Friday, 12th March 2010
Relocation from South Africa - Leaving South Africa
Introduction
When the actual day of the move arrives you will feel absolutely drained but excited. Remember use a list of everything that needs to be done before actually boarding the plane so you don't forget anything.We suggest that if possible do not have too many people come and see you off at the airport - it is an emotional time and you will also have to keep your wits about you. Trying to check in and saying tearful goodbyes can lead to you forgetting something or even worse losing something like a passport or your travellers cheques.
Getting it all in the suitcase
With an allowance of only 20kg-25kg each, you will have to be very creative on what to take! Don't forget that you will not have your home belongings for at least 6 weeks while you wait for your container to arrive.You will also be allowed to take about 7kg of hand luggage with you on board. If however your hand luggage is too big, they will make you put it in the hold. This is not a good idea so try not to take too much on board with you.
Get yourself decent suitcases as you do not want to have your belongings falling out at the other end because you over packed your suitcase! To save weight we suggest that you don't take the usual toiletries rather buy new ones in your new country - so chuck out your soaps and shampoos.
Money
You might find that you will be carrying a large amount of traveller's cheques. If this is so, split them up between yourselves but never put them in your main suitcase as if it goes missing you are stuck. Remember to write down the numbers of the cheques and keep them separate of the actual cheques.It is also a good idea to have a few notes on you in both South African Rands and the currency of your destination country so that you can buy a cup of coffee or sandwich in the airport lounge.
Travel Insurance
Take out Travel Insurance for both medical cover and lost baggage. Some countries will mandate that you have taken out at least the minimum of medical cover. We suggest that the medical insurance covers the first two months of you being in the new country.Don't forget that your life for the next 6 weeks is in one or two suitcases and you don't want them to get lost also if an accident does occur whilst settling down you are covered.
Medical Information
If you are travelling on a South African passport with a visa, you may need a recent chest x-ray like the requirements for entering into the UK so check with your destination country to ensure that you know what requirements they may have.Also remember that the medicines in other countries are usually under different brand names and it may take you a while to get to know the new brand names - try to find out before you go what the generic name of any medicine you may need is and write it down before you go.
