8 Places to Live in South Sudan as an Expat

As South Sudan emerges as one of the newest countries in the world, thousands flock to this area every year. Many are relocating here for career opportunities, while others seek new adventures or simply wish to live somewhere. Here are 10 cities that any expat would want to make their new home.

1.    Juba, South Sudan

Juba is the largest city in South Sudan and hosts those who have been unable to settle elsewhere due to the nation’s civil war. It features a developed infrastructure as well as an international airport that can be used as a transit point for those wishing to move on from South Sudan.

The cost of living, while extremely high, is still lower than what one might find in neighbouring East African countries. Juba’s housing market has been growing rapidly since 2011 after the country became independent.

Expats looking for homes often aim for higher-end properties located on large lots of land. However, prices are lower than expected given its status as a capital city and it is possible for expats to consider more affordable homes. Expats not wanting to live in Juba can also choose alternative cities such as Yei, Rumbek, Terekeka and Torit. However, given the widespread violence in South Sudan these areas carry their own risks.

2.    Khartoum, Sudan

While Khartoum is a part of a nation that has been at war with South Sudan, it does not pose the same risks to expats. It is an extremely busy and congested city but also features modern amenities for those who may have been accustomed to them back in their home country.

Housing is expensive in Khartoum when compared to other African countries. Expats should prepare to pay upwards of $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment or home. Those looking for lower expenses could consider living in the city’s outskirts where rents are significantly lower and transportation costs would be minimal as well.

3.    Yei

One of the oldest cities in South Sudan, Yei became popular with missionaries and international aid workers after its airstrip was built during World War II. It is also an important centre for business and trade because it has the only railway line linking different regions of the country.

Yei has most of the services that one would need, with malls, schools and universities, hospitals and banks. It is also close to South Sudan’s most popular nature reserve, with many species of animals roaming freely. There are also plenty of places for recreation like water sports at Lokichokio or kitesurfing at Nimule.

4.    Maoziang

This remote province in Eastern Equatorial regularly enjoys some of the best weather in South Sudan. This is due to its high altitude, which allows for pleasant temperatures most of the year round. It also comes with Lake Alabote, which is perfect for fishing and water sports during summer time when other parts of the country are sweltering.

Maoziang is less developed than other regions in South Sudan, but this makes it a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Villages here are also quite diverse when compared with other parts of the country because people speak different languages and have unique traditions.

5.    Malakal

One of the largest cities in South Sudan, Malakal is also an important hub for trade and business. It has decent infrastructure to cater to its large population, but because it is still developing there are bound to be problems. Apart from the traffic jams, the city suffers from sporadic power cuts while water shortages are common during the dry seasons.

Despite this, Malakal is still one of the best places to live in South Sudan because it offers a good balance between work and play. Yei River State Nature Reserve is just 12 miles away, while several shopping malls are great for last minute shopping during festive seasons. There are also many places of historic interest in the city like the old presidential palace and river boat market.

6.    Rumbek

This is another capital of a South Sudan state, but it has more important things to boast about than most other cities in South Sudan. It has one of the largest markets for cattle in East Africa, which attracts drovers from all over the country every week. It is also the location of the only bus service that connects some parts of South Sudan with Kenya and Ethiopia.

Rumbek has some great views, as it sits on the western bank of the Bahr el Ghazal River. There are also ample opportunities to engage in water a sport here, which makes it a perfect summer destination for South Sudanese expats.

7.    Nimule

Nimule is best known for being the gateway to Uganda, but it also has another claim to fame as the home town of South Sudan’s most popular musical group. The Prisons Band was formed in Nimule Prison, where they spent time after being arrested for fighting against the North during the civil war.

Nimule is now a popular tourist destination, as it has plenty of hotels to cater for North Sudanese visitors after the border crossing was reopened in 2011. The town also has an international-standard airstrip, which makes it less isolated than other parts of South Sudan. This is especially crucial during times of crisis because it is easier for aid workers to fly in emergency supplies if they have a good airstrip.

8.    Malualkon

A modern-day white elephant, Malualkon Airport was built during the short reign of Dr Riek Machar as South Sudan’s first president. This means that it has some of the best facilities in an otherwise poor country, but it is still unused because of its remote location. Malualkon has a sizeable population that mainly relies on fishing and farming to survive.

Malualkon is located in the middle of nowhere without any major industry or infrastructure, so it would be difficult to live here as an expat. This does not mean that it is not worth visiting, as the town has some stunning views of the surrounding mountains and grasslands. This is a common safari destination for those looking to escape from their busy lives in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living

Are luxury items available?

