South Africa Culture SHOCK! An American Living in South Africa

[@TheGlobalExpats]

*July 2021 Update: Hey Guys, thank you for sharing your thoughts on my culture shock video, I love the South African sense of humour and your ability to see the light-heartedness of my video! I truly loved my time in SA, it is an extremely special place 🇿🇦 Matteo and I left SA in May and are currently living in Italy, so we are no longer creating SA content, but if you would like to see what Italy is like then check out our latest videos 🇮🇹 Stay safe Saffas! 👌🏽 What things shocked you when you were in South Africa? What would you add to this list? 😅

[@mlukubone7134]

Load shedding still shocks me, yes I’m South African

[@zharnedesember1910]

😅😅 eish..!! But its fun sometimes bcoz it will only be in South Africa😂. Always being EXTRA!!

[@SA-theoneandonly]

It keeps life interesting here😂

[@sonofsoweto]

Came from France and was shocked by the amount of btfl girls girls girls, girls I do adore

[@user88511]

Cost of data and general prices for cell service

[@trevorpokela6962]

"Now now" is anywhere between 1 second and 100 years. You'll never know.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahahah 😂😂😂

[@geerux]

Yep when my wife asks me when I'm gonna do stuff like fix the door, just now, now now

[@thulanimbatha5458]

So true

[@acelovesdiyschristopher7023]

And don't forget just now.

[@martinmckowen1588]

Also, just now being in the future confused me for ages

[@QuentinWatt]

We have loadshedding because we produce less electricity than we actually need. This is because electricity is supplied by a government owned monopoly instead of private companies. This keeps our electricity more affordable than countries with private electricity production (like Australia), but means we just have to accept that our government services simply can’t provide for the people.

[@louisedemarillac777]

and it's getting worse due to aging infrastructure etc

[@jackmehoff2363]

Sounds like you are tricking yourself into not being pissed off.

[@garethh2045]

First part is right. But it used to be one of the most advanced in the world. While also a gov owned monopoly. And it's nowhere near the cheapest in the world. On the contrary, vs PPP, it's the most expensive. In real terms, it's still more than even most socialist western countries even.

[@viwemalgas6216]

Well you could blame the people also, it could be about 30% of the population doesn't even pay for their electricity.

[@viwemalgas6216]

Well you could blame the people also, it could be about 30% of the population doesn't even pay for their electricity.

[@Pixman14]

🤣🤣🤣 loadshedding happens because of government’s failure to plan ahead for increased demand in electricity.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Oh...that's good to know 😂

[@remittanceman4685]

@@TheGlobalExpats Same as the water shortages. Expand the distribution system and number of users. Don't expand the production side of the equation. Then become confused when the demand outstrips the supply. When pushed for an answer by an angry public, blame the old regime. Rinse and repeat.

[@gregshark1546]

@@TheGlobalExpats a bit more than that - the government cadres have looted vast amounts of money ZAR billions from the fiscus, have not undertaken maintenance of power stations and stolen huge sums of money from the building of two new power stations. The looting by government cadres is out of control!

[@toolsrus3588]

The same reason goes for all the Potholes, the need for electric fences because of poverty, drinking in your car for lack of proper police.

[@Ingridfreyja]

Hell yes, Eskom se push!

[@mr.katlehovaal4866]

Me: "I'm coming now now, I'm just around the corner" Friend: "Awe" 15 minutes later Me: "I'm at the gate" Friend: "That was quick" 😂😂

[@socialscience5094]

She's hilarious 🤣

[@lukacadle2705]

Also reading something as 'awe' instead of awe.

[@lucian5389]

When ur dealer pulls up: "Awe I'm on my way brother" "Awe I'm here brother" *if you're not there exactly on time* "Awe I'm gone brother"✌

[@galgamekthegreatlord4823]

Lmao

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Awe! I must admit.. that one had to get explained to me, but still doesn't make total sense especially mixed with now now😂

[@mvuni_q]

In South Africa, electric things aren't allowed in the bathroom because children/people in general could be shocked by electricity since the bathroom is a place of water😭🤣

[@ivediiche]

Same here in the UK.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

That actually makes a lot of sense! 😂

[@callumfinaughty6779]

@@TheGlobalExpats Also the reason why the switches are on the outside (If you have wet hands).

[@oratiletlhage1790]

Plus the steam could result in condensation causing short circuits.

[@danielvanzyl3418]

@@TheGlobalExpats It's the difference between getting shocked by 110v in the USA and 230v in SA. the one you feel it shock (USA) the other you may not feel for long... AKA you be dead!

[@megholman5183]

This is so weird because this stuff is all extremely normal to me and I’ve never thought anything of it 😂

[@janaloff]

Right!?

[@veronicaviljoen2257]

Same

[@Vlooitjie.]

Oh my lolll, same-

[@prettykitty5416]

Power and water always going out? People breaking into cars while you grocery shop is normal? That’s actually really sad. I’m so grateful I’m born in the states.

[@lesego2933]

@@prettykitty5416 good for you!

[@mand38]

America run their appliance on 110volts we run ours on 220v, you do not want to mix 220 V and water.

[@keeks2030]

I have 230V outlets in my bathrooms in the UK. It's normal here and is very safe.

[@Munyabrwn]

@@keeks2030 not all neighbourhoods in UK have outlets in bathroom

[@LeonKotze70]

@@keeks2030 don't fool yourself, it is not safe.

[@phumlanimncwango7686]

@@keeks2030 Seems until someone dies!

