What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?
Good area and good security.
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What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

  • Millpark
  • Walmer
  • Summerstrand
  • Seaview
  • Lovemore Heights

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Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
This primarily depends on the individual’s financial status and duration of stay. However, it is suggested that expats initially move into rented premises and familiarize themselves with the city, their surroundings and also with prevailing purchase prices before making a decision to buy.
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
Yes. The norm is 2 x monthly rent payments.
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Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
No, they are additional.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
It is always advisable to choose a home in a good area that has high security.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
Electrical sockets (outlets) in South Africa are the "Type M" South African SABS1661 ("Large" 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type M " South African plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type D " Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.


All types of plug 
Electrical sockets (outlets) in South Africa usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts.

This doesn't mean that your specific appliance isn't already compatible with the higher voltage -- it may very well be.
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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

There are many good agencies in Port Elizabeth which can help you with finding accommodation:
www.justpropertygroup.co.za
www.privateproperty.co.za
www.pamgolding.co.za
www.remaxind.co.za
www.rentbay.co.za
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.