🌍 Overview
Johannesburg, the vibrant metropolis of South Africa, has emerged as a hotspot for digital nomads seeking an affordable and exciting destination. This bustling city offers a unique blend of urban grit and African charm, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. With its relatively low cost of living, Johannesburg has become a hub for digital nomads, offering a range of coworking spaces, social events, and cultural experiences that cater to the needs of remote workers.
As a digital nomad destination, Johannesburg boasts a thriving community of like-minded individuals, with numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and social venues where nomads can connect and share knowledge. The city’s infrastructure, while not yet fully developed, is improving rapidly, with faster internet speeds and more coworking spaces popping up every month. However, it’s essential to set realistic expectations, as the city’s infrastructure scores 46/100, with some areas experiencing power outages and internet connectivity issues.
Johannesburg’s lifestyle is a major draw for digital nomads, offering a unique blend of urban excitement and African culture. From exploring the city’s vibrant street art scene to indulging in delicious local cuisine, there’s always something to discover in this fascinating city. With a relatively low cost of living, Johannesburg offers a great balance between affordability and quality of life, making it an excellent choice for remote workers.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Braamfontein
Braamfontein is a trendy neighborhood in the heart of Johannesburg, known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic cafes, and coworking spaces. This neighborhood offers a unique blend of urban grit and bohemian charm, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The average monthly rent in Braamfontein is around $450-$600, with plenty of options for one-bedroom apartments.
Pros: Braamfontein offers a lively atmosphere, with numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and social venues. The neighborhood is relatively safe, with a strong police presence and a 24-hour security guard at the Braamfontein Precinct.
Cons: Braamfontein can be noisy, with traffic and construction noise in the area.
Notable streets: The main street, Jan Smuts Avenue, is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, while the adjacent Smit Street is home to several coworking spaces and tech startups.
Why nomads choose Braamfontein: Its central location, vibrant atmosphere, and abundance of coworking spaces make Braamfontein an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Parkview
Parkview is a leafy suburb in northern Johannesburg, known for its tranquil atmosphere, scenic views, and outdoor recreational activities. This neighborhood offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the surrounding nature reserves.
Pros: Parkview offers a serene atmosphere, with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and a range of outdoor recreational activities. The neighborhood is relatively safe, with a strong police presence and a low crime rate.
Cons: Parkview is located about 30 minutes outside the city center, which can make commuting time-consuming.
Notable streets: The main street, Botha Avenue, is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, while the adjacent Hurlingham Road offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Why nomads choose Parkview: Its tranquil atmosphere, scenic views, and outdoor recreational activities make Parkview an attractive destination for digital nomads seeking a peaceful retreat.
Maboneng
Maboneng is a trendy neighborhood in the heart of Johannesburg, known for its vibrant arts scene, street art, and urban renewal projects. This neighborhood offers a unique blend of urban grit and cultural charm, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Pros: Maboneng offers a lively atmosphere, with numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and social venues. The neighborhood is relatively safe, with a strong police presence and a 24-hour security guard at the Maboneng Precinct.
Cons: Maboneng can be noisy, with traffic and construction noise in the area.
Notable streets: The main street, 1 Fox Street, is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, while the adjacent 44 Stanley Avenue offers stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.
Why nomads choose Maboneng: Its vibrant atmosphere, street art, and urban renewal projects make Maboneng an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Riviera
Riviera is a trendy neighborhood in northern Johannesburg, known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic cafes, and coworking spaces. This neighborhood offers a unique blend of urban grit and bohemian charm, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Pros: Riviera offers a lively atmosphere, with numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and social venues. The neighborhood is relatively safe, with a strong police presence and a low crime rate.
Cons: Riviera can be noisy, with traffic and construction noise in the area.
Notable streets: The main street, Riviera Road, is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, while the adjacent 7th Avenue offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Why nomads choose Riviera: Its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic cafes, and coworking spaces make Riviera an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
- The Space: Offers private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms, with prices starting from $250 per month.
- Cape Town Coworking: Offers private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms, with prices starting from $200 per month.