[@carinaolander3016]

We use 230V and have outlets in bathrooms. But they are protected with a cover, not open, and also on the opposite side of the room from the shower. Usually it is not recommended to take a shower while the washing machine is on. Often we do anyways and nothing happens. This in Finland.

[@JBbisem]

For an African (I say this because this is pretty even across the continent), going to a country that has no fences would be really unnerving. I actually think, for a while, you'd have trouble sleeping because of anxiety from feeling exposed. But then I realise, Americans have their defences in the house. You have to think twice about breaking into an American home because there's a high probability you'll be met with deadly force. But in my country, Kenya, citizens don't have access to THAT kind of self-defence. On top of that, the police are either underfunded, have too much of an area to cover, have to deal with inaccessible locations or are working with the thieves. So, for us, fencing is really our only defence. I get how going from a picket fence (or none), to stone walls almost 3 metres tall, with electric wires on top, plus heavy steel gates would be unnerving.

[@Mountainlion118]

I'd feel fine with burgler bars i wouldn't mind no fence or wall that much

[@lucian5389]

@@Mountainlion118 depends where you live

[@lucian5389]

Yeah its no wonder if you go to South Africa the majority of armed forces aren't police they are private security companies, barely any police to stop street crimes. Plus the guys who break into your house usually come equipped with illegal firearms, sometimes automatic if you go far enough inland while citizens are left with nothing to defend themselves.

[@vanseventy]

You are right. Each state has different gun laws but it’s supposed to be protected by the Constitution. Yes we have borders but The 2 idiots in charge now don’t care about all the border jumpers! Yes we have a lot of guns for protection. Rules with them also. It’s called order and not a free for all.

[@vanseventy]

@Chris Janda Where do you live? Your a fool if you don’t lock your doors. It’s a statistic. Only a matter of time.

[@iamgazz2756]

Over here barbeque is a chip flavour 😆 and Biltong is sacred. I remember watching Trevor Noah saying he'd bought a big bag of biltong to take back to the States and they wouldn't let him take it on the plane, so he stood by the gate and ate all of it. You don't ever, EVER waste biltong!

[@takukanyoka1644]

Imagine wasting biltong though👀😂It could never be me😂😢

[@carmensakhilemedinadelgado1016]

it's kak expensive!

[@desireec4089]

@@takukanyoka1644 throwing biltong away would ensure actual nightmare.

[@tumeloharold9175]

Haha 😂. That’s funny

[@lucian5389]

For any Americans wondering what biltong is its just beef jerky that South Africans like to think we invented 😂

[@lyricalaska]

I visited South Africa twice. Once for two weeks another time for a month. I love, love, love South Africa. You are correct, Biltong is 1,000% times better than beef jerkey. The food we ate was also fresher than what we have in the USA. I couldn't get over the taste of chicken which was in my memory like that I had as a child. We visited Commondale,SA and the people whom we visited drove us all around the Garden Route. Never had I experienced anything like South Africa. I will never ever forget it.

[@Topaz2008]

❤

[@ezramli383]

The reason most houses do not have power outlets in the bathroom it is because in the olden days they believed that no electrical equipment should be exposed to water.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahah pretty smart, honestly 😂 Thanks for your comment Ezra!

[@Sihlelelwe]

lol I actually cringe when I see dryers and straighteners plugged in in the bathroom. it's weird for us actually

[@terrencedludlu8370]

Not just in the olden days but even today ' I don't want my bathroom fitted with electricity' 😬 it's a scary thought. But I suppose after the shock of being exposed to it like living in 🇺🇸USA for a while after SA🇿🇦 I would most likely worm up to thee idea, because it does seem to have its perks.

[@erosivy]

I have one in my bathroom

[@Sidehustleonline]

Not everyone doesn't have electricity in the bathroom Geez!...

[@izbella7254]

The answer to why we have loadshedding is simple: Eskom. Thats the whole reason. Eskom.

[@izbella7254]

@@pre-dawnraid9037 True

[@k.kgacha]

Yeah, so true lol

[@carlaroelofse8699]

Good one😂

[@odiseven]

The "now now" stuff is just a way for liars to trick you into waiting for them for an unreasonable amount of time.

[@alexrep5646]

Lol

[@kaylee1058]

LOL

[@thulanez]

Damn I use “now now” a lot 😂

[@odiseven]

@@thulanez...Are people happy when you get there, or do they complain about how late you are?

[@davenkatz7098]

Lol so emotional

[@nexdroid1486]

As a South African I can confirm this but it also depends where you live

[@clantis]

You're officially a South African cherry now. You're warmly welcome🤗

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahah aww thank you so much Clantis!! 😅

[@clantis]

@@TheGlobalExpats Lekker👍🏾😊

[@craigdavidson9412]

@@clantis I love her

[@clantis]

@@craigdavidson9412 She's definitely ours now. I had to subscribe to her channel😊

[@damash422]

Lol this had me🤣🤣

[@authur_fleck61.87]

That was pretty accurate and you just made me realize how much I love South Africa. I'll clicke that like button now now

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thank you, Preyen! South Africa is such a special country and the people are amazing 🥰

[@sibusisodlamlenze3566]

Plugs in the bathroom, that seems dangerous. Water and electricity don't mix

[@Chris-wj4ze]

Electrical outlets in your bathroom do not cause water and electricity to "mix". I assume that you don't have any outlets in your kitchen? Are those dangerous?

