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International Moving Costs

Latest Rates for 2025

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On this page, you can find an overview of the international moving costs when moving abroad from South Africa and how they are calculated.

International Moving Costs & Container Prices From South Africa

As each move is unique and comes with different needs, it is hard to give an exact calculation of international moving costs. So, we have put together a table below with the average international moving costs to various worldwide destinations so you can get an idea of the price for your move.

Average International Moving Container Costs

Moving to 20ft Container Cost 40ft Container Cost
UK R150,000-R160,000 R190,000-R200,000
USA R270,000-R290,000 R370,000-R390,000
Netherlands R160,000-R170,000 R220,000-R230,000
UAE R120,000-R130,000 R190,000-R200,000
Australia R150,000-R160,000 R230,000-R240,000
New Zealand R150,000-R160,000 R230,000-R240,000

We have compiled a table below with the average international moving costs to various worldwide destinations,

Please note: These moving overseas container costs are estimates based on household goods valued at R700,000 from Cape Town. Additional factors such as import taxes, customs duties, and services may affect the final price.

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How are International Moving Costs Calculated?

Shipping a container by sea is the most common method of transporting your furniture abroad. International moving companies in South Africa consider several factors before providing you with a quote. Here are some of the main factors that affect international moving container cost:

Volume and Distance of the Move:

These are major elements that influence the cost. Provide as much detail as possible, including both addresses and volume estimates, to receive accurate international removal prices.

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Type of transport:

  • Sea Freight: Most common for large volumes at lower prices.
  • Air Freight: Faster but significantly more expensive.  Ask your international movers about available shipping options.

Shipping container size:

Choose between 20ft and 40ft containers based on your volume. Shared containers are available for smaller moves. For more information, take a look at our container shipping prices page.

Insurance:

Always ensure your belongings are insured during your move overseas.. Most international moving companies will have insurance included in their quote, but in some cases, they may not. Check what is included and if you need to take out extra insurance.

International Moving Costs calculating

Date of the move:

Avoid weekends and holidays to potentially reduce international moving costs. Peak periods may slightly increase costs.

Accessibility:

You will find that removal costs will increase if it is difficult to gain access to your home, both at pick-up and delivery. For example, if you live on the sixth floor in an apartment block that has no elevator, it will be more difficult for movers to bring your belongings down to the removal van. You should also be aware that if you aren’t sure where you’re moving to yet, the final cost of your move may be higher or lower than the initial quote, depending on the access to your new home.

Extra Services

Packing, unpacking, and storage services often come at an extra fee. Always clarify what’s included in your international moving quote.

International movers have varying individual costs that need to be taken into account, which means you will undoubtedly receive different rates for your move abroad. Comparing quotes will, therefore, ultimately save you a considerable amount of money. This is also a great opportunity to discuss with the international movers about your individual requirements and ask any questions that you may have.

Cost of Additional Services

The following are average prices for additional services offered by international moving companies South Africa:

Service Average Price
Insurance R4,400
Packing and Assembly R1,700
Temporary Storage (1 month) R2,220
Parking Permit R340
Transporting your piano R5,130

What Are Your Next Steps?

We hope this guide has helped you better understand international moving costs. Request quotes through Sirelo today to begin your moving journey.

Below you can find a few pages with some more information that you may be interested in! For any more moving-related queries, check out the rest of the Sirelo website – we’re here to help you move with a smile 🙂

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move internationally from South Africa?

What factors affect international moving costs?

How can I save money on my international move?