Removals To South Africa

South Africa

Full container loads | Groupage | Air Freight

At Burke Bros Moving Group we understand the complexities involved in relocating your life and belongings to South Africa.  With our comprehensive international removal service, we aim to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Our Removals to South Africa Service:

When you choose Burke Bros Moving Group, you’re choosing expertise in international removals.  Whether you’re moving from the UK to South Africa or from any other part of the world, we’ve got you covered.  Our team of experienced professional will handle every aspect of your move with care and efficiency.

Whether you require a full household removal or a part load, we offer a high-quality professional shipping service worldwide.

As you would expect from an international business, we have all the professional hands you need for a smooth relocation overseas. We have the global knowledge, contacts, affiliations and practical skills to take care of you all the way to your new life. And for your further peace of mind, we offer full financial protection door to door.

Tailored International Removals Solutions:

No two moves are alike, which is why we offer personalised removal solutions to suit your needs.  Whether you’re relocating a small apartment or an entire household, we have the resources and expertise to ensure a successful move. Our international movers are trained to handle belongings of all shapes and sizes with the utmost care. 

• One of our experienced estimators will visit you in your home so we can accurately calculate the volume you wish to take and any of your packing requirements. Calculating the correct volume is key to a realistic quotation and we understand that cost is an important factor when moving internationally. That’s why we provide transparent pricing. The estimator can also offer you some invaluable advice in preparation for your move.
• We will arrive at your home to pack and wrap your items ready for shipment over a two-to-three-day period. Our professional packing team will carefully pack and label your belongings to ensure they arrive at your new home in South Africa intact.  We use high-quality packing materials to protect your items during transit, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.  The container being loaded on the last day and the inventory checked, ready for the container to be locked, sealed and driven to the UK port.
• All of our removal operatives are trained overseas packers and will ensure your goods are safely packed. Other considerations are tailor made crates for items such as pianos, clocks and glass cabinets etc. Your items are then ready to be loaded on to the shipping container or can be put into storage for any amount of time you require.
• We offer Marine Insurance on all of our international moves that is sufficient to cover your entire move, including cover for the cost of your goods and the cost of the shipment itself, on all effects packed by Burke Bros.

Shipping Options

• We offer a variety of shipping options including sea freight and air freight to accommodate your timeline and budget. Our sea freight services are ideal for larger shipments, while air freight provides a faster transit time for urgent deliveries.  Rest assured, your belongings will reach their destination safely and on time..
• As you are shipping your personal effects to South Africa, you may require a full 40ft or 20ft container, we also offer part-loads or groupage containers, where you only pay for the space your possessions take up within a container.

International Container Shipping to South Africa

Depending on the volume of effects you have to move to South Africa, we offer both full-container and shared-container shipping services. If you aren’t moving the volume of belongings to fill a whole shipping container, a shared container enables you to pay only for the space you need. If speed isn’t of paramount importance to you, this is the most cost-effective service for smaller moves.

Shared Container Services

Shared container services, also known as groupage, are ideal for those who do not have enough items to fill an entire container. This method allows you to share a container with other customers who are also shipping goods to South Africa. The main benefits of shared container services include:

• Cost-Effectiveness: You only pay for the space your items occupy, making it a more economical option compared to hiring a whole container.
• Flexibility: It’s suitable for smaller moves, such as shipping personal effects or a partial household.
• Environmental Impact: Sharing space reduces the carbon footprint per individual shipment.

However, since the container is shared, the shipping time might be longer as the container will only depart once it is full. Typically, transit times range from 6 to 10 weeks for major ports in South Africa.

Full Container Services

Full container services (FCL) are designed for larger moves where you need an entire container to yourself. This option is particularly suitable for families or individuals moving the contents of a whole house. The benefits of full container services include:

• Speed: Full containers generally ship faster than shared containers since they don’t need to wait to be filled with other customers’ goods. Transit times are usually between 4 to 6 weeks for major ports in South Africa.
• Security: Your items are the only ones in the container, reducing the risk of damage or loss.
• Convenience: It provides the flexibility to pack and organise your belongings as you see fit, ensuring everything is loaded and unloaded at once.

While more expensive than shared containers, full container services provide a more streamlined and direct shipping process.

How Long Do Removals to South Africa Take?

On average, household effects can take between 6 and 8 weeks to be shipped to South Africa if you’re moving a full household and require your goods to travel in a sole-use container.

If you have less than a full household and have opted for a shared load, in which you’re just paying for the space that your goods occupy, this may take longer.

Groupage/Shared container loads can take on average, 8-10 weeks to arrive. . These are approximations and are subject to several different factors, one of which is the final destination in South Africa. Airfreight can arrive within days.

* Also note shipping can be delayed due to industrial action, blocked shipping routes and hostile activities in other countries. Our international shipping consultants will advise of any possible delays before shipping.

How Much Do Removals to South Africa Cost?

