Movers›International moving›South Africa
Cost to move to South Africa from the US
Household goods to South Africa go by sea. Movers price it by volume at roughly $15.00 per cubic foot door to port, with a $4,000 minimum. Here is what that comes to by home size, and what costs extra.
$12,113 – $18,5252-bedroom home
$15.00/cfDoor to port
35–60 daysTypical transit
DurbanMain port
| Home size | Volume | Usually ships in | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 400 cf | Shared container | $5,100 – $7,800 |
| 1 bedroom | 600 cf | Shared container | $7,650 – $11,700 |
| 2 bedrooms | 950 cf | 20ft container | $12,113 – $18,525 |
| 3 bedrooms | 1,400 cf | 40ft container | $17,850 – $27,300 |
| 4 bedrooms | 1,900 cf | 40ft container | $24,225 – $37,050 |
What the price covers
A typical door-to-port quote covers pick-up at your home, loading, transport to a US port such as New York / New Jersey, Baltimore or Houston, export paperwork, and ocean freight to Durban or Cape Town.
What costs extra
- Destination service: customs clearance at Durban or Cape Town, delivery to your door and unloading. Ask for a door-to-door quote to have it priced in.
- Duties and taxes: many countries let people relocating bring used household goods in duty free, usually with proof of residence and a detailed inventory. New items, vehicles and alcohol are commonly taxed.
- Destination port charges: terminal handling and port fees at arrival.
- Inspections, demurrage and port storage if customs holds the container or paperwork is late.
- Marine insurance: usually 2–3% of the value you declare. Worth it on an ocean move; carrier liability alone is minimal.
Ports
Shipments to South Africa usually leave from New York / New Jersey, Baltimore or Houston and arrive at Durban or Cape Town. Movers away from those ports truck your goods there first; that leg is part of the door-to-port price.
Before you hire
- Get the quote as cubic feet × rate, and confirm the service: door to door, door to port or port to port. Two quotes on different terms cannot be compared.
- Ocean forwarders should hold a Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) licence as an ocean transportation intermediary. The US leg needs FMCSA authority. Check a mover's licence →
- A quote far under $12,113 for a 2-bedroom home usually means the volume was underestimated or destination charges were left out.
- Keep a numbered inventory with values. Customs, insurance and any claim all run off it.
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