Key Takeaways
- Moving from Australia to South Africa means adjusting to a different pace, culture, and cost of living.
- The visa you need depends on your reason for moving.
- International shipping costs can add up fast, especially if you’re not downsizing.
- From school fees to housing, knowing what to expect financially can make or break your move.
- Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Stellenbosch? Each offers a very different lifestyle for Aussie expats.
Moving Company Fees to South Africa
The average cost to hire a moving company to South Africa can range from AUD 8,500 to AUD 9,600. This, of course, depends on the exact destination, volume, and method.
In the table below, you can explore a breakdown of estimations based on a two-bedroom house and destination:
| Destination | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| Durban | AUD 8,500 |
| Cape Town | AUD 5,300 |
| Port Elizabeth | AUD 8,800 |
| Richards Bay | AUD 9,000 |
| Johannesburg | AUD 9,600 |
Note: These costs are mere estimates.
Factors Affecting Freight Cost
Relocating to South Africa from Australia requires careful planning, which includes understanding the factors affecting freight costs. Let’s break them down:
- Household Goods Volume: The more you ship, the more your shipping cost to South Africa will increase.
- Distance: The further your destination is, the higher the costs will be for your move.
- Season: Moving between May-June or November-December can be cheaper.
- Method of Transit: Air Freight takes a shorter time to deliver, but at much higher costs than Sea Freight.
If you want to know more, feel free to check our Container Shipping Costs page offers much more information.
Sign up and receive our tips for moving house internationally & other guides
Sirelo uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content and services. You may unsubscribe at any time. For more information check our
privacy policyThank you for subscribing
Moving Pets to South Africa From Australia
Moving pets to South Africa requires abiding by several regulations:
- Veterinary Import Permit: Can be requested at the Directorate: Animal Health
- Microchip & Identification: Must be administered before rabies vaccination. Must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant.
- Vaccinations: At least 30 days before departure, but after microchipping.
- Veterinary Health Certificate: Can be obtained at an official vet.
You can find more information on Import animals and animal products | South African Government.
What’s The Cost of Shipping a Car from Australia to South Africa?
Shipping a car to South Africa generally costs you around AUD 1,800-2,200 if you opt for RoRo shipping.
Let’s talk methods:
- RoRo (Roll-On Roll-Off): The fastest and cheapest option you can find. Your vehicle is placed, along with others, on a specialised ship, secured and transported to your destination.
- Dedicated Shipping Container (20ft): You can also choose to ship your car to South Africa in a 20ft shipping container. This will, however, cost you more than RoRo shipping.
Your overall shipping costs from Australia to South Africa are fundamentally influenced by your circumstances. Stay with us a little longer and find out how to request price offers from our international movers for free.
International Removals to South Africa
Find the best international moving companies to South Africa in just a few seconds. The following removal companies to South Africa have been handpicked specifically for your needs:
Kent Relocation Services
7.5
67
Clayton
3 ratings as Efficient
3 ratings as "Efficient"
Doctor Move Transports
Furniture Removalist Services
We only partner with trusted moving companies. For your confirmation, visit their official websites for all the information you need.
Feel free to also check our article about International Moving Companies in Australia.
Request Removal Quotes for South Africa Relocation
By clicking on the banner below, you will receive up to 5 free moving quotes from trusted movers in less than 24 hours. Sounds good, right?
Simply choose your household type to proceed. It will only take you a few minutes.
South Africa Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens
The type of visa for South Africa that you need depends on your reason for staying. The list below presents the main types of visas required for South Africa:
- A study visa can be obtained only if you have been accepted to a registered South African institution.
- You are allowed to live in South Africa for the duration of your studies (1-4 years)
- You are only allowed to work 20 hours per week.
- For people who have obtained a full-time job offer.
- If you have worked for 5 consecutive years, you can apply for permanent residency.
With this visa, your spouse or children can join you in South Africa during your work or studies.
Read more on the Department of Home Affairs if you want to learn how to apply for your visa.
Living in South Africa
Life in South Africa is a blend of cultures with a laid-back atmosphere. Many cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban offer a variety of foods and access to beautiful nature.