The answer may seem surprising – but yes, luxury items are available in South Sudan. Luxury items such as gold and diamond jewellery and designer clothing and handbags can be found in the capital city, Juba. However, like most luxury items around the world, they must be purchased abroad or through a person who has travelled to another country.

How do you make international calls?

In South Sudan, only the most affluent people have international calling plans with their local telecommunication providers. Most people use one of several community-based platforms to make calls overseas. These platforms charge a fee but allow users to call the world at a much lower cost than they would by using their standard mobile phone plans.

How do you pay for utilities?

Utilities such as electric and water can be paid for or done at a community level. For example, an entire neighbourhood may pay one neighbour to fill up water tanks so everyone can use them throughout the year without having to go far from home. Similarly, an entire village might share the cost of hiring a single generator that is shared by a group of families.

How do you get around the city without a car?

Most people in South Sudan use motorbikes or bicycles to get around the cities. These are much more affordable than cars, which must be imported through Sudan where they are resold at significantly higher prices. However, if you are less mobile, the city has a number of cheap taxis.

How do you get food?

Much like many other countries in Africa, South Sudan’s middle class buys most of their groceries from open-air markets where they are available every day. However, for those who have very little money or are not physically able to hold a job, they may be eligible for rations from the government. When this is not an option, people barter goods, grow their own vegetables and hunt for their food.

How do you have international travel documents?

In South Sudan, one must pay a foreign embassy to receive a passport. The cost of this varies depending on which embassy you are located near but generally ranges from US$100-200 per passport.

How do you replace goods that have broken or worn out?

The average South Sudanese has great difficulty buying replacement parts for any of their belongings. Often, people turn to the secondary market where they can find used items which are sold at a higher price. Other times, people must simply do without and replace the broken or worn-out item with a completely new one.

Are products from abroad available?

Although they are not as commonplace, foreign-produced items can be found throughout South Sudan. In Juba, people will even get on a plane to go to Khartoum just for the weekend in order to enjoy more of these imported goods. Imported products include foodstuffs such as cheese, bread, spices and many other items.

Conclusion

Living in South Sudan as an expat could be challenging at first. However, if you understand the process and the cost of living, living here would be the best decision. That’s why we always recommend you to check this platform for more update regarding moving to a new country as an expat.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Living in South Sudan can be very difficult; getting food, water, and shelter is hard. There are no roads to take you to other cities. These problems make it almost impossible for people living there to get what they want or need.

To make things even worse, the weather changes drastically throughout the year. The coldest months of the year are from December to February, and the hottest months are from June to August. During the coldest months, it can go down to 40 degrees below zero and during the month of January, there’s a wind chill factor.

Living in South Sudan as an expat is similar to living anywhere else. You go through the process of applying for a job, finding housing and settling into your new life. Perhaps with a few more precautions than you’d expect considering that warfare broke out not too long ago.

It is essential that you familiarize yourself with the current events before taking a position in South Sudan. You will quickly learn that it is a volatile region and a poor country, but if you arm yourself with some knowledge about the current events and how to anticipate them, your experience should be much more positive than negative.

In this article, we will walk you through the expat cost of living in South Sudan. Aside from this fact; we have compiled the tips to know before moving to this country. Not only is that, but you’ll know the best places to live as an expat, getting jobs and many other things to mention a few. Continue reading to know more.

Tips To Know Before Living in South Sudan

South Sudan, the world’s newest country, is experiencing tremendous social and economic upheaval. All South Sudanese people are scrambling to survive through daily life in a new nation, but foreign residents be they diplomats, NGO workers or business personnel face specific challenges. To help these new arrivals adjust and thrive, we put together some tips for living in South Sudan.

Stay Safe

South Sudan is still in the grip of major political and ethnic conflict. Foreigners, especially those who work for NGOs or own businesses, are prime targets for robbery and kidnapping. Some criminals even attack foreigners simply to steal their vehicles (if you drive) and valuable goods like mobile phones. Because of the threat, you should hire security guards or keep a weapon handy.

Hire a Vehicle

The number of cars in South Sudan is quickly increasing as more people move to Juba and other cities. Unfortunately, roads are terrible and they’re not getting any better. Potholes, rocks, animals crossing the road and slow cars make driving a real hazard. To avoid the hassle, hire drivers or purchase a four-wheel-drive vehicle that can take you anywhere.

Power Outages

 Power outages are common throughout Juba from your home, office, and even during meetings at the Ministry of Energy. If you’re coming from somewhere with steady power, you’ll need to be creative. Use a generator, solar panels or crank up the radio for background music during business meetings.