[@a2zanimesage943]

@@Chris-wj4ze Sockets are not allowed in bathrooms or shower rooms (apart from shaver-supply units) unless they can be fitted at least three metres from the bath or shower. That's just to avoid water splashing onto them not necessarily because it's dangerous but it just to avoid the earthleakage from continuously tripping due to moisture in the socket. Lol that's why you don't generally find a power outlet directly opposite a kitchen sink as well

[@Mimeniia]

Correct Sibu, keep the lectric AWAY from the steam/water/moisture. Kitchens are usually bigger, so the taps would be on the one side and the power on the other. Thats just how SA rolled since the beginning of time.

[@societyssista6179]

We don't have plug sockets in the U.K either. Probably why so many Americans drop their hairdryers in the lovely, warm bath they're sitting in 😶

[@lebogangried13]

Steam can condense in the sockets and cause some serious damage

[@muffinatordlux]

Tip your petrol attendant something small like R2 or R5... :) They work on min wage and the tips really make up a big portion of their takehome

[@louvendran7273]

More like R20. 👍

[@muffinatordlux]

@@louvendran7273 if u drive a new gti/amg or mspec bmw.. 20yr old opel corsa drivers like me can get away with a R2... :) (My car is 20 years old not me)

[@louvendran7273]

@@muffinatordlux Those guys must pay more. They're rich.

[@jasonphoenix292]

The now now thing comes from Afrikaans. “Nou-nou” just means we will do it shortly, but no one has decided exactly what “shortly” exactly is.

[@Charlie-xd6vq]

kortliks

[@susandewet93]

@Lol Lol It’s true 🥴!

[@RIANAVENTER]

Lol Lol, of course they don't use the original Afrikaans because it's been translated directly into English. Susan is right.

[@kiwitits._.6211]

Shortly has never been used but knowing south africans shortly means anevah mogel

[@chrisgrobbelaar950]

@Lol Lol are you even afrikaans XD so many of us say nou-nou. Also, many English speaking South Africans use the word 'mos' 😂

[@keroshinmoodley8546]

We say "garage" for "petrol station" 😅😅

[@kaylafourie7812]

And they say gas station😂

[@harkeb]

a garage is for petrol, but a garage is where you can get the tool box and the braai stuff....jirre...nevermind..

[@Mbalings]

I laughed so hard when you talked about “now, just now, now now” 😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tabatatee]

She’s def in SA 🤣🤣🤣

[@spexmfanaman4905]

Lmao 🤣 🤣 🤣 I was dead

[@chantellsenekal2641]

🤣And you knew exactly what she meant with it 🤣🤣

[@TheGlobalExpats]

It still doesn't make total sense! 😭🤣

[@banelenkosi9690]

The potholes perspective is subjective, depends where you are.

[@KeepingUpWithNocie]

Thought the same, never had that experience in South Africa until i moved to the states

[@bernicegoldham1509]

Potholes are either there or they're not. Quite objective actually.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

I was in KZN 😅

[@myshepspud1]

Explains alot. 😅. I always say to guests yeah your first time do the safe boring thing CT and Kruger. Then come to KZN for some adventure with potholes goats cows and roads leading nowhere. :P

[@smithnxumalo7590]

Your facial express speaks volume about the love that you have about South Africa .

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thank you for your kind words, Smith! 🥰🇿🇦

[@smithnxumalo7590]

@@TheGlobalExpats We appreciate you and you're no longer an American here but you're genuinely a member of the family 😊, I mean a proudly South African sister where everyone is well represented and recognized ❤👏.

[@mphon21]

🤣🤣🤣 this was so funny. I agree with most except the one about it being fine to have alcohol on the road. Public drinking is actually illegal but people do it anyway.

[@harkeb]

No no, we abide by the laws...Everybody can be drunk as lords, but not he driver. The driver must be be sober, always

[@sungoddessbeauty9289]

Californians drink in the car as well

[@stanmarr4488]

The comment section of this video is one of the most beautiful things I've witnessed in our country so far. It just shows how we really are supposed to be as a nation. We have a lot of challenges but reading all of these warming comments gives me hope for a better tomorrow. This made me feel as if we are ONE.. GREAT STUFF!!

[@sibusisonhlapo3367]

Lol where is my bakkie?

[@zoe.thirion]

@@sibusisonhlapo3367 😂 my bra

[@budgetking2591]

In the Netherlands the drinks with high alcohol content are also seperate from the normal grocery store, i think it comes from here, their biggest supermarket, Spar, is also originally a dutch brand.

[@mvuyisirawu8810]

Welcome to South Africa I could listen to you for 5 hours, u represented us so well thank u.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Aww thank you so much! ☺️

[@janaloff]

Yes you really did!!

[@thulanimbatha5458]

The "now now" thing never gets old😂 it's also very difficult to explain, but we get it😂😂 and I think "now now" comes from afrikaans "nou nou"🤔 which makes since because if someone says "ek is nou nou daar" I know I have a good 45 mins to prepare 😂

[@VusiSimonMokoena]

😂😂😂😂 Yeah that us 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🤞💯

[@Ivor0007]

I laughed when you said, the "bottle store is separate from the supermarket'" I'm guessing you meant to say the "liquor store is separate from the supermarket'" When I first moved the US in the late 90's, people would not understand what I was looking for when I mentioned a "bottle store."

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahaha I didn't even notice I said bottle store until you commented, Ivor! 😂 My family back home probably isn't going to understand half the things I say when I go back home 😅 What part of the U.S. did you move to? 😊

[@Ivor0007]

@@TheGlobalExpats I lived on both the East and West coasts. Initially NJ for 3 yrs, NC for 6, the Rest in SoCal and still here today. If I recall correctly, you're from CA as well? It was a fun video, I did enjoy the "language barrier." I haven't been back for 9yrs now. Was planning a visit when COVID hit. Will have to wait at least another year before planning a trip. Hope you enjoy your time out there.

