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How to Spot a South African Abroad (Clues You Can’t Miss!)
By Sizwe Dlamini•December 9, 2025•5 min read
Spotting a South African abroad is easier than you think. From biltong stashes to slops in the snow, here are the unmistakable signs of a true Saffa traveller.
South Africans are everywhere — airports, beach bars, ski slopes, the weird back corner of a flea market in Bangkok or that little pasty cafe in Copenhagen — and honestly, we’re not hard to spot. There’s a certain something about us.
A vibe.
A combination of chaos, charm, and brazen confidence that makes us stand out like a vuvuzela in a library.
If you’ve ever been abroad and suddenly heard someone shout “Yoh!” across a street, you know exactly what we mean.
Here’s your unofficial guide to identifying a South African anywhere in the world.
A vibe.
A combination of chaos, charm, and brazen confidence that makes us stand out like a vuvuzela in a library.
If you’ve ever been abroad and suddenly heard someone shout “Yoh!” across a street, you know exactly what we mean.
Here’s your unofficial guide to identifying a South African anywhere in the world.
1. They Complain About the Price of Everything
No matter the destination, a South African will instantly convert the price into rands (often out loud).
“R400 for a room service burger? Haaibo, is it made of gold?”
Even if they budgeted for the trip, even if they’re on honeymoon — the currency shock is immediate and dramatic.
“R400 for a room service burger? Haaibo, is it made of gold?”
Even if they budgeted for the trip, even if they’re on honeymoon — the currency shock is immediate and dramatic.
2. They Carry Biltong in Their Luggage
Somewhere, deep in a suitcase or backpack, is a ziplock bag of biltong.
It might be smuggled.
It might be questionably legal.
But it’s there — the emotional support snack of the nation.
Bonus points if they argue passionately with locals about how “jerky isn’t the same thing.” (Because we know it's way better)
It might be smuggled.
It might be questionably legal.
But it’s there — the emotional support snack of the nation.
Bonus points if they argue passionately with locals about how “jerky isn’t the same thing.” (Because we know it's way better)
3. Their Accent Gives Them Away Immediately
You might think you sound neutral. The world disagrees.
- “Are you Australian?”
- “Are you from New Zealand?”
- “Is that Dutch?”
But the moment you walk in West London and hear, "Ja, shame", or "Just now," the mystery evaporates.
South African confirmed - our people.
South African confirmed - our people.
4. They Find Other South Africans Instantly
It doesn’t matter if they’re in a crowd of thousands — two Saffas will find each other like homing pigeons.
One “Howzit!” across the room, and suddenly there’s a braai invite, they ask if you know their cousin’s friend’s brother who lived in Cape Town, and you’ve made a lifelong travel buddy.
5. They Bring Their Own Spice
A true South African abroad travels with aromat, Mrs Balls, or at minimum — a tiny bag of braai spice.
They’ll try local food, sure, but they’ll also definitely “fix it” with something from home.
6. They Wear Plakkies and Boerboel Shorts in Places They Probably Shouldn’t
Snow?
Rain?
Weird cobblestones?
Doesn’t matter.
If they packed a pair of khaki shorts and plakkies, they WILL wear them.
And probably with great pride.
Rain?
Weird cobblestones?
Doesn’t matter.
If they packed a pair of khaki shorts and plakkies, they WILL wear them.
And probably with great pride.
7. They Know Where All the Cheap Drinks Are
South Africans abroad have a sixth sense for:
- Happy hour
- Student specials
- That sketchy alley bar where beers are half the price
It’s a talent. A blessing. A calling.
8. They Talk About South Africa… Constantly
Ask them where they’re from and prepare for a TED Talk.
South Africans are deeply loyal to their home — the food, the humour, the chaos, the sun.
Even when they’re living their best international life, they’ll be the loudest SA ambassadors in the room.
South Africans are deeply loyal to their home — the food, the humour, the chaos, the sun.
Even when they’re living their best international life, they’ll be the loudest SA ambassadors in the room.
9. They Pack for Every Weather Situation
Saffas know better than to trust the sky.
Their suitcase contains:
- A costume
- A winter jacket
- Shorts
- Jeans
- A raincoat
- And “just in case” tekkies
Other tourists pack outfits. South Africans pack for war.
10. They Always Compare Beaches
Every coastline on the planet will be compared to:
- The West Coast (for beauty)
- The East Coast (for warm water)
And no matter where they are, they’ll always end with,
“It’s nice, hey… but it’s not like back home.”
Final Word
Traveling as a South African is a special experience. We’re friendly, loud, curious, fun, and proudly ourselves — wherever we go. And honestly? The world could use more of that energy.
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Sizwe Dlamini
Travel & Flight Expert
Sizwe is the guy who has already checked in online, chosen the best seat, and packed a power bank — and that’s just for a weekend in Durban. With a knack for scoring travel deals and an eye for off-the-beaten-path destinations, he’s Computicket’s resident jet-setter. From navigating airports to finding the cheapest flights to Cape Town, Sizwe’s tips are practical, reliable, and always a little adventurous.
Table of Contents
1. They Complain About the Price of Everything2. They Carry Biltong in Their Luggage3. Their Accent Gives Them Away Immediately 4. They Find Other South Africans Instantly5. They Bring Their Own Spice6. They Wear Plakkies and Boerboel Shorts in Places They Probably Shouldn’t7. They Know Where All the Cheap Drinks Are8. They Talk About South Africa… Constantly9. They Pack for Every Weather Situation10. They Always Compare Beaches Final Word
Article Info
5 min read
December 9, 2025
560 words
Status: published