What You Need to Know Before Moving To Africa

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Moving to Africa is not for the faint of heart. It’s a different world with different rules, and you need to know exactly what you’re getting into before taking the plunge. This article covers everything you need to know before moving to Africa. If you’ve ever dreamed of living somewhere exotic, adventurous and a little more authentic than your average city-dweller, then Africa could be just the place for you. With unrivaled natural beauty, kind people and an abundance of job opportunities in a variety of fields, this continent offers something for everyone. However, anyone who has ever been on a long-distance relationship knows that it isn’t all sunshine and lollipops; there are some important things to consider before moving to Africa.

What’s the Climate Like in Africa?

Depending on where you decide to settle in Africa, you may find yourself in a tropical, desert or even a mountainous climate. Many parts of Africa are very dry, so make sure you are prepared for this climate. The Weather - The weather in Africa varies greatly depending on the region you choose to live in. If you decide to settle in the tropics, you’ll find warm, humid weather year-round. If you decide to settle on the mountains, you’ll find very cold weather year-round. Weird Weather - You may also experience some strange weather while in Africa. You may see snow in the mountains, or heavy flooding in other parts of the continent. It’s important to stay informed about these types of occurrences and take necessary precautions.

The Culture Shock

This is one of the most significant factors to consider before moving to Africa, but it is also the most difficult to prepare for. When you move to a new country, you are not just moving to a new place; you are moving to a completely new culture. You need to be aware that every culture has its own set of rules, attitudes and expectations. The good news is that no matter where you go in Africa, you will find a warm and welcoming community. The Bad News - The bad news is that your new culture may be very different from the one you currently live in. You may find yourself confused, frustrated and alienated by your new surroundings, simply because you don’t know the rules.

Safety and Theft

Safety and theft are two entirely different things. Safety refers to the likelihood of being the victim of a violent crime. Theft refers to the likelihood of being robbed or having your stuff stolen. While some countries are statistically safer than others, and some cities are statistically more dangerous than others, these numbers can be misleading. What does matter is the general level of safety in your neighbourhood and the neighbourhood where you will be living. The best way to gauge the level of safety in your new neighbourhood is to talk to people who live there. Ask them about their experience with crime, and ask what they think about the safety of the neighbourhood. If you take note of the level of safety in your neighbourhood, and you take the necessary precautions when you are out and about, you can greatly reduce the likelihood that you will be the victim of a crime.

Jobs and Taxes

When you move to a new country, you will have to learn how the tax system works. At the same time, you should also consider how the tax system in your new country affects your current job. You may want to consider finding a job that is either in the same field as your current job, or a field that is not affected by the tax system in your new country. If you are working in Africa on a long-term basis, you should also keep in mind that the average work contract in Africa is only one or two years. This means that you should be prepared to move at some point in the not-so-distant future.

Housing: Welcome to Condo-Life

Living in Africa is a little bit like living in a condo. You will generally have a small piece of land that is fenced in with a wall, and you will have your own little piece of “land.” However, your neighbours will likely be very close to you, and you may even have to share a wall with them. You will have to be prepared for the possibility of living in a very close-knit neighbourhood with your fellow condo-mates. All of this may sound very strange to an American or European. However, housing in Africa is very different from the West. Land is at a premium in much of Africa, and developers are not building as many houses as Westerners would like them to. This means that you will likely never have a very large piece of land to yourself, and you will likely be living in a condo. As long as you know what you are getting into, this difference in housing can actually be very exciting.

Conclusion

When you move to Africa, you are moving to an entirely new world. You must be prepared for the culture shock and the inevitable challenges that come with being an outsider. However, it is important to remember that you will also be an insider once you have settled in. With the right attitude, preparation and an open mind, you will be able to overcome any cultural challenges and make a life for yourself in this beautiful and exotic continent.