[@straytenwhitenormell7759]

In Pennsylvania, liquor stores are operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, not private individuals.

[@straytenwhitenormell7759]

In Pennsylvania, liquor stores are nicknamed, 'state stores,' and are the only places you can purchase whiskey. Beer Distributors are the only places you can buy beer in case form. In 2021. Lots of liquor laws in the USA are unusual.

[@roybean7166]

@@straytenwhitenormell7759 owned by the state ? Strange, in America.

[@lehlogonolopapo3119]

Light switches are more logical outside, so that you switch on the light before you even go inside. Rather go into a lit room than a dark room looking for a switch(if it's your first time there)

[@mokgadisdiary8420]

Yeap, don't ever call our braais BBQ, never 😂😂😂

[@TheGlobalExpats]

I learned that lesson very quickly! 😂

[@sibusisonhlapo3367]

Wait what's BBQ😄 lmfao here we shisanyama

[@kamogelokukudi9159]

@@TheGlobalExpats and BBQ is a flavour😉

[@lucian5389]

Even though its litteraly the same thing

[@Vlooitjie.]

That's a no-no! XD

[@Waldemarvonanhalt]

"Oke/oak" is derived from "outjie" which is the diminutive/endearing form of "guy" in Afrikaans. A lot of slang can only be understood if you are at least bilingual to some degree. Some of the English slang is derived from nearly extinct cockney English slang that played a lot on rhymes. For example, calling your friend a "China" is derived from a "China plate" rhyming with "mate".

[@MartinMenge]

China is derived from Chommie

[@Karl3Lang]

In the UK and Ireland they do not have power sockets in the bathroom as well.

[@trevorpokela6962]

Most of our rules and regulations are UK based. Like street signs and voltage of the power to the house. I just know that Ireland uses different sockets from us in SA. Don't know about the UK.

[@franklynanderson]

Because it avoids accidental accidents related to electricity and water

[@remittanceman4685]

That's funny. I plug my shaver into the socket in my parents bathroom.That's in Britain. In fact, since it's the only two pin plug in the house, I also plug my phone charger into the bathroom socket.

[@Groove23]

Britain colonized SA they implanted that aswell as the modern revolution

[@Prometheushighaf]

I'm in Ireland and I have a power socket in my toilet room primarily used for a razor

[@laurenhills239]

I am from Texas but I want to visit South Africa one day. I love their accents 😍

[@TheGlobalExpats]

It’s an incredible country, I’m sure you would love it! 😍 and yes, their accents are the best, that’s how I fell for my husband the 1st time he spoke to me 😂😂😂

[@harkeb]

You must stick out. You will have a lekker time!

[@learningnetwork6384]

Just shout when you come...Make sure to visit Cape Town if you love nature. Whole of South Africa is beautiful and different as per states (provinces) some are greener than the other's, some have nice crystal pools especially in dry arears.

[@mapule2780]

Plugs are outside the bathroom for safety. To avoid electrical shock🤣🤣🤣

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahah yea, I realize that now Mapule - it makes total sense! 😂

[@kiwitits._.6211]

We play too much to have such privilege

[@allizebrikkels115]

I myself as a South African am shocked, the amount of times I got in trouble coz we had closed beers in the car is tragic

[@tiernosoldado]

Biltong is not like beef jerky! That comparison is infuriating! :)

[@sibusisonhlapo3367]

Where is my bakkir

[@Mountainlion118]

Well she did say it's only the best possible comparison😄

[@santesia6222]

It is infuriating! I have tried different types of beef jerky and it can' t compete with biltong, there is no comparison. Also beef jerky doesn't even taste good.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

They are incomparable! 🙌🏽😅

[@loriaan3918]

Hahahahaha...Ja..Suid Afrika is die land waar mense die meeste verwyder is deur politiek en tog die mees emosioneel inlyn. Hoe ons voel oor ons mense kry jy net hier. Dit is soos on Braai..it is not a barbeque it most defenitly is a chip flavour.

[@lightingxdking4067]

As a South African, this is my interpretation of the time measurements: Right now: At that exact moment Just now: anywhere from 1-20 minutes Now now: it will basically never happen (and if it does it will be hours later)

[@VusiSimonMokoena]

😂😂😂😂😂 Exetly

[@wot4922]

Your US cops must learn to chill more and ours need to chill less. Then we can get rid of the security. Love my country and love having people like you here🇿🇦🇿🇦😍

[@emrysloresmit]

Chill less😂 that describes our police 100%

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thank you! 🥰 South Africa and its people are truly incredible! 🇿🇦

[@randomimmigrant348]

My neighbour called the cops after 2 men with guns broke into his house. The cops came 2 days later. The police station is 200m from his house

[@4150CHF]

I have lived in the USA for 50 years. I have never had a bad experience with a police officer. However, the USA is turning into a socialist nation. Soon, we will fear the police.

[@denny414]

@@randomimmigrant348 I'm sorry I dont mean to laugh but that's hilarious 😂 2days later ?

[@savylumplecker7092]

I am a South- African living abroad. I really enjoyed your video. Your video makes me even more homesick. There is no place like home! 🇿🇦👍🏼

[@lifeofdtw9694]

Interesting take... As I'm also an American living in South Africa, but I hangout with more black people than white people (which its clear you hangout with white people... LOL), we have 2 very different perspectives. But still nice to see

[@mlungisimanzini8143]

Please make a KZbin video I would like hear your perspective!

