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10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Gqeberha (Seriously, Read This)

@Amelie Rose2/8/2026blog
10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Gqeberha (Seriously, Read This)

okay, so you're thinking about Gqeberha? Good on ya. It’s… something. I’m a freelance photographer, been bouncing around South Africa for a few years now, and landed here for a bit. It’s got a weird charm, a slow burn kinda vibe. Don't expect Cape Town glamour, or Jo'burg hustle. This is… different. Here's what I've learned, mostly the hard way.

a pier with people walking on it


1. *The Wind. Seriously. It’s always windy. Like, perpetually. Right now, it’s that kind of wind where your hair just gives up and forms a permanent knot. Locals call it the “Cape Doctor’s little cousin.” It’s not as brutal as Cape Town’s, but it’s a constant. You’ll need a good jacket. Trust me.

2. Job Market? Sketchy. I’m doing okay with photography, but finding consistent work is… a process. Apparently, there's a push for more tourism, which could be good for me, but it's slow going. I heard a rumor - overheard at a bar, naturally - that the call center industry is still pretty big, but the pay isn't amazing. Check out this local jobs board to get a feel.

3. Rent is… manageable. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around R6,000 - R8,000 a month, maybe less if you’re willing to live a little further out. Sharing is definitely the way to go if you're on a budget. I saw a few places on Property24.

4. Safety. Okay, this is the big one. Don't be naive. It's not all bad, but you need to be aware. Keep your valuables hidden, don't walk alone at night, and definitely don't flash expensive gear (like, yeah, my cameras). I got a warning from a guy selling beaded bracelets - “Don’t look like you got money, my bru.” Wise words. Check out the Gqeberha subreddit - people are pretty open about safety concerns.

5. The Beaches. They're actually pretty amazing. Humewood Beach is the classic, but I like Kings Beach better - a bit less crowded. Perfect for sunset shoots, which, let's be honest, are half my job.

6. Food. Okay, the food scene is… developing. There are some decent restaurants, but don't expect Michelin stars. Lots of seafood, obviously. I found a great little place called The Italian Lounge - seriously good pasta. Yelp reviews are mixed, but I’m sticking with it. Check it out here.

7. Transport. Public transport is… an adventure. Uber is your friend. Seriously. Renting a car gives you more freedom, but parking can be a nightmare.

8. People. The people are generally lovely. Friendly, welcoming, and always willing to chat. But they also have a dry sense of humor. Don't take everything literally.

9. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It’s there. It’s big. Sometimes they have events. I haven’t been to a game yet, but I’m thinking about it.

10. It's close to everything. You're a short flight away from Durban, a manageable drive to the Wild Coast (seriously, go there), and a bit further but doable to Bloemfontein. You're not isolated, which is a plus.

white round plastic on white table


Overheard Gossip #1: Apparently, there's a massive debate about whether to rename it Gqeberha permanently. Some people love it, some hate it. It’s a whole thing.

Overheard Gossip #2: A local told me that the best place to find vintage clothes is at the Newton Park flea market on Saturdays. Apparently, you can snag some serious bargains if you’re willing to dig.

Overheard Gossip #3:* Drunk advice from a guy at a braai: “Don’t trust anyone who says they’re from Bloemfontein. Just kidding… mostly.”

Honestly, Gqeberha isn't for everyone. It's a bit rough around the edges, a bit slow-paced, and a bit windy. But if you're looking for something different, something real, it might just surprise you. Just… watch out for the wind.

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About the author: Amelie Rose

Exploring the intersection of technology and humanity.

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