Moving to South Africa?
“We assure you a worry free removal so that you can focus on your future”
South African tourism is growing year on year, so it's no surprise that immigration is following suit and more people are moving to South Africa. Be it the enviable climate, the 3,000 kilometres of beaches or the stunning landscapes, South Africa is more diverse now than ever and home to many expats.
Rich with its own traditions and cultures, its cities are becoming dynamic and forward-looking thanks to the ever-developing multi-cultural society. It's infrastructure, economy and education system are booming from receiving heavy investments from the South African government, so there's no shortage of reasons for those seeking a better quality of life abroad.
Compared to the UK, South Africa is vastly different so moving there can be a scary and stressful prospect, but Britannia Harrison and Rowley aim to provide expertise service that will ease the journey. We will handle everything from packing, import documents and delivery to custom clearance. We specialise in packing effects so that they are safe and secure for transit as well as providing detailed plans of your removal so that you know exactly what is happening and when.
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What to expect from moving to South Africa
Whether you are moving to South Africa for job opportunities, better quality of life or a change of scenery, there are lots of things to think about before you emigrate. Ensure you consider your location before moving:
- Move to Durban if you want to be surrounded by a large expat community in a city full of young residents.
- Move to Johannesburg for higher salaries, beautifully tended gardens in the suburbs and a sense of natural beauty.
- Move to Cape Town if you want a vast range of accommodation choices; maybe a home on the seashore or in a mountain?
- Move to Pretoria for Johannesburg's quieter, older sister. A contemporary hub full of culture.
- Move to Port Elizabeth if you want to live in 'the Friendly City' with a hospitable and chilled out vibe.
Cost of living in South Africa
It might not seem like the cheapest country to live in, but compared to most first world western countries there is a cheaper cost of living in South Africa. This is balanced out by lower wages, however many expats find their salaries stretch further so it is not a problem. A lot of expats are surprised at how affordable food and other essential items are when they move to South Africa but find petrol and electricity can be on the dearer side.
Getting a South African visa
The majority of foreign passport holders are required to obtain a South Africa visa to travel to the country, no matter the purpose and duration of the stay. Britons who possess specific professional skills which are in demand in South Africa are able to apply for a South Africa work visa for UK citizens. This is available for different lengths depending on the type of work that will be undertaken. Those who wish to apply for a South African work visa for UK citizens can do so at the Embassy in London, or through a Visa Facilitation Services Centre in South Africa.
Depending on your circumstance, you may qualify for work permits, a quota work permit, an exceptional skills permit, an intra-company transfer visa, corporate work permits and visas, general work permits and visas, retired persons work permit and visas, or study permits. The South African Visa website outlines the different types of visa but Harrison & Rowley will assist you in identifying which visa you need to obtain as part of your removals package.
Your shipping options
Door to door container shipping is the safest and most affordable method to transfer your belongings to South Africa, however it can take several weeks. Harrison & Rowley can further help reduce the cost of shipping to South Africa by sharing a container with other mover's belongings, however this may take longer. The faster way to deliver your items is by air, but this is more expensive.
Once your items have arrived in South Africa, customs clearance can take between 7 to 10 days and you must be present in South Africa in order to clear your consignment to customs. Following customs clearance, a member of our Harrison & Rowley team will arrange delivery to your home and our South African removals partner will ensure the efficient and safe arrival of your items. As this is based on door to door service it will be agreed on a mutually convenient date.
Your personal effects and household goods will be delivered into relevant rooms where you instruct, all effects originally packed by Harrison & Rowley will be unwrapped, all cartons will be unpacked and we will ensure all excess packing material is removed.
Restricted items at South Africa Customs
Like many countries, South Africa has prohibitions and restrictions in place on certain items to protect the country, the people and its ecology, so it's worth checking restrictions on your items.
The following items are included in the list of prohibited or restricted items and may require a license or import permit to bring into South Africa:
- Agricultural products
- Ammunition and explosives
- Firearms
- Furs, finsm and tusks of protected species
- Honey
- Liquor
- Meat and meat products
- Narcotics and medicines
- Plants, seeds and bulbs
- Pornographic material
From the initial meeting with Luke to the lovely guys unpacking our belongings into our new house - the service was friendly and professional. They looked after our belongings and were very friendly. I would recommend them to everyone I know. Thank you so much. It was a real pleasure!
Yes, would definitely recommend! Moves are stressful but with these guys, they made it look easy and smooth. All parts of the moving experience was handled professionally from Paul and Luke in Sales, Alberto, Vinny and Shirley co-ordinating in the office to the removal team of Ryan, Colin and Martin. All very friendly and there to put your mind at rest. We moved over a 2 day period.
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