[@sibusisonhlapo3367]

Where is my bakkie

[@farrencloete]

Jip! Can definitely see that in her video

[@jeremychandler3569]

lol, can see that clearly bud.

[@amismiles]

Very true

[@lerato-mm]

Weirdest thing about watching this video as a South African who’s never left South Africa is having some of the most seemingly banal things be included in the video. Like outlets in bathrooms? I didn’t even know other countries have that. It just sounds so unsafe

[@tshepangmoloi2879]

The " but here" hits me hard as a South African😂😂😂 😂😂😂To me as a South African this video is hilarious

[@mdogzino]

You made the sweetest video ever about SA, no judgement, no agenda. Just ur honest, cool & badass observation about our foreign and mysterious land.

[@AgKeClva_]

6:28 It's not called a stick shift in South Africa but called a manual car 🤣🤣🤣 coz you change the gear or stick (as you call it in the States) manually 🤣🤣

[@YouGotOptions2]

Its called both in the states

[@Hannelore712]

You make me laugh, it is really funny for me as a South African to listen to what you have to say

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahaha thanks for your comment Hannelore, I’m happy it made you laugh! 😅

[@chrisrobson7329]

I can't stop laughing, first time I'm watching her, would really like to her her explain how different our Taxi are to theirs, especially the city centre ones😅

[@thesagamanvee3932]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@aaronmanyan7722]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 Bellville station

[@jasperliu4858]

1) this is why you are suppose to have mirrors in your bedroom 1 full 1 half full for dressing half for your make up basically close ups 2) the light switch is so you don't have to go into a dark room to look for the light switch you can just switch it on and watch the room light up. 3) THIS is because of the legal age kids can go into shops but not liquor stores

[@siyabongamchunu4342]

Trust me, the loadshedding has been a culture shock to us too. The height of government incompetence. We certainly didn't grow up with it. It is a pretty recent phenomenon. The real tragedy is that it is becoming the new normal.

[@ChrisTus83]

So are the potholes and the heightened security everywhere. Never had the holes or needed so much security, including car guards, before the 90's.

[@jasonmandlazi4141]

Hey Micha, you forgot to mention our infamous taxi drivers 😂😂😂. Love the cotent of your channel

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Aww thanks so much Jason! 😊 and oh that's right - how could I forget about that?! 😂

[@lesleylorimer3363]

As a South African who lived in the USA. I can totally appreciate your interpretation. Very accurate , go girl

[@bjm4148]

We follow UK safety rules. Because the rules about domestic power in the UK are some of the safest in the world (partly because we use 240V which has a higher risk of death) and having power outlets in a bathroom, particularly on an earthed system like the UK uses, is very risky, as people will plug things in which shouldn’t be used when wet; the only power outlet allowed near a water source is one for shavers which is low power and transformer isolated from the main so that you cannot get an electric shock between that and earth. Sockets ( on a 30mA residual current breaker protected circuit ) are allowed 3m (10 feet) away from a shower or bath edge, but this is usually outside our comparatively small bathrooms.

[@amyjansenvanrensburg3589]

I'm South African and there are so many things about South Africa that people don't know.

[@louvendran7273]

Neither do South Africans lol. Lots of people that haven't travelled South Africa, don't understand its diversity or regions.

[@surpriseayandamalwana2698]

Hahahaha as a South African living abroad I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@simphiwevela7837]

Ukephi?

[@IvanAkinfiev]

Where are you based?

[@InstrumentalBackTracks]