- The Hub: Offers private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms, with prices starting from $300 per month.
Internet quality: Johannesburg offers average internet speeds of 12 Mbps, with some areas experiencing fiber availability.
Nomad community scene: Johannesburg has a thriving digital nomad community, with numerous coworking spaces, social events, and meetups. Join the Johannesburg Nomad Meetup Group or the Johannesburg Digital Nomad Facebook Group to connect with other nomads.
Best cafes to work from:
- The Revolver Club: Offers a relaxed atmosphere, with excellent coffee and internet.
- The Nelson Mandela Bridge: Offers stunning views of the surrounding cityscape, with excellent coffee and internet.
- The Maboneng Precinct: Offers a lively atmosphere, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Visa options for remote workers: South Africa offers various visa options for remote workers, including the Temporary Residence Visa, the Business Visa, and the Remote Work Visa.
Banking and practical setup tips:
- Standard Bank: Offers a range of banking services, including international transfers and currency exchange.
- FNB: Offers a range of banking services, including international transfers and currency exchange.
- Cellphone networks: South Africa offers several cellphone networks, including Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Local Customs and Etiquette
- Greetings: Greet locals with a handshake or a nod, and use formal titles such as “Mr.” or “Mrs.”
- Dress code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or cultural sites.
- Tipping culture: Tip around 10-15% in restaurants and bars.
Food Scene Highlights
- Soweto: Offers a range of traditional South African cuisine, including bobotie and boerewors.
- Jozi: Offers a range of international cuisine, including Italian, Chinese, and Indian.
- Melville: Offers a range of cafes and restaurants, with a focus on local and organic produce.
Nightlife and Social Scene
- Long Street: Offers a range of bars and clubs, with a focus on live music and dancing.
- Parkhurst: Offers a range of bars and clubs, with a focus on live music and dancing.
- Maboneng: Offers a range of bars and clubs, with a focus on live music and dancing.
Arts and Cultural Attractions
- The Apartheid Museum: Offers a glimpse into South Africa’s complex history, with exhibits on apartheid and the struggle against it.
- The Nelson Mandela Bridge: Offers stunning views of the surrounding cityscape, with a focus on public art and sculpture.
- The Johannesburg Art Gallery: Offers a range of contemporary and modern art, with a focus on South African artists.
Language Situation
- English: Spoken by the majority of the population, with a high level of proficiency.
- Afrikaans: Spoken by a significant minority, with a focus on business and commerce.
- Zulu: Spoken by a significant minority, with a focus on cultural and traditional practices.
⭐ Highlights
- Visit the Apartheid Museum: Offers a glimpse into South Africa’s complex history, with exhibits on apartheid and the struggle against it.
- Explore the Johannesburg Art Gallery: Offers a range of contemporary and modern art, with a focus on South African artists.
- Take a stroll along the Nelson Mandela Bridge: Offers stunning views of the surrounding cityscape, with a focus on public art and sculpture.
- Visit the Maboneng Precinct: Offers a lively atmosphere, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops.
- Go hiking in the Magaliesberg Mountains: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with a focus on outdoor recreational activities.
- Take a tour of the Soweto township: Offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the township, with a focus on traditional South African cuisine and crafts.
- Visit the Johannesburg Zoo: Offers a range of animals, including lions, elephants, and giraffes.
💡 Practical Tips
- Visa requirements: Check the South African government’s website for the latest visa requirements and regulations.
- Getting around: Use a combination of taxis, Uber, and public transport to get around the city.
- Safety considerations: Avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable taxi services.
- Best time to visit: Visit during the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Money matters: Use a combination of credit cards and cash, with a focus on the South African Rand (ZAR).
- Healthcare and insurance: Check with your health insurance provider for coverage in South Africa, and consider purchasing additional insurance for emergency medical evacuations.
I hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with a wealth of information to help you navigate Johannesburg as a digital nomad. With its unique blend of urban grit and African charm, Johannesburg is an exciting destination for remote workers, offering a range of coworking spaces, social events, and cultural experiences.
