To ship or not to ship? Most saffas end up wishing they had brought less. The UAE has everything you could want, and furniture and appliances are often cheaper to buy here than to ship from SA. Here is how to think about it.
The general rule
Bring what you cannot replace. Sell everything else.
Sentimental items, quality clothing, important documents and specialty items that are hard to find in the UAE are worth bringing. Furniture, large appliances, bulky kitchenware and generic electronics are cheaper to buy here.
What to bring
- All personal documents (originals and certified copies)
- Quality clothing, especially warm-weather workwear
- Children's toys, comfort items and favourite books
- Sentimental items: artwork, photos, family heirlooms
- Braai equipment (good ones are genuinely hard to find exactly right here)
- SA food items that are hard to find in the UAE
- Any medical or specialist equipment
- Quality tools or hobby equipment
What to sell or leave behind
- Furniture — IKEA, Pan Emirates and Home Centre are widely available and affordable.
- Large appliances — UAE uses 220-240V, same as SA. Most SA appliances technically work, but shipping is rarely worth the cost.
- Your SA car — You cannot easily import and re-register an SA-plated car in the UAE without significant cost.
- Anything on SA customs prohibited lists.
Shipping options
- Air freight (luggage) — Best for first arrival and urgent items. AED 25-50 per kg.
- LCL sea freight (shared container) — Best for small volume (1-10 boxes). R15,000-R40,000 total.
- FCL 20ft container — Best for 1-2 bedroom apartment worth of goods. R80,000-R150,000.
- FCL 40ft container — Best for a full house. R150,000-R300,000+.
Costs are estimates. Get at least 3 quotes from international movers. Sea transit from SA to UAE takes 20-30 days.
UAE customs rules
- Personal belongings are generally customs-duty-free if not for resale and combined worth is under AED 3,000.
- For larger shipments, you will need a detailed inventory of every item. UAE customs will review this.
- You must be present in the UAE when your shipment arrives.
- Prohibited items include: pork products, alcohol (beyond the duty-free allowance) and certain medications. Check before you pack.
Information correct as of June 2026. Shipping costs from international moving industry data, Q1 2026.