Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.
If you are considering making the move from The United States to South Africa, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.
Quick South Africa Facts:
- Population: 59.39 million (2021 estimate)
- Official Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, however, in Cape Town specifically most people speak English and Afrikaans – Afrikaans being the most spoken language in the north suburbs and English in the southern suburbs. Other languages being spoken including Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, French, Portuguese and German
- GDP Per Capita: $7,055 USD (2021 estimate)
- Random Fact: Some of the world’s fastest animals call South Africa their home – the lion, cheetah and wildebeest can all be found in the area
- Currency: South African Rand (R, ZAR). As of late 2023, $1 USD = R18.42, €1 EUR = R19.56, $1 CAD = R13.57, $1 AUD = R12.40, £1 = R22.301
1. Moving Costs to South Africa from The United States
The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from different ports in the US, and shipping it to various places in South Africa:
Origin Port | Destination Port | 20FT | 40FT |
---|---|---|---|
Charleston | Cape Town | $2,300 - $2,700 | $4,000 - $4,800 |
Durban | $2,400 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,100 | |
Johannesburg | $2,500 - $3,000 | $4,300 - $5,100 | |
Pretoria | $2,600 - $3,100 | $4,400 - $5,300 | |
Houston | Cape Town | $2,200 - $2,600 | $3,900 - $4,700 |
Durban | $2,300 - $2,700 | $4,000 - $4,900 | |
Johannesburg | $2,400 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,000 | |
Pretoria | $2,500 - $3,000 | $4,300 - $5,200 | |
Long Beach | Cape Town | $2,100 - $2,500 | $3,800 - $4,500 |
Durban | $2,200 - $2,600 | $3,900 - $4,700 | |
Johannesburg | $2,300 - $2,800 | $4,000 - $4,900 | |
Pretoria | $2,400 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,100 | |
Los Angeles | Cape Town | $2,000 - $2,400 | $3,700 - $4,400 |
Durban | $2,100 - $2,500 | $3,800 - $4,500 | |
Johannesburg | $2,200 - $2,700 | $3,900 - $4,800 | |
Pretoria | $2,300 - $2,800 | $4,000 - $4,900 | |
Miami | Cape Town | $2,200 - $2,600 | $3,900 - $4,700 |
Durban | $2,300 - $2,700 | $4,000 - $4,900 | |
Johannesburg | $2,400 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,000 | |
Pretoria | $2,500 - $3,000 | $4,300 - $5,200 | |
New York | Cape Town | $2,400 - $2,800 | $4,100 - $4,900 |
Durban | $2,500 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,100 | |
Johannesburg | $2,600 - $3,100 | $4,400 - $5,300 | |
Pretoria | $2,700 - $3,200 | $4,500 - $5,400 | |
Oakland | Cape Town | $2,100 - $2,500 | $3,800 - $4,500 |
Durban | $2,200 - $2,600 | $3,900 - $4,700 | |
Johannesburg | $2,300 - $2,800 | $4,000 - $4,900 | |
Pretoria | $2,400 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,100 | |
Savannah | Cape Town | $2,300 - $2,700 | $4,000 - $4,800 |
Durban | $2,400 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,100 | |
Johannesburg | $2,500 - $3,000 | $4,300 - $5,100 | |
Pretoria | $2,600 - $3,100 | $4,400 - $5,300 | |
Seattle | Cape Town | $2,100 - $2,500 | $3,800 - $4,500 |
Durban | $2,200 - $2,600 | $3,900 - $4,700 | |
Johannesburg | $2,300 - $2,800 | $4,000 - $4,900 | |
Pretoria | $2,400 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,100 | |
Virginia (Norfolk) | Cape Town | $2,400 - $2,800 | $4,100 - $4,900 |
Durban | $2,500 - $2,900 | $4,200 - $5,100 | |
Johannesburg | $2,600 - $3,100 | $4,400 - $5,300 | |
Pretoria | $2,700 - $3,200 | $4,500 - $5,400 |
- All figures are in USD;
- The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (June 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
- To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
- Please also see our guide to international container shipping.
2. How Long Does It Take To Move to South Africa from The United States?
There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.
Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time when relocating to South Africa.
- New York to Cape Town – 26 hours, 40 minutes – $1,275
- Los Angeles to Cape Town – 31 hours, 40 minutes – $1,160
- Minneapolis to Cape Town – 45 hours, 10 minutes – $1,650
- Dallas to Cape Town – 25 hours, 5 minutes – $1,440
This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.
3. Moving Restrictions to South Africa from The United States
Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.
Broadly speaking, to enter South Africa, you will need your passport to:
- Be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended exit date from South Africa
- Have two blank pages for your visa
In some circumstances you will need 6 months left on your passport, so it’s important to check this before you travel to avoid any issues.
No visa is needed if you want to visit South Africa for tourism purposes, or for business trips for up to 90 days. To work and live in South Africa, different rules will apply.
There are currency limits to what you can bring into South Africa. You can take in cash in South African rand up to 25,000 per person, and a combination of cash in other currencies to total 10,000 US dollars – if you are planning on bringing more than this, you must declare it.
There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions, but it’s advised that you keep up-to-date on any developments to ensure you are abiding by the most recent information at the time of travel.
