South Africa
Dating in South Africa for expats and foreigners
Sunshine, braais and mountains on the doorstep: meet people in South Africa who know what it is like to start over somewhere new. Joining is free.
- Free profile
- Cape Town to Durban
- VIP in rand
- Many manually verified members
In short
Dating in South Africa as a foreigner is warm and sociable: people are friendly, direct and quick to invite you along. ExpatSingles costs nothing to join; add where you live, and each day it suggests expats and South Africans near you who are open to someone from abroad.
- Who: foreigners in South Africa, and South Africans who like an international partner.
- Free to use: a profile, suggestions every day, a verification badge and some messages daily.
- Where to go: date ideas for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban further down.
- VIP: unlimited messages, from R149 a week.
Most internationals in South Africa settle in Johannesburg, the country's business centre, or in Cape Town, which draws many people for its way of life; Pretoria, home to the national government and the embassies, and Durban follow. Online dating helps expats in South Africa meet people outside work and the circle they arrived with.
Why foreigners in South Africa use online dating
It shows you who is single, nearby and open to someone from abroad.
ExpatSingles in South Africa
A foreigner in South Africa looking for a partner? That is what ExpatSingles is for
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Shared ground
Members have moved countries or want someone who has, so a move, a contract or a family far away is part of the story, not a problem.
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Big distances
Your suggestions stay within the distance you set, so you meet people in your own city.
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Many languages
South Africa has twelve official languages; English is the common one, and you can list every language you speak.
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Your privacy
People see a username and your nearest town; your name, email and address stay hidden.
First date ideas
Three first dates in South Africa
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Cape Town
Sea Point Promenade
The paved walkway locals call the Prom, running along the Atlantic shore past lawns, with cafes close by.
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Johannesburg
The Botanical Garden at Emmarentia
Lawns, a terraced rose garden and a view over Emmarentia Dam, a favourite for picnics and walks.
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Durban
The Golden Mile
A long promenade beside the main swimming beaches, with piers and places to eat along the way.
Dating culture in South Africa: warm and direct
South Africans tend to be warm and welcoming, and they also say what they think, which some newcomers find blunt at first. A braai, a barbecue over an open fire with friends, is one of the easiest ways into a social circle.
First dates are often active: a hike, a picnic in a park, a market or a museum. Being on time is appreciated, so aim to arrive a few minutes early.
Politics and religion are usually kept for later conversations. With twelve official languages, it is also worth asking which languages your date grew up with.
Free to join
Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban: meet someone near you
Set your city and see who lives close by. Your profile is free, and so is a verification badge.
Join freeHow to start dating in South Africa on ExpatSingles
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Create a free profile
Choose a username and a clear photo, then add your city.
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Say what you want
Friendship, dating or something serious: your suggestions reflect it.
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Earn a badge
Verify with an ID at no cost, or in a short video call.
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Send a first message
A few messages a day are free; VIP makes them unlimited.
Dating safely in South Africa
- Plan the way home too. Choose a busy, public place for a first date, plan how you get there and home, and let a friend know where you are. Keep the conversation on ExpatSingles until you have met: a warning appears if someone wants to switch to WhatsApp or a similar app.
- Too good to be true? The South African Police Service advise never sending money, card details or online banking details to someone you do not know and trust. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- Opening a case. If you have lost money to a scam, open a case at your nearest police station and ask for a case number. Call 10111 for the police and 10177 for an ambulance; from a mobile, 112 also works.
What ExpatSingles costs in South Africa
In South Africa you join and see your suggestions for free. VIP and VIP Plus are charged in rand, and the longer plans list a monthly equivalent.
| Plan length | VIP | VIP Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | R149 | R169 |
| 1 month | R280 | R381 |
| 3 months | R675R225 a month | R1,016R338.67 a month |
| 6 months | R960R160 a month | R1,260R210 a month |
| 12 months | R1,300R109 a monthpaid once | R2,034R169.50 a monthpaid once |
Weekly, monthly, three and six month plans renew until you stop them; a year of VIP is paid in one go with no renewal. What each membership includes.
Dating in South Africa: questions from foreigners
What is dating in South Africa like for foreigners?
Dating in South Africa for foreigners is sociable and outdoorsy: people are warm, speak their mind and like active dates such as a hike, a market or a picnic. Punctuality is appreciated.
Where do expats in South Africa live?
Expats in South Africa live mainly in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with many also in Pretoria and Durban. ExpatSingles shows you people within the distance you set from your own town.
How much does ExpatSingles cost in South Africa?
ExpatSingles is free to join in South Africa. VIP costs R280 a month there, or R1,300 once for twelve months, which is R109 a month.
Can I use ExpatSingles in English in South Africa?
You can use ExpatSingles in English in South Africa: the site is in English, and you can add the other languages you speak to your profile so others see them.
How do I report a romance scam in South Africa?
To report a romance scam in South Africa, open a criminal case at your nearest police station and keep the case number. Call 10111 if you need the police urgently.
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