Moving to South Africa
Moving to South Africa from New Zealand
Over the years we have moved many thousands of South Africans, both those returning home to the Rainbow Nation or coming to New Zealand in search of something new.
Through our long-standing relationships with trusted partners in South Africa we are well connected for moving you to the country, with its diverse cultures, beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife; or from South Africa to the equally beautiful New Zealand.
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South Africa Moving Services
There are plenty of shipping options for 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 southern African destination.
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 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
The following door-to-door transit times apply to South Africa. These are average times, given as a guide to assist 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
We recommend that we professionally pack your goods. We use the best materials available and employ the latest techniques to ensure your goods arrive safely. We also have a variety of cartons, tailor-made 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 item moving will be packed either in a carton or export wrapped. Once packed all goods will be numbered with a label sticker and recorded on the removal inventory.
You are welcome to pack some or all of your goods yourself if you prefer. We can provide you with packing materials and a handy packing guide to help you.
Storing your Belongings
We have storage facilities available in New Zealand and in South Africa. If you store at destination, your goods are ready more quickly when you need them. If you store them in New Zealand, you will need to wait until they arrive. If you are not sure what your final destination will be we can store your goods here in New Zealand until your plans are decided. This will avoid unnecessary shipping costs if you change your mind.
Insuring Your Belongings
You should insure your goods during relocation to give you peace of mind and to provide protection, just in case. We offer a range of insurance options through Vero marine, one of the world’s largest and most reputable insurance providers.
Special 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 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.
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Moving to South Africa FAQ
Do you have shared containers going to South Africa?
Will I have to pay duty on my household goods in South Africa?
Can I ship my car to South Africa?
Can I take my firearms to South Africa?
Can I include alcohol in my shipment to South Africa?
Yes you can, but you have to pay duty and tax.
Can I store my household goods in South Africa?
Yes you can, we have full storage services available in South Africa.