4. Visa Requirements to South Africa from The United States
As previously stated, no visa is needed if you want to visit South Africa for tourism purposes, or for business trips for up to 90 days. But, if you want to work and live in South Africa, different rules will apply.
For individuals wanting to live in South Africa, you will need to submit an application for a temporary residence visa to the South African High Commission. This can take up to 90 days to be processed, so it’s best to do this as soon as possible to avoid delays or issues.
This visa type is suitable for those:
- Wanting to retire in South Africa
- Wanting to study in South Africa
- Visit for medical grounds
- To live with a relative or spouse
- To work in South Africa
The South African Department of Home Affairs has the most up-to-date information.
In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances, and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.
5. Cost of Living Differences in South Africa
While this article is covering South Africa as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.
As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in New York is 64.3% higher than that of Cape Town, with rent being around 82.8% higher.
Monthly Rental Prices in South Africa:
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: R11,900+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: R7,770+
- 3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: R24,300+
- 3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: R15,800+
South Africa Home Purchase Prices:
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: R37,000+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: R25,500+
Source: Numbeo
6. Tax Treaties in South Africa
There is a tax treaty in place between South Africa and The United States. This means that the same income will not be taxed twice, helping to prevent double taxation.
The region that takes the tax as the ‘primary’ source will be determined by your residential status. For more detailed information, it’s best to speak to a tax professional either in The United States or South Africa to get clued up on everything you need to know if you’re planning on living and working in South Africa to ensure your income is being taxed properly, but not more than necessary.
7. Working Rules in South Africa
To work in South Africa, you will need a visa. It is important to note that you must be deemed a skilled worker to obtain this – if your skills are not seen as ‘scarce’ in South Africa, you may struggle to get a visa for working purposes.
It’s likely that you will need the following to apply for a working visa:
- A police certificate no older than 6 months
- A medical report
- A radiological report
- An offer or contract of employment for a company in South Africa
If you are the spouse of a South African citizen, you can apply for a work endorsement permit which can give you permission to work in South Africa. More information on this can be found at VFS Global South Africa.
Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes, so that you are completely clued up on your rights.
8. Healthcare in South Africa
The South African health system is in two parts: a public sector and a private. The private is fairly similar to the US’s, with a high standard, while the public is not as comparable and may have lower standards of hygiene than in the US.
It’s advised you travel with medical insurance to cover you in the event of any accidents or injuries during your stay in South Africa. It might also be necessary to top up vaccinations if required, and this can be found out by speaking to your primary health care provider.
In urban areas, such as Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, the quality of healthcare will be more well-equipped than those in rural areas. If you’re planning on travelling to those locations, make sure you have medical assistance planned out in advance in the event you need care while you are in a remote area.
If you need to bring medication with you into South Africa, you need to check that it is legal in the country, which should be done well in advance of your travels.
9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in South Africa
Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to South Africa with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.
To take your pet to South Africa from the UK, you will need to apply for a veterinary import permit. Gov.za suggests that you:
- Complete the application form most suited to your request, and contact the Directorate for Animal Health if you are unsure as to which form you need to fill in
- Pay for your veterinary import permit
- Send your completed form and proof of payment to the Import Export Unit
For animals other than domesticated cats and dogs, you will need a different authorisation which can be obtained from the Registrar of Animal Improvement – more information can be found at Gov.za.
10. Similar Cities
South Africa’s Cape Town is comparable to The United State’s San Francisco, owing to both location’s picturesque landscapes and natural features – from Table Mountain to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Both cities have a diverse, bustling cultural scene, with a focus on the arts in particular, and both rely on tourism for a portion of their revenue, with tourists visiting for both historic and natural landmarks.
The climates in both locations are broadly similar, being moderate in temperature, with Cape Town seeing around 68 to 79°F during summer months, compared to San Francisco’s 60 to 70°F.
11. Pros and Cons of Moving to South Africa from The United States
Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from The United States to South Africa, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.
Advantages of Moving from The United States to South Africa | Disadvantages of Moving from The United States to South Africa |
---|---|
South Africa offers a diverse and rich cultural experience, with a mix of traditions, languages, and vibrant local arts. | The country faces socioeconomic challenges, including high unemployment rates and income inequality, which may impact job opportunities and financial stability. |
South Africa boasts stunning natural landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities, providing a unique environment for exploration. | Certain areas in South Africa may face safety concerns and a higher crime rate, requiring expatriates to take precautions and adapt to the local security environment. |
South Africa provides affordability in terms of cost of living, with lower housing and daily expenses compared to many Western countries. | The healthcare system may vary in quality across regions, and expatriates should be prepared for potential differences in medical services. |
Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to The U.S. Embassy and Consulates for all the information you need.
Other Useful Guides to South Africa
- 13 Best International Moving Companies in South Africa
- 2025 Sea Freight Container Shipping Rates To & From South Africa
- Moving to South Africa? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
- 13 Best Places To Live In South Africa
- 21 Secrets About Living In South Africa To Know Before Moving
- Moving to Pretoria? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
- Moving to Johannesburg? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
- Moving to South Africa from The United States
- Moving To South Africa from The UK