If you are considering moving to South Africa, you are not alone. The country has been experiencing a steady rise in inbound relocations over the past few decades, particularly among professional expats and retirees, and by looking at the trends of our own movers here at Arpin International, we can confirm it.
The draw is not hard to understand. Mindboggling landscapes, extraordinary natural beauty, work-life balance, a sense of community, world-class wine, and cultural richness unlike anywhere else on earth. But like any major move, the more prepared you are before you land, the faster you will find your footing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the culture, the practicalities, the best cities to consider, and what it takes to get your belongings here.
Everything You Need to Know about Moving to South Africa
Cultural Norms to Know About
Before we get into logistics, let’s talk about what no customs document can capture: the spirit of the country itself.
South Africa is home to 12 official languages and a mosaic of cultures, ethnicities, histories, and traditions. It is one of the most diverse nations on earth, and that diversity is felt in daily life through food, music, neighborhoods, and conversations. Threading through it all is a concept South Africans live by called Ubuntu.
Ubuntu is a philosophy that roughly translates to “I am because we are.” It speaks to the idea that our humanity is tied to one another, and that community, generosity, and belonging are the foundations of life. For newcomers, this is one of the first things you will notice is the way people welcome you into their community.
And then there’s the braai. Essentially, it’s a word for a barbecue, but calling it that is like calling Table Mountain a hill. Rather, it’s a social institution and a weekend ritual without which your plans are incomplete. Gather your friends and neighbors, light a fire, open a bottle of wine, or crack a cold one, and let the afternoon stretch into evening. If you want to integrate quickly, learn to love a braai.
South Africa is also a country shaped by its history. Figures like Nelson Mandela are icons and part of the living culture. Nature draws people too: the Big Five, Kruger National Park, the Cape Winelands. And for sports lovers, rugby is huge.
Weather
South Africa’s warm weather is one of the reasons people move. Summers are hot, winters are mild, and the sky is blue for over 300 days per year. Does it snow? Technically, yes. But you have to seek it out, heading up to the mountain ranges to find it. For most residents, a winter jacket is about as heavy as it gets.
Access to Nature
One of South Africa’s greatest gifts to its residents is access to nature. You don’t have to go far or plan a special trip to be surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Whether it’s hiking trails in Cape Peninsula, a weekend safari a few hours from the city, or a morning run along a coastal path with the Indian Ocean in view, nature is accessible in a way most countries simply cannot match. If you value the outdoors and are moving from a dense city, this is one of the biggest advantages of moving to South Africa.
Cost of Living
South Africa offers a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe and North America. This is one of the main reasons retirees and remote workers are drawn here. Your dollar, euro, or pound stretches considerably further. Housing, dining out, domestic help, and everyday services are affordable by international standards. That said, imported, specialty, or luxury items will come with a price tag. If you develop a taste for foreign or luxury products, expect to pay a premium in the form of 15% Value-Added Tax. Local produce, however, is excellent and affordable.
Getting Around
Uber is everywhere and is one of the most popular ways to get around in South African cities. It’s more convenient and reliable than public transport, which doesn’t cover a wide enough area or is as consistent. Factoring in safety concerns and flexibility, most expats end up owning a car. Car culture does mean traffic congestion during peak hours.
Work Opportunities
South Africa has a growing entrepreneurial spirit and an economy that welcomes skilled workers and remote professionals. If you are earning in foreign currency, the exchange rate makes South Africa a compelling place to live. Your income goes further here, which is why so many remote workers and digital nomads are flocking in. If you are relocating for a job, ensure your work permit is secured before your belongings ship; more on that below.
Healthcare
The public healthcare system in South Africa is stretched, so most expats prefer to go the private route. Private hospitals are well-equipped and have competent specialists. Make sure you make health insurance arrangements before you arrive.
Safety
South Africa is a country of striking contrasts. Significant inequality exists in society, and this unfortunately plays a role in crime levels. Most expats choose to live in gated communities or secured estates, which offer comfort. Private security services are widely used in some neighborhoods. And overall, being street-smart will go a long way, just as it does in any major city anywhere in the world.
