Hi,

My boyfriend has been offered a job for a pro sports team in Durban and we should be moving over in July. We are looking at Living in Umhlanga in Izinga Ridge complex? Its a 3 year contract.

I am 21 and my BF is 24. Can you tell me how serious crime is in that area as its the one issue holding me back. He may be away a night a weeek and I'd hate to live in fear when alone? We are flying our German Shepherd over to keep me company!

What is there to do for young people there? What clothes should I bring?!!

Also what would our living expenses be after rent, for 2 mobiles, internet, DSTV, food, electricity, water, med aid, car insurance, etc etc.

We are looking at taking a small box of furniture bits, does anyone know how to do this, how much it costs?

Would our UK flat screen tv's and dvd player work over there if we take them?

Do we need Jabs in the UK to move there?

Any information would be great!

Thanks again.

Hi Ellie,
Would you be able to come over to SA with your boyfriend, would you not need a visa of some sort?

I'm not familiar with Durban, we stay in Jhb., but there is crime, all over SA. If he is moving to a 'complex' then you would have a little bit of security, either a security guard or an electric gate, however, this doesn't stop the criminals from getting in. Do they allow dogs?, sometimes, these places because of house close your neighbours are, do not allow dogs in the complex.

If I were alone for a night a week, I would certainly feel fearful, and probably be unable to sleep, but hey that is just me!

Another point, regarding the dog....once you leave SA and return to wherever it is that you are coming from, your dog will be subject to 6months quarantine.....bear that in mind.

There are loads of things to do for young people in SA, however, the question is; would you feel safe going out at night?

We are heading for Winter now, although Durban isn't the coldest of places, the homes are also not 'geared' for winter, so you would need to wrap up.


I'm not sure what your rent would be like, but I'm estimating:

Rent: R6000 pm
2 x Mobiles: R1000pm
Internet: R600pm (ADSL Telkom Line)
DSTV: R500pm
Food: R4000pm
Water: R500pm
Med.Aid: Unsure - do not have it, as it's expensive - just have hosp. plan
Car Ins: Your ages count against you so depending on the car you'd drive, it would be quite expensive.
Household Ins: Again, depending on the area....so not sure.

I'm not sure about taking a small box of furniture bits - maybe airfrieght it with Excess Baggage.

Your TV and DVD would work, just need to change the plugs.

Not sure about 'Jabs', I would phone your local GP to ask him that, or if you have a 'travel clinic'.

Good Luck

Hi ElliB3627
Firstly, it doesn’t matter which part of Durban you live in, there is Crime in EVERY area. I live in Durban and trust me when I say that it's the same everywhere. Living within a complex provides itself with a little more security as you will have neighbors close by and you will more than likely have to gain access to the complex through a main entrance that everyone uses. This will either be controlled by an external Security Company or you will have access via remote control.
Moving into a complex has its pros and cons. You will need to find out whether you German Shepherd will be allowed into the complex. Most complexes do not allow for large breed dogs as gardens etc are usually ‘open plan’, so you will need to confirm this before you make his / her flight arrangements.
You will not need any vaccinations to travel to South Africa, so there is no need to worry in that regard.
If you are coming in July, you will be fortunate to be arriving in our Winter, so the climate change from the English Summer to the Durban Winter is minimal. Clothing would be what you would be wearing if you were still in England.
We use the same Electricity Voltage as in the UK. You would just need to get yourself a plug converter – from Square pin to Round pin, and your electrical appliances will work over here.
There is plenty to see and do in Durban, but no doubt you will get into a ‘clique’ very quickly owing to your BF’s new job.
I cannot give advice on how to transport your belongings, that you would have to find out from one of your International Removal companies in the UK.
I hope this helps you a little. Please do not hesitate to shout if you need any further assistance.
It’s quiet strange really…..you are moving here, and I want to move back ‘home’.
Take care

Take care in Durban City was last there in 2004 and was shocked at the changes from years before.
Lovely beaches but again walking along the sea front by the large hotels be very careful.

Hi also agree, dont think a complex would allow a German Sherpherd!! Crime is all over South Africa but Umhlanga is safer than some other areas, just need to watch your back at all times. Getting into the car and having to check that all the doors are locked, making sure the house and alarm are on at night etc, but you will soon get into the way of life that millions of South Africans have to face on a daily basis. Shopping, beaches etc are great in Umhlanga area, just stay out of Durban centre!! Food etc is cheaper than the UK but have a look at medical, car insurance before you go. You need medical insurance as a hospital plan is useless. Good luck!!

Hey,

Thank you for all your replies so far. We have been told the house does allow pets and the garden is enclosed, they are just putting an electric gate on the front to fully secure it for the dog. We would be living in a gated complex, with 2 security gaurds on the entrance.

If you were me would you go or do you think its too dangerous?

Any other tips on Umhlanga, would be great.
Thanks everyone.


xx

Heh heh
Have you read some of the posts on this forum?

I'm pretty sure I know what the answer to your question will be

"with 2 security gaurds on the entrance."

On the Integrity and professionalism of Secuity Guard Training in SA I am sure Tegwen could write a book.
The entire Security of any Estate is decided on how much the Gate guards are paid.
If, as most are, as the Gate Guard is level 1 on the training ladder, they are paid slightly more than the minimum wage , then getting a cut from the takins is common.
Not all, agreed, but I'm always amazed that the cumulative replacement value of the goods/cars in any security estate is usually a staggering amount of millions,being Guarded by 4 guys who's take home pay is less than hosting 8 friends to lunch at a halfway Decent restuarant.
Ellie, I answered you on the sister forum to this one, I told you that if you were my daughter or Sister, then the answer is dont go.
On the other hand, you are 21, other than aids or death, anything else can be helped with Therapy.

On the other hand, you may well go and be lucky and then come on here as an expert living there not understanding why we all "Hate" the place so.
I told you, go, be careful, listen to advice, and dont go anywhere alone or where you are alone.
and if you are alone at home, lock all the doors with the dog inside, Criminals hate noise.

I can't comment on KZN - but for your info (and my fellow BE chums) it might be worth just sharing my recent situation and the decision we made.

I was offered a job in the USA - and on the same day was offered my old job back in the UK - both were salary increases on current package, both included relocation overseas and a nice handshake package. Mrs EEE and I went to the USA and the UK on a 3 week field trip to check it all out (knowing the UK well of course).

Very long story short - we simply couldn't replicate the lifestyle we enjoy here in either the US or UK - weighed up the dangers of being here against our perceived limitations of living overseas. Lots of soul-searching, sleepless nights etc but have made the call. We're staying - we've been here for 6 years in total. It will never be home, but it is where we want to be - right now.

People will question why we'd stay given our options. Perhaps when I have been exposed personally to crime I'll think I made the wrong call - but I don't live in constant fear, I drive a nice car, live in a wonderful house and my kids go to great schools - none of which we could do overseas. In 6 years I haven't seen a sniff of danger, and nor have my family. It doesn't mean we're not aware of the risks, but I am extremely happy here and despite the oft-repeated frustrations of living in SA, will be here for some time to come. Hopefully.

Ed. You face the kind of situation that many have faced. It's not easy, and alas it doesn't get any easier as the years roll on.

What sort of visa are you coming on? What will your immigration status be?

Dear Pablo,

I'm really unsure as to that, when my boyfriend gets his contract through this week he was going to take it to the SA embassy and sort it out, I thought to get a work permit? He said as I'm his partner I get to go over with him? Do we need to sort visa's out too then or is that the same?

Thanks for the help.

You will both need visas. The SA High Commission will explain.

and you will need a work permit which can take two years.

Oh dear God, my sides ache. Dear Ellie, not laughing at you. It is the macabre humour one acquires after years of dealing with crime. My niece sold her holiday home in Umhlanga because of issues with crime. Her hubs OWNS an armed response (company) and they have been robbed a few times anyway.

If you were my daughter, I would do everything in my power to stop you from moving there. A holiday - maybe but not to live. Saying that, other than the criminal element, Umhlanga is beautiful. I do however have to wonder if you will ever get a visa though. Probably will need to get married to speed up the process.