Internet Problem

While internet availability is increasing throughout Juba, it’s still really slow and not very reliable. The country has one undersea fibre-optic cable connection with Sudan, which is not enough to satisfy demand. If you’re used to lightning-fast internet, you’ll need to wait or get creative.

Stay Healthy

Malaria is endemic in South Sudan, so do your best to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos. Stock up on mosquito nets, insect repellent, and sleep under an anti-mosquito net if possible. Also, the water and food aren’t usually up to your standards (if you can call any standards here).

With that being said, be sure to carry bottled water at all times and stick to fruit and veggies that you either peel yourself or boil for twenty minutes. You should also get vaccinated before coming especially if you’ll be going into remote regions. Some vaccines, like yellow fever, require a certificate of vaccination to enter South Sudan so check with your doctor before traveling.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Despite the difficulties, living in South Sudan is a rewarding experience that will give you great insight into a country filled with rich culture and diversity. Plan ahead as best you can, but don’t over-plan. Once you’re here, the only thing you can really do is be present and roll with the punches. Enjoy!

Consider Adopting a Child from South Sudan

Did you know that there are thousands of children in South Sudan who need homes? You can choose to adopt an older child (ranging in age from 8-15) and provide them with a loving home and family. The adoption process is quick and you’ll get to take your new child back to the U.S. for citizenship, school and a better life.

Cost of Living in South Sudan Today

As reported by the World Bank, the Republic of South Sudan is one of the least developed countries in Africa. Despite earning considerable revenue from crude oil, poverty rates remain high and job opportunities are few.

The Republic has faced threats to its political stability since gaining independence in 2011, with conflict erupting again in 2013. As South Sudan faces political uncertainty, the cost of living in the country is rising. While the cost of living in South Sudan has risen significantly in recent years, salaries have not kept pace.

According to data from Numbeo, consumer prices are 56.96% higher today than they were in January 2017 when South Sudan declared independence from Sudan. Other qualities of life indicators have declined in tandem with the cost of living. Inflation has been estimated at 38% by the CIA World Factbook. Meanwhile, unemployment is currently estimated at 50% and poverty rates continue to worsen.

The most significant price increases occurred in food products, household goods, transportation, restaurants, and utilities. Sanitation is another factor contributing to cost of living increases in South Sudan, as the rise of waterborne diseases continues to affect the country’s population.

Due to poor sanitation systems and lack of access to clean drinking water, more than 30% of people suffer from intestinal parasitic infections. Major causes for these health conditions include open sewage systems, contaminated food products, and unsanitary water.

Understanding the Cost of living in South Sudan

The cost of living in South Sudan is low compared to many other African countries. The following is the price for some common items in South Sudan as of November 2021 with their equivalents in US dollars under $100.00. Prices are subject to change with inflation, which has occurred rapidly since the country’s independence.  Inflation as of June 2021 was at 19.5%. Below are the prices of goods/services.

Fuel

In South Sudan, both gas and diesel fuel prices are lowered from those in the United States. Fuel is subsidized by the government due to a lack of infrastructure and low population density, though black market fuel sales exist. As of November 2021, a gallon of regular unleaded cost between $3.415.

Education

In South Sudan, education is free from pre-school to high school. Meanwhile, tuition is low for those that choose to attend the University of Juba or any other public post-secondary institution in South Sudan including private institutions. Tuition as of September 2021 was $300.00 USD for one semester.

Food

The cost of food in South Sudan is very low. Fish, beef, goat meat, chicken and vegetables are all available at market prices depending on the season or location where acquired. As of May 2021, the price for about 10 pounds (3.5 kg) of play was $100.00 USD at Lokichoggio Market in Kenya and $80.00 USD at the local market in Juba, South Sudan.

Housing

Housing prices for a three-bedroom house in South Sudan range from $80,000 USD to $100,000 USD depending on location and amenities such as electricity or running water. Houses are mostly built on their own, with limited services provided by the government due to cost.

Transportation Cost

Transportation costs are very low in South Sudan. Government-subsidized buses provide transportation within each of the states at a cost of only $2.20 per ride. Bus service is available throughout Juba and many other towns for between $1.20 and $3.40 per ride depending on the state or town being traveled to. Vehicles are cheap, costing around $3,000–$7,000 USD depending on the type of vehicle purchased. Ambulances are required by law for every major hospital in South Sudan with prices set by the national government at between $20,000 and $40,000 USD.

Communications

Voice calls within South Sudan or to Kenya are free with an enhanced call service available for a small fee. SMS communications are also free throughout the country. Data is considered expensive in South Sudan at around $10/GB though this varies depending on which provider one subscribes to.