Load Shedding
This one surprises a lot of new arrivals, so it’s worth addressing head-on. Load shedding is a system of rolling, scheduled power cuts managed by South Africa’s national power utility. The government periodically cuts power to different areas for varying durations of two to four hours as a way of managing demand and maintaining the grid during periods of high pressure.
It sounds more disruptive than it often is in practice, and at the time of publishing this article, South Africa is on a non-load-shedding streak. However, most homes, estates, and businesses have inverters and backup power systems, and many have gone solar. A significant number of expats arrive with inverters as part of their household goods. When the lights go out, the backup kicks in, and life continues. South Africans have adapted, and so will you.
Where to Move in South Africa
Cape Town
Cape Town is, for many, the dream destination. It’s a massive, cosmopolitan city backed by Table Mountain and fronted by the Atlantic. Beautiful architecture, world-class food and wine, and access to nature at every turn. With specialty coffee culture, excellent dining, and a thriving creative scene, Cape Town is historically a holiday destination that people eventually decide to just never leave.
Johannesburg
Jo’burg is the financial capital. It’s fast-moving, ambitious, high-rise clad, and commercially driven. If your relocation is work-focused and you are removing into corporate South Africa, Johannesburg is likely where you’ll end up. It has a thriving restaurant and arts scene and is also the gateway city for safari travel.
Durban
Durban sits on the warm Indian Ocean coast and is South Africa’s busiest port city. It’s more relaxed than Johannesburg, has a warm climate year-round, plenty of water activities, and Indian cultural influence, which is great news for you foodies. Durban is popular with retirees for its coastal beauty, a lower cost of living, and a sense of ease.
Shipping Your Belongings to South Africa
Customs
South Africa’s customs process is managed by South African Revenue Services (SARS). Depending on your status–immigrant, returning resident, or temporary resident on a work permit–the documentation requirements and duty implications differ.
The key rule is that your permanent residence permit or work permit must be in place before your shipment departs from the origin. If your goods arrive before your permit is secured, they will go into bond storage, which means additional costs and delays.
Shippers on a permanent residence visa qualify for duty-free importation of household goods and personal effects, provided original completed documentation is submitted. The critical documents are the DA304 and P1160, both of which require attestation by South African Customs authorities. SARS allows a six-month window from your date of arrival to complete a duty-free import.
Temporary residents on a valid work permit of a minimum of two years also qualify for duty-free importation, provided goods have been owned and used for at least 12 months before shipping.
What You Can Bring
Household goods and personal effects: Furniture, clothing, electronics, and personal items are the core of any shipment and are handled under the duty-free allowances.
Alcohol: You may bring up to 12 liters of wine or spirits; however, expect duties of approximately 35-50% VAT. All shipments containing alcohol will be stopped for customs inspection, charges for which are borne by the shipper.
Food and medicine: Do not ship.
TV License: South Africa has a television license requirement with specific import documentation related to televisions. Your moving company should flag this and guide you through it.
Art & Antiques: Duty-free import, providing part of bona fide household, or if over 100 years old, a certificate of Antiquity to be produced.
Vehicles: The import process involves several layers and requires early planning, as the documentation process can take 2-3 months. Specific permits must be obtained before shipping, as well as proof of value and ownership. Note that left-hand drive vehicles manufactured after 2000 are not permitted in South Africa.
The Arpin Difference in Customs Navigation
South African customs involves collecting original documents, which means standing in queues, making trips to government offices, and navigating bureaucratic timelines while you are also trying to settle into a new country. Arpin goes above and beyond on this front. For corporate moves in particular, Arpin’s team manages the document collection process on your behalf, so you don’t have to stand in line while you have a dozen other things demanding your attention. It is the kind of white-glove service that transforms the moving process.
Ready to Make Your Move to South Africa?
South African landscapes will take your breath away, while the people will welcome you into their lives like family. The braai will become your favorite ritual. And with the right preparation and the right moving partner, the logistics do not have to stand between you and the life you are imagining.
Arpin International has been helping people relocate globally for over a century, and South Africa is a destination we know well. We are here to give you a seamless transition whenever you are ready to take the first step. Request a free quote and consultation. Our specialists will walk you through your options and build a moving plan tailored to your needs.