The cost of relocating from the UK to South Africa can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the volume of personal belongings, the distance between the starting point and destination, and the services required. Estimates typically include packing, loading, shipping, customs clearances and unloading at the destination

Additional costs may arise from optional services such as professional packing, temporary storage, and insurance. Airfreight is a quicker but more expensive option compared to sea freight, which is slower but more economical for larger shipments.

Documents Needed

There are several documents that you will need to ship your items to South Africa. These include:

• Inventory List: A detailed inventory of all items being shipped, including make, model, and serial numbers for electrical items.
• Passport: A copy of the photo page of your passport.
• Visa/Work Permit: A copy of your visa or work permit.
• Proof of Residency: Documents proving your residency status in South Africa, such as a rental agreement or property deed.
• Purchase Receipts: Receipts or proof of value for any items under six months old.
• Bill of Lading: This document is provided by the shipping company and outlines the specifics of the shipment.

Customs Clearance & Quarantine Procedures

Navigating customs procedures can be daunting, but our professionals will handle customs clearance efficiently, ensuring that your belongings reach South Africa without delays.

All used household and personal effects being imported into South Africa are duty-free provided they have been owned and used by the importer for at least six months before importation.

Returning residents must also have lived outside South Africa for more than six months.

Personal attendance during customs clearance by the importer is mandatory. This typically involves:

1. Border Declaration: Completing a Border Declaration of ‘goods to follow’ upon arrival in South Africa.
2. Customs Inspection: Once goods arrive, they will be subject to inspection by South African Customs. You may need to provide a detailed inventory and be present during the inspection.

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, and tranquillisers.
• Foodstuffs of any type, herbs, spices.
• Plants, soil, seeds.
• Skins, hides, ivory, feathers.
• Bones, horns, tusks.

South Africa is a signatory to the CITES agreement that controls trade and movement of endangered species.

Restricted Items

• Alcohol and Tobacco: These will attract high taxes and duties; best to avoid inclusion where possible. An import declaration is required, and a list of type, make, and volume must be submitted if included.
• Firearms: Full weapon details and copies of licences are required. A firearm permit is needed and should be applied for in advance.

Visa Requirements for Moving to South Africa

If you’re visiting South Africa for a short period, there’s no need for a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, if you decide to move to South Africa permanently, this will require a visa. Here is a brief overview of the different types of permanent immigration visas:

• Critical Skills Work Visa: This visa is for individuals with skills and qualifications considered critical for South Africa. It allows the holder to work in their field of expertise.
• General Work Visa: This visa is for individuals who do not qualify for the Critical Skills Work Visa. It requires proof that a South African citizen or permanent resident cannot fill the position.
• Business Visa: This visa is designed to attract individuals who wish to establish or invest in a business in South Africa.
• Relative’s Visa: This visa allows individuals to join their family members who are South African citizens or permanent residents.
• Retirement Visa: This visa is for retirees who wish to live in South Africa and can demonstrate a certain level of income.

Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so it’s important to research thoroughly and choose the one that best suits your circumstances.

Delivery to Your New home:

Once your items have been customs cleared our agent’s operations department will arrange a mutually suitable day for delivery to your new home, or your shipment can be placed in to secure storage facilities. Their services should include full unwrapping of all furniture items, reassembly of items that require non-specialist attention such as beds and bookcases etc. Other services may be available at an additional cost.

Financial Guarantee

Our membership with BAR British Association of Removers) and FIDI (the global alliance of international quality international removal companies) organisations guarantees your money and move are thoroughly protected.

It offers our customers financial security, operational competence, worldwide support and redress facilities that give you total satisfaction that your possessions are being thoroughly cared for.

It provides a scheme of pre-payment protection. As payments are made prior to moving, it is more reassuring to use a financially bonded mover who belongs to the BAR or FIDI. The BAR comprises movers that offer a guarantee that customers advanced payments are protected should the company cease to trade.

Professionalism

As members of the BAR and FIDI we are regularly inspected and adhere to their strict code of practices.

A Comprehensive Removals Process:

From initial consultation to the final delivery, we’ll guide you through every step pf the removals process.  Our dedicated team will keep you informed and updated, answering any questions you may have along the way. 

Our removal services cover all of South Africa from Cape Town to Durban and Port Elizabeth and beyond.

Living in South Africa

Living in South Africa offers a unique and diverse experience with a mix of vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. The country is known for its excellent climate, with plenty of sunshine year-round, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

The cost of living in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the city and region. Major urban areas like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban tend to be more expensive, particularly in terms of housing. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in central Cape Town can be quite costly, while smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable options. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are generally moderate but can add up in major metropolitan areas.

South Africa’s climate is another consideration, with warm summers and mild winters in most parts of the country. Coastal regions have a more temperate climate, while the interior can experience more extreme temperatures. The country is well-equipped to handle varying weather conditions, and most homes and public spaces are designed to be comfortable year-round.

Employment opportunities in South Africa vary, with key sectors including mining, manufacturing, finance, and services. The country also has a social safety net, including benefits like unemployment insurance and pensions.

Overall, living in South Africa provides a balance of economic opportunities, natural beauty, and a diverse cultural environment, making it an attractive option for many people.

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