Shopping in Johannesburg

Grocery shopping in Johannesburg is similar to that in any Western country. South Africa has several large supermarket chains and a number of smaller speciality stores, and all types of shops are present all over the city. As in all locations, where expats end up going will depend on their personal tastes and budget, but expats can be sure there will be a store conveniently located close to where they live.

Furthermore, shelves will be stocked with many of the goods familiar from home, with the addition of a few strange new favourites. For a taste of true South Africa, try Mrs Ball's Chutney, snack on a bit of biltong or load the shopping cart with Choc-kits, NikNaks or Ouma Rusks.

Otherwise, for the most part, grocery stores in South Africa claim an impressive meat and poultry selection, a large assortment of dry and canned goods, and a healthy variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Halaal products are available in most of the grocery stores.

Supermarkets in South Africa sell wine, but generally do not sell spirits or beer. However, many of the larger chain stores will have subsidiary stores selling all types of alcohol next door to their main shop.

Additionally, select chains accept utility payments, sell electricity and sell airtime for both mobile and landline telephones, and even have on-site post offices or ticket box offices.

Nationwide grocery stores in Johannesburg

• Woolworths – A little pricey but also the best quality food by far, well known especially for its fresh produce and good meat. It's hard to go back to anything else after shopping at 'Woolies'.

• Spar – Less expensive than Woolworths and considered not as good, Spar has a larger selection, especially at Superspar centres, with many imported brands and a nice deli; good European bread selection.

• Pick n Pay – Similar selection to Spar (minus the imported brands) but lower prices; a good place to stock up on basics such as packaged goods and cleaning supplies. Pick n Pay also has an online shopping service where groceries can be delivered to one's home for a small fee.

• Checkers – Slightly cheaper than Pick n Pay with an equally wide range of quality products.

Speciality stores in Johannesburg

• Food Lover's Market – A chain of upscale fresh food stores throughout South Africa.

• Local butcheries – South Africans take their meat very seriously, and the proof is in its wealth of excellent, privately owned butcheries such as Schwaben Butchery in Edenvale, Sloane's Butchery & Deli in Bryanston and Berliner Grill & Deli in North Riding.

Pharmacies in Johannesburg

• Dis-Chem – The largest and most well-stocked South African pharmacy. If an item can't be found anywhere else, chances are it's sold at Dis-Chem; it stocks everything from electric toothbrushes to fish oil vitamins. It also has the largest availability and reasonable pricing for prescription drugs, although the lines can be long.

• Clicks – Can be found in almost every shopping centre and often next to doctor's offices. Very convenient for prescription drugs, but may be more expensive than other pharmacies.