Ok so let me add to your story...I once imported an American from Ironton Ohio to be exact to South Africa. First she told me that she wanted to make BISCUITS and GRAVY for breakfast. In my head the thought of biscuits which is something we normally dunk in our tea or coffee and gravy what we put on our meat sounded rather odd. But off to the supermarket we went...it became even more complicated cause these things were not in the biscuit section anywhere but 3 weeks later we were going past the bakery and she found scones and told me they basically looked like that but no sugar. Then one day the geyser broke and I told her that we kept the geyser above the ceiling in the bathroom, she thought we were so cruel. Shopping ummm one day I asked her to get us mangos and she came home with green peppers...and many many more...But the story ends on a HIGH NOTE. After living here for 7 years when she returned to Ironton where she was born and raised and her whole family from there she was stopped several times and asked if she was from England or something. Needless to say she returned speaking PROPER ENGLISH lol. She had several "culture shocks" but the good kind for one she moved here straight after 911 and our hospital system was still in good shape, she could not believe that for R50 she had all kinds of tests done that would cost thousands of dollars in the USA in fact she didn't even pay R50 as she didnt have cash on her they sent her the R50 bill. She went to the ballet and the opera and the THEATRE something she had never done in the USA especially in Ironton. She complained bitterly when she returned to the states as her egg yokes were not bright orange she told me they were whitish. Got used to our weather and was freezing in Ironton for 7 years she had an average temp of 21degrees C all year round. With regards the potholes well looking at your video you are living near Lions River which is near Howick that is almost like living off grid BUT there is a reason for potholes they are purposely made for Americans so that if they drive on the wrong side of the road it's ok they can blame it on the pothole. Here we have a saying A Boer maak a plan so we made a plan for you guys. The other thing is your cellular phone service in South Africa we got GSM phone in 1993 which gave us immediately SMS (texting) etc in the USA that only happened in April 1999 (six years later). Sat TV we pioneered in fact our beloved country only got TV in 1976 however the first ever TV test was done by a Scott and a South African in the Cape Town city before any country had TV. Prof Barnard transplanted the human heart, some student invented a machine to maintain organs alive for hours to be transported. The pool cleaner the creepy crawly and so many good things were actually invented here. So we are certainly not altogether backward. The fact that you have an electrical pump to pump your water is because you are getting your water from a water tank or water container which is not the case in most households we get our water from the main water source so we do not need electricity for that. Load Shedding my dear is invented to keep us romantic! We often do UNPLUGGED KARAOKE that is when I take a acoustic guitar to the venue, we braai with WOOD (NOT GAS) and we do unplugged karaoke. Even something as advanced as a mammogram we can arrange we just call Manuel the Portuguese Madeiran from the local fuit and veg and he will offer his services for free he will do it Manually no need for electricity there either. Poor children make their own toys they do not play on computer games. In some government departments in Africa like Mozambique they still use typewriters GUESS what? They do not get virus', they don't need electricity, the harddrives don't crash and years later they still have the documents as they didn't get lost on the computer with a computer crash. They don't wake up to an alarm they wake up with a coconut falling on their head which they eat and there is no thyroxine in Mozambique cause I don't think Thyrod problems are common. Chickens are super fresh even if there is no fridge cause they are kept alive until they need to be eaten in most poor households in Mozambique. Many of our so called CULTURE SHOCKS actually work better plus we have kept our U's you guys used all yours to unite your 50 odd states as we still have to do that to our 50 odd african countries we have kept our U's which we use in colour and honour and all those good words. YES YES AFRICA is not a country it is a CONTINENT with 50 odd different countries presidents and people speaking in some places 70 different african languages we have 11 official ones. But one of the biggest parts of our culture is that we know where America is where all the other countries are the languages they speak etc...when we first got the internet in 1996 I started chatting online to several Americans who I had to point out on the map where South Africa was. Many sorry to say don't know much about us but the average South African knows loads about you guys so the average general knowledge is pretty good. At school during my time we did the American war of independence and many of your other history as well as european history, chinese history Japanese history. How much does the average American actually know about our history? Did you know that in 1982 the US Dollar was worth less than our South Africa Rand the dollar was 85 South African cents. The world currencies were top British Sterling followed by Zimb Dollar followed by SA Rand and in forth place was the US Dollar. I could write a book on the various Culture Shocks. Maybe I could even do a Karaoke Song about it. Enjoy South Africa and the culture you will miss it when you return to the USA. Greetings from Umhlanga Rocks KZN South Africa! BEFORE I forget when our ATM came out in 1981 we could do all kinds of transactions deposits withdrawals inter account transactions even between credit cards SWIFT was also available then. I understand that nowhere else in the world could you do all your banking ATM's were basically just for withdrawals back then. Trust me that would have been a major withdrawal. So actually many things we have done first I hope we find the cure for COVID I still believe when there is a need there is an invention and trust SA to come up with a plan!

[@Zilush_Stallion]

I love how you didn't sound condescending 😍😌

[@SteveEilertsenSouthAfrica]

Very funny. Great video. As a South African I had been on the road for 5 days. I arrived in the Catskills in the state of New York and they offered me tea. I would have DIED for a cup of tea - what did they bring me? - cold tea, in a glass - not the hot British cup of tea I expected - my biggest travelling disappointment ever.

[@QueenAlita]

hahahahaaa same thing happened to me in Houston! I was freezing so I asked for tea and here comes this ice cold glass of winter!!!!!!😭

[@lolla2710]

OMW YES I LITERALLY GET SO TRIGGERED WHEN PEOPLE THINK JERKY IS BILTONG 😂😂😂 It's like the same level as the barbeque braai thing for me personally 😂😂😂😂

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahaha I’ll never make that mistake again 😂😂😂

[@sibusisonhlapo3367]

Where is my bakkie

[@lucian5389]

Its litteraly the same shit South Africans just do it better 😎

[@i.am.heather]

I have to say, I wouldn’t be calling the braais “BBQ” either 😂 as a tried and true Southerner of the US, a BBQ is for a little coleslaw and hotdogs/hamburgers. What you’re missing out on is the cookout where we grill ribs, steak, chicken, etc and there’s tons of sides like Mac n cheese, potato salad, banana pudding, etc. Definitely some mad respect to the South Africans for cooking it up like the southerners here in the states. 👍🏼 Although I’d be interested to know what is served there at the braais ☺️☺️☺️ sounds like my kind of get together (if I’m going to leave my house). 😂

[@renatabooysen8146]

We have different sides from "braai broodjies" which is tomato, onion and cheese on bread, braaied with the meat, pap (maize porridge), corn on the cop, banana salad. So many other options.

[@tobyfrvnco8646]

Ya one reason we don’t have electrical appliances in the bathroom is because it can get exposed to water, even if it’s steam, it can condense around the plug socket which leaves water there.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

That makes a lot of sense - I didn't even think about that! 😂

[@welldamn2071]

I was just scrolling by and I figured I'd say "awe"

[@ronaldsegage5621]

In South Africa when you are standing on the wet floor in the bathroom and you reach for that plugged in electrical appliance, you'll go to be Brrrzzzzzzzzap!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahaha I realize now that it maybe isn't the best idea to have outlets in the bathroom 😂😂

[@Chris-wj4ze]

No.

[@tabatatee]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@grantstoffels520]

😂🤣😂 love the grammar. Some one can even kill you. Maybe u just dosing off enjoy your bath in winter with you 3month old daughters little heater’nyana and then out of “no where” SOMEONE just throws that heater into your bath 🛀 water. I’m telling you ☠️

[@sibusisonhlapo3367]

Yes , I'm not taking the socket out beacuse I'm South african

[@hustlemami8732]

Brilliant video, you totally nailed it. You're an honorary south African now ❤️

[@tanjapretorius6379]

I have to mention, that you make it seem that it is the norm for every road to have potholes It definitely depends where you are in SA. Where I am there were a few but they have been sorted out.

