Expatriate Salary/Benefit and Schools Fees In Johannesburg

Hi Francesco

Many expats do get reimbursed by their companies for school fees but this depends on your company's policies. There are some excellent public schools for boys in Johannesburg such as King Edward's School and Parktown Boys should you choose not to pay the high private school fees. Have a look at our Education and Schools in Johannesburg page for more information on public, private and international schools in Johannesburg.

As for the tax rate in South Africa, it varies depending on how much you earn. With your salary you will get taxed about 25 percent, this is just a rough estimate though. For more information about tax in South Africa visit the South African Revenue Service website.

As for whether this is enough for you and your family to live on depends entirely on your lifestyle. Have a look at our Cost of Living in Johannesburg page to get an idea of what your expenses might be like.

There are no "standard" benefits for expats in South Africa because it depends on the company you work for but a house, car and some assistance with school fees seems like the norm. 

The best of luck with your move to Johannesburg.

Dear Candice thank you very much for your helpful and detailed answer.... I will for sure check out those public schools that you have mentioned. I have just another quick question if it is possible... some of my local SA friends told me that in general public schools are not "safe" for expatriates' kids. Is it true? What kind of risk there can be (kidnapping?). ciao Francesco

Hi Francesco

I think safety depends entirely on where the school is situated. If the school is in a good area then your children will be safe there. Most reputable schools are in safe neighborhoods, but like in any city it is important that children are street smart and do not wander off on their own etc.

Safety becomes an issue when children are alone in unsafe areas. Kidnapping should not be an issue.

If you have any further questions please let me know.

Thank you Candice... Have a great day. ciao Francesco

you must be totally insane to move to S,A

well then I am insane..

Dear Francesco South Africa is a beautiful country and you will be welcomed with open arms - We will be able to assist you in placement of your younger child - the real challenge will be finding placement for your older child in an appropriate independent school here in Johannesburg. Please try to send as many applications as possible through from overseas so that you do not get here and then end up struggling for a prolonged period of time to find a school. Independent schools are in high demand. I am head of Stepping Stones Pre-Primary in Sandton Johannesburg. We are an independent pre-primary school in Sandton, Johannesburg. We are registered with ISASA which is an independent Association of top-quality schools that include schools such as : Roedean, St John's and St Stithians. We have a strong team of graduate educators that have specialized in preschool education and assit the children in reaching their personal best in all key learning areas. Please feel free to view our website www.stepping.co.za. We have a number of expat families in our school community. I will happily take you on a school tour should you be in Johannesburg. Kind regards Margot van Ryneveld - Headmistress For your older child look at www.isasa.org. See Redhill, St Stithians and Grayston - all in Sandton area. Ther are several good government schools in this area as well - namely Rivonia Primary/ Montrose Primary and Bryandale Primary.