Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 27 2025
Top International Moving Companies in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide
Moving internationally can be a daunting task, requiring careful planning, organization, and often, the assistance of professional hauling companies. In South Africa, where many individuals and families relocate abroad for various reasons, choosing the right moving company is crucial for a smooth transition. With numerous options available, selecting the top international relocating company can seem overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the process by highlighting some of the leading foreign hauling companies in South Africa.
Understanding the Landscape
Before delving into the specifics of each company, it's essential to grasp the unique landscape of South Africa international moving companies. With a growing expatriate community and a robust economy, the demand for seamless relocation services has surged in recent years. Consequently, several companies have emerged to cater to this demand, each offering its own set of advantages and specialties.
Santa Fe Relocation
Santa Fe Relocation has established itself as a prominent player in the international moving industry, offering comprehensive relocation services globally. With a presence in over 96 countries, including South Africa, Santa Fe boasts a vast network of resources and expertise to facilitate seamless relocations. Their services range from packing and transportation to customs clearance and destination services, ensuring a hassle-free moving experience for clients.
Foreign Biddulph
As one of the oldest and most trusted moving companies in South Africa international movers, Biddulphs foreign has garnered a reputation for excellence in foreign relocations. With over 90 years of experience, they specialize in handling complex moves to destinations worldwide. Biddulphs International prioritizes customer satisfaction and employs skilled professionals to manage every aspect of the relocation process with precision and care.
Elliott Mobility
Elliott Mobility is a leading provider of moving and relocation services, catering to both domestic and international clients. With a focus on innovation and customer service, Elliott Mobility utilizes state-of-the-art technology and logistics solutions to streamline the moving process. Their team of experts ensures that each relocation is tailored to meet the unique needs of clients, guaranteeing a seamless transition to a new country.
Inter dean Aboard Transfer
Inter dean International Relocation is part of the Santa Fe Group, specializing in international moves for individuals, families, and businesses. With offices in major cities worldwide, including Johannesburg and Cape Town, Inter dean offers a comprehensive range of services, including packing, shipping, and destination assistance. Their global presence and extensive experience make them a top choice for South Africa overseas movers.
Stuttaford Van Lines
Stuttaford Van Lines has been a trusted name in the moving industry for over 160 years, providing reliable and efficient relocation services across the globe. With a focus on professionalism and customer satisfaction, Stuttaford Van Lines offers tailored solutions for international moves, ensuring that each client's requirements are met with precision. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the top foreign moving companies in South Africa.
Exe cu-Move
Exe cu-Move specializes in international relocations for corporate clients, executives, and expatriates, offering personalized services to meet the unique needs of each client. With a team of relocation experts and a network of global partners, Exe cu-Move manages every aspect of the move, from packing and shipping to settling in at the destination. Their attention to detail and commitment to customer service set them apart as a top choice for international moves in South Africa.
Crown Transferring
Crown Relocations boasts a stellar reputation for its comprehensive suite of relocation services. Their team of experts ensures a hassle-free experience, handling everything from packing and transportation to settling into the new destination. With offices across South Africa and a global network spanning six continents, Crown delivers unmatched efficiency and reliability.
Pick fords
With a rich legacy spanning more than a century, Pick fords remains a preferred choice for South Africa international moving services. Their team of experienced professionals handles every aspect of the relocation process, ensuring a seamless transition for individuals and businesses alike. Backed by a global network of partners, Pick fords delivers unrivaled expertise and efficiency.
Biddulphs Removals & Storage
Biddulphs Removals & Storage, a division of Biddulphs International, focuses on providing comprehensive moving and storage solutions for clients relocating internationally. With a fleet of modern vehicles and secure storage facilities, they ensure the safe transportation and handling of belongings throughout the relocation process. Biddulph Removals & Storage is known for its reliability and professionalism, making them a preferred choice for foreign moves in South Africa.
Conclusion
Choosing the right international moving company is essential for a successful relocation experience. Whether hauling for work, education, or personal reasons, selecting a reputable and experienced company can make all the difference. The companies mentioned in this guide are among the top choices for foreign moves in South Africa, offering a range of services to meet the diverse needs of clients. By entrusting your relocation to one of these reputable companies, you can embark on your foreign adventure with confidence and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
The top international moving companies in South Africa include Bidulphs International, Pickfords South Africa, Brytons Removals, AGS International, and Crown Relocations. These providers handle household goods, corporate relocations, customs coordination, and overseas shipping. Rankings are typically based on global network reach, FIDI or IAM memberships, service transparency, and experience with sea and air freight to Europe, the UK, Australia, and North America.
Yes. Bidulphs International is one of the most recognized international removal companies in South Africa, with offices in major metros like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The company specializes in full-container and shared-container moves, export packing, customs documentation, and destination services. Bidulphs is often cited for complex corporate relocations and long-haul household moves to the UK, EU, and Australia.
Pickfords South Africa operates under a globally established brand with strong UK and European links. It is known for structured move planning, professional packing standards, and consolidated shipping options. Compared to local-only movers, Pickfords typically offers stronger destination partner coverage and standardized insurance handling, making it a frequent choice for UK-bound and EU relocations.
Brytons Removals is well-suited for international moves, particularly for clients relocating within the Commonwealth, Europe, or Southern Africa. The company offers export-grade packing, customs clearance support, and both sole-use and groupage containers. Brytons is often selected for mid-sized household moves where reliability and personalized coordination are prioritized over volume-based pricing.
Start with verified FIDI, IAM, or FAIM accreditation, which signals compliance with global moving standards. Next, confirm experience with your destination country, container options, transit times, and insurance coverage. Reputable companies clearly explain customs processes, prohibited items, and delivery windows. For cost planning, reviewing international moving costs helps benchmark realistic pricing ranges.
International moving costs from South Africa typically range from $3,500 to $9,000 for a 20-foot container, depending on home size (1–4 bedroom), destination country, shipping method, and packing scope. Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive. Sea freight is most common, with transit times averaging 6–10 weeks for Europe and 8–12 weeks for North America.
Yes. Established international movers coordinate export customs clearance, destination port handling, and final delivery through vetted overseas partners. This door-to-door structure reduces delays and damage risks. Companies offering full global coordination often align with providers listed under global moving services, ensuring consistent handling from origin pickup to final unpacking.
