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- South Africa International Moving Services
- How Much Does It Cost To Move To South Africa?
- Transportation Fees
- Custom Fees
- Storage
- Moving To South Africa Cost & Time Examples
- The Import Duties For Household Belongings
- The Import Paperwork For Household Belongings
- The Import Duties For Vehicles
- The Import Paperwork For Vehicles
- Tips On How To Make Your International Move Easier
- Why You Need A Professional Moving Company When Relocating Overseas
- How To Find The Best International Moving Company
- Our South Africa International Moving Services
- Why A-1 Auto Transport?
- Get In Touch!
- Sources
South Africa International Moving Services
International moving is the situation in which a company or an individual changes their location and also ships their belongings or commercial equipment overseas. Such moves prove to be daunting when done individually. Also, one may be limited and my not have the capacity to handle the shipping of various goods or they may not be fully familiar with what it takes to ship to the destination country. It is therefore; good to hire international moving services so as to have a hassle-free experience.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to South Africa?
The cost of moving internationally to South Africa can range anywhere from $2,000-$12,000 depending on various factors such as the move size, total distance, route, transportation method, and current market trends.
When moving, you must ensure that you include the expense of your accommodations. If you are interested in relocating to Cape Town and looking for a two-bedroom apartment, you should anticipate paying between $4,000- $6,500. Three or four bedrooms will range from $8,700- $14,400. You might as well consider additional factors that can influence your moving cost. E.g., custom fees, legal fees, moving insurance, storage, visa fee, travel fee, etc.
Transportation Fees
The trip price can be considerably influenced by the location, mode of transportation, and duration of the trip. When moving to a new country, it is helpful to have a broad concept of the costs involved.
According to a recent study, the average cost of overseas travel is between $500 and $1,500. These costs cover everything from airline tickets to relocating your belongings.
Custom fees
Many nations levied customs and port fees. You'll have to pay customs and port fees depending on where you're relocating from and where you're traveling to.
In most door-to-door international removals, customs tariffs and port fees are included in the price. It's wise to double-check with the moving firms you're considering, though. Port charges can cost anything from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars on average. When moving door-to-door, these expenses will be included in your bill.
Storage
Costs associated with storage might vary significantly from one business to the next. On the other hand, you should plan on spending approximately fifty cents per cubic foot as your total cost. You need to know the volume of what you plan to store and how long you will use it to calculate the storage cost accurately. When determining the storage cost, it is in your best interest to speak with the international moving firm.
You will be given a choice to either store the item at its point of origin or its final destination. If you need storage for an extended period (three months or more), you may wish to inquire about temperature-controlled storage units.
Moving to South Africa Cost & Time Examples
| To/From | 2BR | 4BR | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston to Cape Town | $3,600- $6,000 | $6,800- $11,200 | 4-7 weeks |
| Seattle to Cape Town | $4,000- $6,500 | $7,400- $12,300 | 5-8 weeks |
| Los Angeles to Durban | $4,000- $6,700 | $7,600- $12,400 | 5-8 weeks |
| Boston to Johannesburg | $4,100- $6,800 | $7,600- $12,400 | 4-7 weeks |
| Portland to Durban | $4,200- $7,100 | $7,900- $13,100 | 5-8 weeks |
| Memphis to Durban | $4,400- $7,300 | $8,200- $13,500 | 4-7 weeks |
| Detroit to Johannesburg | $4,500- $7,400 | $8,300- $13,700 | 4-7 weeks |
| Chicago to Cape Town | $4,500- $7,600 | $8,500- $13,800 | 4-7 weeks |
| Phoenix to Cape Town | $4,700- $7,800 | $8,700- $14,400 | 5-8 weeks |
| Denver to Cape Town | $6,000- $9,900 | $11,000- $18,200 | 5-9 weeks |
*Please note that these estimates do not include taxes, customs fees & duties, insurance & quarantine inspections. They assume easy access to both pick up and drop-off addresses and do not allow for special items such as pianos.
Estimated Weight (based on home size):
1BR=2600 lbs - 3900 lbs
2BR=3900 lbs - 5200 lbs
3BR=6500 lbs - 9100 lbs
4BR=9100 lbs - 14300 lbs
5BR=11700 lbs - 19500 lbs
By doing this, you ship your car to South Africa along with any other items safely and reliably.
The import duties for household belongings
It appears that duty can be waived on your household items, if you purchased them over one year ago (1). Customs also requires that you’ve been personally using them during that time. However, another credible source doesn’t mention duty exemption at all - so it would be sensible to confirm this information with customs (2).
Regardless of the duty status of your shipment, you’re obliged to enter the country a full 10 days prior to your shipment (3). In addition, all paperwork must be received by the destination agent 7 to 30 days ahead of time (the time varies according to different sources) (4). Even if duty is waived on your shipment, charges such as terminal fees, inspection fees and ad valorem accomodation at the port for your container will be incurred (5).
The import paperwork for household belongings
You will need to provide a comprehensive inventory, your passport and the Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. Customs forms P.1.160 and DA 304 are also required. A valid Work Permit, Temporary Residency Permit or Permanent Residence documentation are mandatory as well (6).
