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American Tourist Impressed by Full-Service South African Petrol Station, Shares Video

Published 29 Sep 2025

by Johana Mukandila reviewed by Kelly Lippke

3 min read

An American visitor has shared a video showcasing his surprise and admiration for the quality and amenities of a South African petrol station
The tourist's positive reaction has sparked a lighthearted discussion online, with South Africans celebrating the unique aspects of their petrol stations and taking pride in the small conveniences that set them apart
The video has highlighted cultural differences between South African and American petrol stations, particularly the full-service approach in South Africa, where attendants provide additional services like pumping fuel and cleaning windscreens

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An American visitor has left Mzansi buzzing online after sharing his surprise at the quality and atmosphere of a South African petrol station.

An American tourist was shocked by the petrol station in South Africa. — An American man was amazed by the petrol station in South Africa. Image: @southeastsamurai
Source: TikTok

The tourist posted a video under the handle @southeastsamurai showcasing the facility, which he described as "beautiful" and unlike anything he expected.

In the clip, he walked viewers through the petrol station, pointing out its modern design and variety of amenities. The site featured a convenience store, a dedicated waste area, and petrol attendants ready to assist customers, something not commonly found in the United States, where self-service is the norm.

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Clearly impressed, he captioned his post saying:

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"I’m shocked by the South African gas stations. They possess such an amazing vibe."

His reaction quickly gained traction online since the video was published by the TikTok @southeastsamurai on 27 September 2025, with South Africans chiming in to celebrate the positive attention. Many locals expressed pride in how the country’s petrol stations often offer more than just fuel, providing shoppers with groceries, hot food, and even resting areas.

Others found humour in his astonishment, joking that he had only scratched the surface of what makes Mzansi unique.

The clip highlighted a cultural difference often overlooked by locals but novel to visitors, the full-service approach of South African petrol stations, where attendants pump fuel, check oil levels, and clean windscreens at no extra charge.

For the American traveller, the experience was more than functional, it was memorable. His words have since sparked lighthearted discussions about how everyday aspects of South African life can leave outsiders deeply impressed.

SA reacts to American take on petrol stations in Mzansi

People flooded the comments section to express their thoughts on the American man's views on petrol in South Africa.

She_Builds said:

"You shocked by that?......wait till you go to Alzu Garage in Mpumalanga, you will cry in awe."

Abobo wrote:

"Kanti what do American garages look like?"

Sino Tshoni added:

"This is Australia in South Africa, we don’t have the electricity for what you are showing them."

Ali_baby95 shared:

"You forgot to mention that we don’t pour our own petrol. We have sweet petrol attendants who ask you how you are feeling before they service your car."

Mohamed Ahmed commented:

"It's called Garage in South Africa."

Watch the video below:

Here's another TikTok video of the man's adventure in Mzansi:

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An African American man living in Johannesburg was standing with his friends next to The Leonardo Hotel in Sandton when a man grabbed his cellphone and ran to a Mercedes-Benz and sped off.