize your safety first.
The best way to get to know a new place is to walk around when the sun is up.
If safe to do so, ask as many questions as possible. This is not the time to form ‘big boy’ o. If you are too shy, then Google and Quora are your best friends!
Ask Yourself: Do I know the surroundings of the area I am living in? If living in other people’s homes, am I free to leave anytime? Do I feel in control of my stay in South Africa?
8. Travel
If you have enough money, consider going on one or more of our recommended Affordable South African Tourist Attractions. South Africa is a leading travel destination; use this time to travel within the province you are in.
“In 2017, South Africa received 3.5 million travellers. The top five overseas countries with the largest number of tourists visiting South Africa were the USA, UK, Germany, The Netherlands and France.” – (Statistics South Africa: 2017)
9. Spending
Use your money wisely and sparingly. Once again, do not try to do ‘big boy things’. Keep your money safe, and do not get distracted by the noise of others. Make sure you know what you are paying for. With that said, maybe you should avoid clubs and clubbing for now.
Be quick to think and slow to pay.
10. Passport
Always carry your original passport or a certified copy to avoid unnecessary drama. Your passport must be valid (not expired), and you need to have a valid South African visa/permit.
Your passport is your responsibility, do not allow anyone to keep it ‘safe’ for you.
11. Crime
Do not allow anyone to convince or force you to do any illegal activities or jobs. Anyone who has your best interests at heart will not introduce you to illegal job or business opportunities.
If any one approaches you with an offer to make quick money doing illegal activities, stay clear of them immediately.
12. Rights
Familiarise yourself with the South African constitution, laws, etc. Know your rights and always abide by the law. Try a visit to Constitution Hill; it is one of our favourite Affordable South African Tourist Attractions.
‘To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity’ – Nelson Mandela