A letter from your employer is necessary, and you may also need to show an Import Permit issued by the Director of Imports and Exports. Settlers Declaration Forms will be requested by customs too. The weight and dimensions of your shipment should also be consistent, when listed on the various documents submitted to customs (7).
The import duties for vehicles
Once again, sources provide conflicting information concerning duty exemption. The International Association of Movers doesn’t specify whether exemption is possible, except for temporary residents of South Africa. If you’ll be relocating to the country on a temporary basis, then a customs bond for the full amount of the standard taxes and duties is required. However, though there is no guarantee - it’s possible that you can have this refunded, when you export the vehicle back out of South Africa (8).
Another trustworthy source diverges, saying that for permanent vehicle imports - you need only meet a few criteria to have duty waived. First, any vehicle acquired January 1st, 2000 or later is required to be right-hand drive. Second, you won’t be permitted to sell or get rid of the vehicle for your first 24 months in the country. Third, customs will still charge VAT on the vehicle. Fourth, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) will assess a R1800 payment on the vehicle (9).
The import paperwork for vehicles
A valid Import Permit is required for permanent residents, and you’ll also need your passport and Original Bill of Lading. Documents showing you’ve owned the vehicle for over 12 months are also required. A Letter of Authority written by SABS and receipt of payment to them are mandated as well (10). Customs form DA 304/A and the vehicle’s registration will be requested too (11). Also, be prepared to submit a Valuation Certificate for the vehicle (12).
Just the surface has been scratched here, when it comes to the regulations governing vehicle imports. If you wish to ship a vehicle to South Africa, you will need the professional services of a reputable international moving company like A1 Auto Transport. We will ensure that you’re fully prepared, for all of the logistical hurdles involved during clearance.
In addition, it would be wise for you to discuss shipments of both household goods and vehicles with customs - as they’re the final word on the latest developments regarding clearance requirements.
Tips on how to make your international move easier
Making an international move involves a lot of processes but these few things can make your move easier:
- Research on the shipping rules and regulations. Valuable information can be found from the South African Embassy, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Maritime Commission.
- Sort your belongings so that you will only carry the essentials. Package them using the suitable packaging options so as to make it easy to store and handle them.
- Prepare your travel documents early enough so that you do not encounter any delays.
- Hire the services of a reputable mover who is experienced in shipping to South Africa.
Why you need a professional moving company when relocating overseas
Hiring South Africa International Moving Services will be of great benefit to you. This is because you will not have to worry about multiple things at the same time. The moving company will be more than able to handle your request and they will do so with ease, given their expertise. In case you will be shipping a car, they will be able to handle it and store it well, so that you will receive it in good condition. They will also do their best to make the move hassle-free for you and offer additional services such as packing and unpacking, guidance on how to handle your paperwork and housing assistance.
A-1 Auto Transport can help you move your household goods internationally. Call 888-241-3110 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote on interstate moving services.
How to find the best international moving company
There are many movers offering South Africa International Moving Services but to find the best company, look into the following factors:
- Reliability of the moving company to deliver goods as and when required to do so.
- Expertise of the mover in providing shipping services to the region you are moving to.
- Affordability and transparency: A good mover will not quote a low rate just to entice you nor will they offer you with a quote that has obligations attached to it.
- A good mover will offer you with great support and additional services that will make your move hassle-free.
Our South Africa international moving services
- Packing/unpacking: We do our best to help you and ensure that you will not be drained by the move.
- Commercial moving: We help your company to relocate with ease.
- Office moves: We assist you to make the move to South Africa in good time so as to start off your operations.
- Apartment moves: Moving to your apartment in South Africa will be an enjoyable experience when you choose us.
- Planning and preparation: We guide you on what it will entail to have a successful move.
- Visa and immigration services: We assist you in applying for the visa and any other requirements so that you may move to South Africa.
- Housing assistance: You need not get stranded yet we have housing assistance services available.
- Family services: We do our best to make the move enjoyable for you and your family.
- Auto transport services: We offer you with reliable, safe and affordable car transportation services. There will be no excuse for you not to experience the advantages of shipping your car to South Africa.
Why A-1 Auto Transport?
A-1 Auto Transport is a better mover than the rest because we are an experienced, reliable and reputable company. You will have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are in safe hands when you hand them over to us. We also offer you with affordable services and can give you a free quote that does not have any obligations attached to it.
Get In Touch!
We are just a phone call away on the number 888-241-3110. You can also get in touch using the details provided here and we can give you more information on our South Africa International Moving Services. We would also appreciate it if you could fill-in the form at the top of the page.
SOURCES:
- IAMovers Country Guide: South Africa
- Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into South Africa” page.
- Paperwork must be received 7 days in advance, according to: -Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into South Africa” page Paperwork must be received 20 to 30 days in advance, according to: -Moverscom “Moving to South Africa” page
- Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into South Africa” page.
- IAMovers Country Guide: South Africa
- Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into South Africa” page.
- IAMovers Country Guide: South Africa
- Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into South Africa” page.
- A-1 Auto Transport Ship Car To South Africa
- Found on Moverscom “Moving to South Africa” page.
- IAMovers Country Guide: South Africa
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