Living in South Africa can be affordable for most. However, there can be safety concerns in specific areas, and caution is highly advised.
What is The Cost of Living in South Africa?
The average cost of living in South Africa per month for a single person is around AUD 2,420.
This, of course, depends on the region in South Africa. See the table below for the cost of living comparison based on the household type:
| Household Type | Monthly Cost (ZAR) | Monthly Cost (AUD) |
| Single person | R 26,624 | AUD 2,420 |
| Family of four | R 51,464 | AUD 4,680 |
Source: Cost of Living in South Africa – 2025 prices.
The living costs in South Africa are composed of many services and products. If you’re curious to know the details, look at the table below for a brief breakdown:
| Item / Service | South Africa (AUD) | Australia (AUD) |
| Inexpensive Meal at a Restaurant | $16.65 | $25.00 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | $627.46 | $3,331.36 |
| One Way Local Transport Ticket | $2.83 | $5.00 |
| Basic Utilities (monthly) | $175.76 | $308.80 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (10 GB+) | $57.90 | $41.57 |
Source: Numbeo
Keep in mind that the living expenses fluctuate due to an imbalance in the economy occurring in South Africa at present.
How is Education in South Africa?
International or private institutions in South Africa offer British or Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level curricula. This is similar to the Australian educational system.
Moreover, tuition fees for universities and international schools are significantly lower in South Africa compared to Australia:
- International school fees: AUD 5,000–15,000/year
- University tuition: AUD 3,000–7,000/year, depending on the program
The best universities in South Africa for Australians:
- University of Cape Town (UCT): Located in Cape Town, this university is ranked as the number 1 institution in Africa. It is best known for its Business, Medical, and law programs.
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Recognized as the second or third best university in Africa, with reputable programs in Health Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, and Humanities.
- Stellenbosch University: Situated in Stellenbosch, this university is one of the top 3 best universities in Africa. It offers a variety of programs including Agriculture, Economics, and Science.
Where is The Best Place to Live in South Africa?
The best places to live in South Africa for Australian immigrants are Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Stellenbosch.
Here are three of the best places to live in South Africa if you’re moving from Australia:
- Cape Town: Is a favourite among Australian expats for good reason. You get the mountains, the ocean, and a laid-back lifestyle. Areas like the Southern Suburbs or City Bowl offer great schools, cafés, and a strong sense of community.
- Johannesburg (Sandton or Fourways): If you’re moving for work, Joburg is the business hub. Sandton is modern and fast-paced, while Fourways is a bit more suburban and family-friendly. Both have secure estates, shopping, and international schools.
- Stellenbosch: A charming town just outside Cape Town, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. It’s safe, scenic, and ideal if you want a quieter life with a bit of nature and culture mixed in.
If you are moving from Australia to South Africa, these 3 locations can offer a wonderful new experience for you.
Pros and Cons of Living in South Africa
Pros
Affordable daily costs
Beautiful landscapes
English widely spoken
Laid-back lifestyle
Diverse food scene
Cons
Power outages common
Income inequality visible
Security can vary
Public transport limited
Bureaucracy is slow
How to Move to South Africa from Australia: Checklist
- Choose the right visa: Decide whether you need a work, study, or family visa and begin the application early.
- Use Sirelo’s volume calculator: Estimate how much you’re moving with the free Furniture Volume Calculator on Sirelo’s website. This helps get accurate quotes.
- Declutter your belongings: Only ship what you need. Downsizing will reduce both volume and cost.
- Request free quotes on Sirelo: Compare up to 5 international moving companies on Sirelo to find the best deal.
- Pick sea or air freight: Sirelo helps explain the pros and cons of each. Sea freight is cheaper, while air freight is faster.
- Start packing: The earlier you start packing, the easier it’s going to get when you depart.
- Read Sirelo’s guides: Explore Sirelo’s tips on moving overseas, International Moving Costs, to feel more prepared.
Ready to Relocate to South Africa?
We hope this article helped you understand what it takes to move to South Africa from Australia. For more info, feel free to check out our FAQ section below.
Back
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually
