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    Due to the logistics of the Annual Meetings, the Family Network will be working remotely the week of October 14-17, 2025. Our physical office will be closed, but you can reach us any time by phone: +1 202 473 8751 or email: Famillynetwork@worldbank.org

Get Involved - Why Volunteer?
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Get Involved—Volunteers Registration Form
Get Involved—Volunteers Registration Form
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Get Involved —Volunteer Handbook
The Power of Community
The Power of Community
MEN AT WBFN Space for Connection
MEN AT WBFN Space for Connection
Incredible India: A Journey Through Culture, Spirituality, and Adventure
Incredible India: A Journey Through Culture, Spirituality, and Adventure

Members' Recommendations

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. Information you can gather through  books and the internet, cannot replace first hand experience as shared below by WBFN members. If you are already in the Country Office and have some additional experience/tips you would like to share, please contact the WBFN Local Champion or the WBFN office and we will be glad to amend our members' recommendation for this specific country accordingly. WBFN is happy to share—but cannot endorse—information provided by members [consult WBFN Legal]. You have to be a registered WBFN member in order to access the information below; please log in/register

Members Recommendations

  1. 1. When arriving
  2. 2. Short term housing
  3. 3. Housing & understanding your lease
  4. 4. Neighborhoods
  5. 5. Schools and daycares
  6. 6. Security
  7. 7. Healthcare providers & emergencies
  8. 8. Shopping
  9. 9. Recreational activities
  10. 10. Communities
  11. 11. Useful Resources/Books
  12. 12. Other recommendations
  1. 1. When arriving
    1. 1.1 What to bring with you
      • You will be able to find everything you need here, but you might bring your personal items.
  2. 2. Short term housing
    • It is easy to rent a furnished apartment for few months.
  3. 3. Housing & understanding your lease
    • In Pretoria you work with real estate agents, and the WBG staff is very helpful with the contract. Pretoria is very secure, you don’t need to worry about house security.
    • Every wealthy family has a maid and a gardener. It’s important to have a contract with them.
    • Check If the school bus is picking up your child.
  4. 4. Neighborhoods
    • Most expats live in East Pretoria, which is close to the American School (until 9th grade) and to the WBG office.
    • Nice estates are Woodhill, Silver Lakes and Boardwalk. Nice neighborhoods are Waterkloof, Brooklyn, Lynnwood
  5. 5. Schools and daycares
    • There is plenty choice for international schools, daycares and nannies
    • Public schools are not recommended.
    • The American school has a campus in Pretoria (until grade 9th) with bus pick up. After grade 8 students are going to the Johannesburg campus in Midrand (this campus is from pre-k till 12th with IB program). It’s 45 minutes-1 hour commute with a pick up bus.
    • Check with both schools about the bus route before taking a lease.
  6. 6. Security
    • When you arrive, WBG security staff informs you about what to do or not, at home, when driving, etc. They’ll make a home visit before you sign the lease.
    • Spouses are on the network for security information, like demonstrations, strikes, etc.
    • Security is not an issue here if you follow the rules, be practical and aware.
  7. 7. Healthcare providers & emergencies
    • In South Africa there are good hospitals, doctors and labs. Staff are highly trained.
    • Emergency #: 112
  8. 8. Shopping
    1. 8.1 Supermarkets
      • You have a large choice of supermarkets: Woolworth, Pick and Pay, Spar, Checkers, and shops, bakeries, etc. Most of them are in malls, open on the streets and secured.
      • Shopping for groceries is easy and can be make online, so you can explore before coming.
      • There are several organic shops (just google it). A nice one is Pure Living, Justice Mohamed Street.
      • There are farmers markets every weekend.
  9. 9. Recreational activities
    • There are lots of activities to do with kids, there is ice skating, swimming, trampoline, amusements centers, cinemas, horse riding, any kind of sports, paintball, etc.
    • Museums, concerts, theater, stadiums, zoos, etc. are everywhere.
    • You can go every weekend to farms, lodges, game reserves, National parks, etc.
    1. 9.1 Restaurants

      The choice of restaurants, pubs, kids-friendly restaurants is never ending, with real good quality and cheaper place to eat.

  10. 10. Communities

    On Facebook:

    • WBFN Johannesburg
    • Trailing spouses Pretoria
    • Trailing spouses Pretoria buy and sell
    • Wanderlust SA (for travels)
    • PA associations
    • Pretoria expats and friends

    WhatsApp groups, including

    • WBFN Pretoria and
    • ​WBFN Joburg

    Communities: check with your consulate.

  11. 11. Useful Resources/Books

    Books:

    • Cry, the beloved country
    • Nelson Mandela biography
    • Any Andre Brink, Nadine Gordimer, J M Coetzee, Deon Meyer, etc.
    • Read about the history and the apartheid, then head to the apartheid museum in Joburg.

    Music:

          Anything from the townships, Johnny Clegg, Myriam Makeba, etc.

    Guides:

    Lonely planet, Eyewitness travel, “Make the most of your time in SA” Mapstudio (in Exclusive Books book shop)

  12. 12. Other recommendations
    • A lot of people are afraid to come to South Africa because of violence and Aids. Violence is most common in townships and if you follow the rules that WBG office is giving you, you won´t have any problem or danger.
    • A very rich and diverse country with 11 official languages!!
    • You don’t need to learn any local language as most of the people speak English.
    • It’s a very beautiful and very interesting country with a lot of economic and social challenges. People are very kind and welcome you everywhere.
    • Nice weather in Pretoria with 4 seasons. Great food, wine and beer. Great international community.
    • There are bike tours in Soweto: a must to do!
    • It’s a very developed country with a lot of inequalities, but fantastic for us as expat!
    • keep in mind that South Africa is left drive!