International Removals
Moving to South Africa
Simplify your next move
Experience
you can trust
Fully trained professionals
Make your move stress free with our team of experienced removal specialists who discuss all the needs and requirements of your move with you.
Co-founders of Britannia Movers International
Benefit from the wealth of experience of our removals team, and it is this expertise that ensures every moving day is a success.
Awarded the British Standard BS EN 12522
We were the first local removal company to be awarded the British Standard BS EN 12522 (Domestic Removals for Private Individuals).
Quality assured packing materials
To make things even easier for you, we can supply standard storage boxes and cartons, tape and bubble wrap, to the more specialised protective covers.
Moving to South Africa from the UK?
Whilst moving abroad can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life, Britannia Pink & Jones aim to provide expertise service that will ease the journey and all you have to do is focus on your future. If it puts you more at ease, we can handle everything from packing, import documents and delivery right through to custom clearance.
Our experts specialise in packing effects so they are safe and secure for transit. We also provide you with detailed plans of your removal process to South Africa so you know exactly what is happening with your move and when. We have worked with home owners who have needed our full removal support to South Africa, so call us today for a free no obligation quote.
Expectations when moving to South Africa
Whether you are moving to South Africa for more job opportunities, a better quality of life or a brighter change of scenery, there are lots of destinations to think about before you emigrate. Places like Johannesburg have higher salaries than other areas of South Africa, as well as being the home of beautiful suburbs and a real sense of natural beauty, whereas if you're looking to live amongst a large expat community and be surrounded by a city full of young residents, move to Durban instead.
Useful downloads
Cheaper cost of living in South Africa
Compared to most first world western countries, a lot of British expats are surprised that there is a cheaper cost of living in South Africa. While this is balanced out by the lower wages you receive over there, many expats find their salaries stretch further so it's not a big issue. Food prices and other essential items are affordable for people living in South Africa, but petrol and electricity can be more expensive. If you are good at handling money you will find the equilibrium.
South African visas
Most foreign passport holders are required to obtain a South African visa to travel to the country regardless of the purpose or duration of the stay. Britons who have specific professional skills are in demand in South Africa and so can apply for a South African work visa for UK citizens. You can get one for various lengths of stay depending on which type of skilled work you will be undertaking. You can apply for a South African work visa for UK citizens at the London Embassy.
Depending on your purpose for moving to South Africa, 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 is a good place to start your research to outline the different types of visa, but Britannia Pink & Jones will help you identify which visa you need to obtain as part of your removals package if you prefer.
Shipping options to South Africa
Door-to-door container shipping is the safest, most affordable and most common method used to transfer your belongings to South Africa, however it can take several weeks. If your budget is a big concern for you, Britannia Pink & Jones can help reduce the overall cost of shipping everything to South Africa by transferring your items into a shared container with other mover's belongings. Think of it like an Uber Pool, you're both heading in the same direction so you can share the cost! This method may take longer for your belongings to arrive at your new destination in South Africa, however. The fastest way to deliver your items is by air, but this is more expensive.
After your items have arrived in South Africa, your consignment needs to be cleared to customs for which you must be present in South Africa at the time, and customs clearance can potentially take longer than a week. After customs clearance, one of our removals experts will arrange their delivery to your home and our South African removals partner will ensure the efficient and safe arrival of your items.
Your items will be delivered into your new home and placed wherever you direct. If you opted for a package service, everything we originally packed in the UK will be unwrapped by our team and all excess packing material removed.
Restricted items at South Africa Customs
South Africa has prohibitions and restrictions in place on certain items to protect the country, the people and its ecology, so double check the list for any of your items as you could face a penalty.
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, fins and tusks of protected species
- Honey
- Liquor
- Meat and meat products
- Narcotics and medicines
- Plants, seeds and bulbs
- Pornographic material
Britannia Movers - East
4.7
975 Reviews
Very friendly and efficient
The whole process from quote/organisation/packing and moving was excellent. Good communication, relaxed about small changes . Packing and moving team were friendly, helpful and did a great job. Would highly recommend
Very good service hard working…
Very good service hard working efficient working
Great Team
From the moment the team walked into our home to pack up for the move we knew we were in professional hands they worked quickly but were very careful with our belongings and they were very approachable. On the day of the move they arrived on time and loaded the lorry efficiently with care making sure everything was safely stored. On arrival to the new property Ben & Chris worked solidly to make sure all our belongings were unloaded and placed into the correct rooms. We can honestly say this move was the only thing that went through without any stress which is more than can be said for the actual purchase. The whole team from the first telephone call to arrange a quote to the actual move was done with care, commitment and professionalism the whole team were a pleasure to work with we would like to say a big thank you to Ben R, Ben W and Chris D.
Free in person survey.
We offer free in‑person or online video surveys to make getting a quote quick and easy. If you’d prefer a visit, one of our experienced surveyors can meet you in person. If it’s more convenient, we can carry out a video survey at a time that suits you, using your phone or tablet.
Both options allow us to understand exactly what you need, answer any questions, and provide an accurate, no‑obligation quotation — with no pressure and no commitment.
The Booking Process
STEP 1: PRE-MOVE SURVEY
First, we'll conduct a pre-move survey. We will take a detailed inventory of everything that you’re looking to move. Please let us know if anything changes so we can update your quote accordingly
STEP 2: KEEP IN TOUCH
If you'd like to go ahead, please keep in touch with updates on your move date. We'll also follow up with a quick courtesy call to check you've received everything and answer any questions.
STEP 3: LET US KNOW YOUR TENTATIVE DATE
When you have a tentative moving date, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll make a note of it and do our upmost best to keep you updated on our availability.
STEP 4: BOOK YOUR REMOVAL
Once you've exchanged contracts (if applicable), it's time to book your removal. To confirm your booking, we require a 50% deposit if you're booking more than a week in advance, or full payment if your move is within the next 7 days
STEP 5: MOVING DAY
We’ll give you a courtesy call the working day before your move to confirm the final details and collect any remaining balance. After that, we’ll see you on the big day!
Member of the British Association of Removers
BAR members are professional companies committed to the high standard of service required by the BAR TSI Code of Practice. Each member must comply with annual inspections during their membership; giving you that much needed reassurance. Customer prepayments are protected in the event the BAR member cancels or experiences financial difficulties (subject to the BAR pre-payment protection plan T&C's).
Any questions? Let’s talk!
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Visiting Us
Please arrange an appointment to visit us in person.
Unit 12 Pytchley Business Park
Orion Way
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN15 6NP
