“Everything Is Cheap”: US Woman Shares 5 Things She Learned in SA, Review Annoys Locals
- A woman from America who was a tourist in South Africa shared the five things she learned while in the country
- One of her reviews looked at her perspective on the country's affordability and how strong her currency is against the rand
- Her take on South Africa had a few locals up in arms and expressing their thoughts in the comments
Source: TikTok
There's no doubt that South Africa remains a top destination for travellers looking for unique experiences abroad. However, when an American woman shared the five lessons she learned during her stay, locals were less than impressed with her review.
US woman's take on SA
A woman using the TikTok handle @healthgirlgonevir uploaded a post telling app users what she experienced while travelling in South Africa. One take that had many residents up in arms was when she said:
"Everything is cheap in South Africa. 1USD is R18. I could get my entire summer wardrobe for $300 (R5 610)."
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She also claimed that when it came to dating in the country, the dating app Tinder didn't work and "57% of the women cheat."
The travelling TikTokker also shared she enjoyed the food quality but urged people to stay away from kotas.
Speaking about the nightlife, she said:
"Better nightlife than Las Vegas and Miami combined. Don't show up to a club before 12am. Check out Drama Club in Cape Town."
Lastly, thanks to filtered showerheads, she raved about South Africa's water quality. However, many people in the comment section felt this review was part of an advertisement.
Take a look at the TikTok picture post here.
SA unimpressed with US woman's take on country
Several local social media users headed to the post's comment section to express their thoughts about what the American woman had learned while exploring South Africa.
@dat_guy080 shared their opinion, writing:
"Things being cheaper in countries less developed than others isn't an indicator of a good economy, it just means it's not that developed or your currency is stronger, which it is."
@jeydi_za said with a laugh:
"I live in South Africa, and I just discovered we have showers with filters."
@nox.noxolo added in the comment section:
"Ma'am, please, everything is expensive. Stop, please stop. Maybe Ramaphosa is seeing these videos."
@__uncleaunty told the traveller:
"It’s not cheap for locals. You guys make it expensive for us to live here."
A saddened @thembisile._.m shared:
"I hate it that they see goodness in this country and we can’t."
@Username4676324 highlighted:
"You can visit, but don’t stay. It is affecting us South Africans because things become too pricey for us."
Why tourists love visiting South Africa?
Many American and European tourists are drawn to South Africa for its mix of affordability, natural beauty, wildlife, cultural richness, and excellent infrastructure. Thanks to favourable exchange rates, visitors from wealthier currencies find their money goes further here, stretching across accommodation, dining, tours, and wine tastings.
According to tourism industry data, Cape Town remains a top draw for US travellers due to its scenic diversity, well-developed infrastructure, and English-speaking environment.
Europeans also visit in large numbers, especially for wildlife safaris, wine routes, outdoor adventures, and cultural festivals that showcase South Africa’s heritage.
Many are motivated by the opportunity to spot the Big Five in the Kruger National Park, hike Table Mountain, explore biodiversity in the Cape Floristic Region, or sip wines in the Winelands, all at great value.
The country’s post-apartheid transformation and Nelson Mandela’s legacy have also helped improve its global image, making it a welcoming destination for international travellers.
3 More stories about Americans in SA
- An American woman living in South Africa tried a few traditional foods and rated the dishes. People loved how she gobbled down the mogodu.
- While in Cape Town, an American woman had locals giving her the side-eye when she shared a video eating liver-filled vetkoek.
- An American tourist aired her frustrations about feeling discriminated against and being treated like a "second-class citizen" while on her trip to the country.
Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News, contributed to this article.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