[@vuvufuzzy2594]

In defence of SA, honestly, it's not that bad..but you're right, it depends wher you live.

[@sonofsoweto]

The uk is pothole country...potholes are product of the weather as well.

[@walkwithorr]

Since the lockdown, the sight of potholes in places where there was none is shocking but yes where you are is the standard.

[@oratuwe8114]

Nice content! Love how quickly you learnt our slang 🤣💓 I have to point out that potholes are extremely rare of you're living in one of SA's major cities, so I'm going to assume you're in an almost rural area?

[@pumezaqina1051]

😂😂😂😂 You killed me on the slang...... Spot on😂😂🙆‍♀️

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahah thank you Pumeza! 😂 Trying my best to not sound like such a foreigner 😅

[@davidhines68]

You just skated past biltong without translating it. Bil = buttock, tong = tongue. I never get enough of that one.

[@EttVenterPhoto]

South African here. This video is 100000% accurate. Hahaha.

[@jasonyoung9249]

American Service Stations were once full service. Over the last 40 + years they’ve nearly all gone to self serve. I remember when I was a kid in the 1980’s where some stations had a higher price per gallon if they pumped it for you.

[@sebastianbussack9571]

There are a lot of automatic cars here but that is for females or old people most young people prefer to drive manual or stick shift as you say because driving manual or stick just feels better when you change gears.

[@Chris-wj4ze]

Most people are not driving enthusiasts. Your explanation doesn't wash.

[@jacquelinejohnie2598]

Nonsense! I've been driving manual cars for the past 40 years and I still prefer them to automatic. This has nothing to do with age or gender!

[@sebastianbussack9571]

@@jacquelinejohnie2598 I have been working in a dealership for years, you prefer manual because you are used to it and have been driving manual for years, further proves the point I was trying to make. The lady in the video assumes that there are no automatic cars here or that we are stuck in the past with technology

[@sebastianbussack9571]

@@Chris-wj4ze you don't have to be a driving enthusiast to have a preferance

[@jacquelinejohnie2598]

@@sebastianbussack9571 What point? You just proved yourself wrong! I fall in the old category and in your initial comment you stated automatic cars are preferred by older people and females. The lady in the video did not make an assumption that there are NO automatic cars here blahblahblah. Lastly, working for a dealership doesn't prove anything.

[@carlgharis7948]

Well in some states in the U.S. you can't buy alcohol with your groceries. The Walgreens nearest my house next door adjacent says STOP don't enter if Under 21.

[@edwinkok1913]

Should have signed off by saying " I'll see you 'just now' "...lmao🤣🤣🤣

[@Officially_sabby]

🤣🤣🤣

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahaha I should have! 😂

[@henningventer2917]

From an South African Electrician. Power outlets in bathrooms are allowed under certain conditions. It must be out of reach from any water supply or drain line or must have an isolation transformer witch limit it to 110V at 20mA called shaver outlets. Remember our normal supply is 220V 50Hz. It is just easier to install the light switch outside than make all the measurements to comply with our code.

[@phannymotshabi3204]

Had such a good laugh🤣🤣🤣🤣. Thank you for showing us how special we are! Love it

[@msawenkosilanga1379]

🤣🤣😂😂who sold this lady black label though 😂😂that part of a beer finished me

[@bongiwentuli5412]

Yazin....I was beer shocked when I saw this.... its Hansa very bitter .....this stuff if mostly drank by guys the cherries😅 drink ciders and sexy stuff look for something else unless you like it😂😂😂 and you even peel out the stickers you were really drunk Ayi 😅😅😅

[@kirbackeberg1309]

Hey ! Welcome to South Africa Stekkie 🇿🇦 I saw in your video you were in Pietermaritzburg and howick , that where I am from 💁🏼‍♀️ loved this video and South Africa is such a beautiful country but its not for sissies 😂

[@kasnarfburns210]

I must say I found your delivery VERY entertaining. I live in South Florida and after having moved here been burgled ( like most Americans I would normally say BURGLARIZED but I've gotten self-conscious about it for some reason) TWICE for the first time in my life, I've gotten bars on my windows. I even got iron bar doors too.

[@sebastianbussack9571]

also seems like you staying more in the outer parts of a town or city: so in those places you most likely to find lots of potholes or chicken feet in a supermarket. good job on the slang though you are absolutely correct on that.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Haha thanks for your comment Sebastian, I'm trying to keep up with slang so I can blend in better here 😅 yes, we're near Pietermaritzburg, KZN - so that might have something to do with it 😂

[@sebastianbussack9571]

@@TheGlobalExpats You are doing a supa job...I stay in Durban. not too away...you are welcome :)

[@lifeandtimesofsazi3192]

@@TheGlobalExpats PMB is the pits, really not a nice town. Even for SA standards. Take my word for it

[@Majoyol]

I thought the same... you need to spend time in other parts like Hyde Park or Camps Bay - it will be different it’s like going to Detroit and calling it America when there is also NYC and LA.

