Moving to South Africa
For South Africans leaving their homeland in search of a new life in New Zealand, or for those returning to South Africa, New Zealand Movers have moved many South Africans.
New Zealand Movers is well connected for moving you to and from South Africa, the ‘rainbow nation’ with its diverse cultures, beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife.
South Africa Moving Services
There are plenty of shipping options when moving your household goods to South Africa. We can offer the following reliable and regular door-to-door moving services.
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful move.
South Africa Moving Destinations
We can deliver your shipment to anywhere in South Africa, whether it's Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London or anywhere in between. We can also use South Africa as a gateway to another African destination.
Get a Quote for Moving to South Africa
We don't need much to work out the cost of moving your belongings to your new home in South Africa. Whatever your requirements, New Zealand Movers have a variety of quote options to suit your moving needs. To get started, simply complete the Free Quote request on of this page and we'll be in direct contact with you.
South African Customs Service*
To get your household goods into South Africa they will need to be cleared by the South African Customs service. To do that you will need to complete a declaration and provide your original passport with appropriate visas if you're immigrating to South Africa. New immigrants can import their used household goods into South Africa free of duty. Returning South African residents can also import their household goods free of duty provided they have been outside of South Africa for at least six months. You will have to pay duty on all brand new furniture and household items, presents, souvenirs and alcohol. To import firearms you will need to obtain an import permit and South African Police Firearm Registrar certificate.
Approximate Transit Times to South Africa
Depending on the method of shipping we can advise the following approximate door-to-door transit times to South Africa. These times are based on an average and given as a guide to assist you in your planning. The transit time for shared containers can vary and are subject to having enough shipments to fill a container.
- Sea freight Sole Use Container: Approximately 6 - 7 weeks
- Sea freight Shared Container: Approximately 12 - 18 weeks.
- Air freight: 1 - 2 weeks
Packing Your Belongings
It is our recommendation that we professionally pack your goods. We use the best materials available and employ the best techniques to ensure your goods arrive safely in South Africa. We also have a variety of speciality cartons, purpose-designed for items such as flat screen TVs, golf clubs, hanging clothes, bikes, and artwork.
We also custom-build wooden crates for fragile and precious items. Every single item moving will be packaged in some form, thus if it is not packed inside a carton it will be export wrapped. Once packed, all goods will be numbered with a label sticker and recorded on a removal inventory. Whilst it is our recommendation that we pack your goods it is not mandatory, you are welcome to pack some or all of your goods yourself. We can assist you in this process by providing you with our packing materials and a handy packing guide.
Storing Your Belongings
We have storage services available in both New Zealand and South Africa. The advantage or storing in South Africa is that when you are ready to receive your goods they can be delivered quite quickly. Whereas if you store them in New Zealand, you will have to plan around shipping transit and wait for their arrival. On the other hand, if you are not sure what your final destination will be in South Africa we can store your goods here in New Zealand until you know what it is. This can reduce unnecessary shipping costs if you change your mind.
Insuring Your Belongings
It is very important to consider the protection of your goods during relocation to South Africa as there is always an element of risk. Peace of mind is paramount, thankfully, we are able to offer a range of insurance options to ensure your personal possessions are well covered should the unlikely happen. You are in good hands with our policies being underwritten by Vero marine, one of the world's largest and most reputable insurance providers.
Special Overseas Moving Services
And to top it off and make your move to South Africa complete we can provide house cleaning services after emptying your home, arrange the transferring of your funds to South Africa with foreign exchange services and perhaps even valet unpacking at your destination to really put the finishing touches in place.
Foreign exchange transfers with XE Money Transfer
If you require New Zealand currency exchanged for the South African rand, we'd like to introduce you to XE Money Transfer, one of New Zealand's leading Foreign exchange companies. One of the many benefits of moving with New Zealand Movers includes discounted fees for foreign currency exchange and the best exchange rates available when transferring of your funds to South Africa.
Shipping your Motor Vehicle to South Africa*
New immigrants to South Africa can import their motor vehicles provided they obtain an import permit from the South African Bureau of Standards in Pretoria. Immigrants can also import their motor vehicles free of duty provided they have owned the vehicle abroad for 12 months and will not sell it within two years of importation into South Africa. There will be VAT payable on the vehicle. Returning South Africans have to pay full duty and VAT on motor vehicles but do not have to obtain an import permit.
* Disclaimer: All information provided is a general guide only and can change without notice. We suggest making contact with the appropriate authorities for verification.
Moving to South Africa FAQ