[@kimgibson6022]

The potholes are CRAZY in Joburg... she’s not lying

[@ralphmoehrke3103]

I think you about nailed it. If you are interested in a history lesson..... biltong was actually a Dutch meat. It was bul and tong. The tong was a piece of meat from the buttock of the cow and looked like a tongue due to its shape. The Arikaners during the war with the British around 1900 found it very useful as compact food that did not need to be preserved. Interesting that although it originated in the Netherlands, they seem to be unfamiliar with it. It has become a truly South African delicacy. Thanks for your interesting and accurate extrapolation of our ways of expressing things. If you understood a bit of Afrikaans we would have even more fun. Stay safe in our beautiful country.

[@SizzlesDiaries]

My heart feels for you, load shedding is reality, we experience power outage here too. Right now, now, now now 🤣🤣🤣 that's epic

[@lukaykk]

Where in Namibia? I live in Windhoek btw

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Load shedding is a killer! Thank you, Sizzles! 😅

[@simpyotto]

Awesome video 😄🇿🇦. I actually enjoyed listening to a view from someone from another country who now lives in SA. Some of the things which are strange to you are so normal to me that I wasn't even aware that they are inconveniences or conveniences. One US convenient I am glad we do not have is the electric plugs in bathrooms, that's just way too dangerous to even think of. I cannot wait to travel and see how other people live in other parts of this beautiful blue planet that we all call home 🌍

[@kabelotlhabanelo8003]

The fence part🤣😂 What can I say, we love our privacy😜

[@TheGlobalExpats]

😂

[@emilebotes3521]

you just brought tears to my eyes. Africa not for poesies

[@newguy6491]

Dankie my boet 🤣

[@kenmaund2836]

You did that so well, welcome to SA its a pleasure to have you.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thank you so much Ken! ☺️

[@pickledbushman]

Really good video, had me laughing. I hope your stay in South Africa is full of positive memories and best of luck to your channel.

[@p.mtoafrica5222]

It's not part of normal life, we have loadsheding once in a while, when there is a problem with the generation stations and there is a need for maintenance, it's not an everyday thing, sometimes it can takes months without loadsheding

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Yes, you're totally right, there definitely can be months that pass without loadshedding, which is great!

[@bma3820]

Well it depends. Maybe wherever she stays Eskom provides their electricity directly. Maybe wherever you stay you pay Cash power whom is a private supplier. I'm also undder Cashpower so I can go years without loadshedding. Eskom can cut their supply anytime but they have to prioritize Cashpower because Cashpower buys electricity from Eskom at a much higher price. So it depends who your source of electricity is🤷

[@thulimashinini9012]

It’s a norm in winter though. Because it’s cold and everyone plugs heaters , warmers etc everything to keep you warm.

[@suzywilson]

🤣🤣🤣 SAFFA here living in Dublin, Ireland. I completely empathise with the culture shock. I went through a similar experience when I got to Irealand. I had to learn expressions like: "Ya Grand", "Ya Gas" (means you funny), "What's the craic like". I also had to unlearn saying robot for traffic light and circle for roundabouts. Just BTW... all bathroom light switches in Europe are also on the outside and there are no power points in the bathrooms either.

[@pinkiedlamini7298]

1:50 I NEVER UNDERSTOOD ELECTRIC OUTLET IN THE BATHROOM 😂🤣😂 when I watch American things. Like the sole factor of the bathroom is WATER!! 🤷. Even in Holiday accomodations in South Africa you won't find an outlet in the bathroom 🙂 and were ok with that

[@hlubideetz7614]

I know.

[@bradleydaniels3864]

The bathroom light on the outside never struck me as weird until now, i never thought of it 🤣🤣 great video

[@sandilebm78g52]

You’re beautiful and funny 😁. I enjoyed the video please keep them comin. New subbie here 🤗

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Aww thank you so much Sandile! 😅

[@Sabundy]

I think that generally speaking the plugs are not in the bathrooms because we would prefer to not electrocute ourselves with 240 watts electrical appliances. Also, the light switches are on the outside as it's generally preferable to put the light on of a room we are entering before we do so as opposed to fumbling in the dark looking for the light switch.

[@vierkleursalwapper9592]

Welcome to South Africa! And I must say, you're a clever cherry! 😂😂😂😂

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hahaha aww thank you so much! ☺️

[@sagipio4038]

Broski why the flag

[@vierkleursalwapper9592]

@@sagipio4038, it's the flag under which my people fought for freedom from the British.

[@mcen5230]

A sure way to see if someone is driving drunk is they go straight!

[@IsanG08]

The one slang word you should know by now if you lived in South Africa is "Aweh"

[@wanderlust7393]

Facts 😂😭

[@cecilebecker9726]

Also Eish! Love Our Country and all it’s People we are great, well most of us 😂

[@lucian5389]

And "China"

[@lucian5389]

"They keep calling me China here but I'm not even Asian" 🤣

[@bongiwentuli5412]

@@lucian5389 😂😂😂sorry do you look like Chinese? Or you hv small eyes ? Cause my lil bro is called China by few ppl because of that

[@ReubenBokaba]

I’m reading some of the comments. I didn’t realise having outlets/sockets in the bathroom wasn’t normal in South Africa. I’ve lived here my entire life and I’ve always had outlets/sockets in my bathrooms

[@cw7661]

Wine is sold inside most supermarkets in ZA.

[@ashbourne6179]

I loved the video as a South African, it brought a smile to my face. I'll admit though I was hoping that our Taxis would get a mention in the driving segment XD

[@kabelom7091]

You got everything correctly 💯% You got us. But you forgot to mention our beautiful weather, sunshine all year. And what about other people living in town or suburbs whilst the others live in the locations🤷‍♀️

[@juangonsalves7108]

It's so funny bc I was watching this during loadshedding and luckily the lights came on😂