FAQs - International Moving
Most frequent questions and answers
Biddulphs International has been dedicated to helping customers move their households and belongings internationally for over 95 years. The company was founded in 1928 and has since become South Africa’s largest independent international moving specialist, offering a range of services to make your move a success. Our experienced team of consultants and packers will take care of every detail, from customs clearance and transportation, to storage and insurance. With our expertise and experience, you can trust that your belongings will be handled with care and arrive safely at your new destination. Let us help you make your international move a success.
Yes, our experienced removal consultants are expertly versed in customs clearance procedures and can assist with this aspect of your move.
How can a moving company assist with customs clearance? Here’s a general outline:
Researching customs requirements: A moving company can assist with customs clearance by researching the customs requirements for the destination country and providing information to the customer. This may include information on necessary documents, such as visas and customs declarations, as well as any restrictions or prohibitions on certain items.
Completing necessary documents: The moving company can also help the customer complete the necessary customs documents, such as customs declarations and other paperwork. This can help to ensure that the documents are completed accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of delays or other issues.
Coordinating with customs officials: The moving company can also coordinate with customs officials at the destination country to ensure that the customs process goes smoothly. This may involve providing necessary documents and information, as well as working with customs officials to resolve any issues that may arise.
Providing advice and guidance: Throughout the customs clearance process, the moving company can provide advice and guidance to the customer to help them understand the requirements and ensure that their belongings are cleared by customs without any problems. This can help to make the process less stressful and more efficient.
Handling any issues or delays: In the event of any issues or delays with customs clearance, the moving company can work with the customer and customs officials to resolve the problem and ensure that the belongings are cleared and delivered to the customer as soon as possible. This can help to minimize any disruptions or delays in the moving process.
At Biddulphs International, we approach packing for an international move with care and attention to detail. Our experienced team of packers will carefully pack your belongings using high-quality materials to ensure that they arrive at your destination safely and securely. We will also label each box with its contents and destination room, to make it easier to unpack and organize your belongings upon arrival.
Before packing begins, our team will consult with you to determine the best packing plan for your move. This may involve discussing the volume and weight of your belongings, the type of shipping you will be using, and any special packing requirements, such as for fragile or valuable items. Based on this information, we will develop a packing plan that is tailored to your needs and the requirements of your destination country.
Once the packing plan is in place, our team will carefully pack each item, using appropriate materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, cushion craft, and sturdy boxes. We will also take care to protect fragile items and ensure that they are securely packed to prevent damage during transport. Our team will also take care to properly pack any larger items, such as furniture, to ensure that they are protected and secure during the move.
Throughout the packing process, our team will keep you informed of our progress and answer any questions you may have. We will also provide you with a detailed inventory of the items that have been packed, to make it easier to track your belongings and ensure that nothing is lost or left behind.
At Biddulphs International, we are committed to providing the highest level of service and care when it comes to packing for an international move. With our experience and expertise, you can trust that your belongings will be handled with care and arrive at your destination safely.
Yes, Biddulphs International offers transit insurance for international moves. This insurance covers the cost of any damage or loss to your belongings during the moving process, including during sea freight or air freight transportation.
Our transit insurance is designed to provide peace of mind and protect your belongings during the move. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing any damaged or lost items, up to the policy limit. This can help to ensure that your belongings arrive at your new destination in the same condition they were in before the move.
Our transit insurance is available for all of our customers, and can be tailored to meet your specific needs and the value of your belongings. Our experienced team can provide more information on the available coverage options and help you choose the right policy for your move.
In addition to transit insurance, Biddulphs International also offers other services to help protect your belongings during the move. This may include using high-quality packing materials and employing experienced packers who take care to properly pack and secure your belongings. We also work closely with our partners to ensure that your belongings are handled with care and transported safely to your new destination.
With our transit insurance and other services, you can have confidence that your belongings will be protected during your international move. Let us help you make your move a success.
Yes, Biddulphs International can assist with moves to any country. Our worldwide network of selected agents and our membership in Harmony Relocation Network, the largest moving organization in the world, give us the ability to provide our high-quality moving services to customers in any country.
Our network of agents includes members of FIDI, the largest global alliance of independent moving and relocation companies. This ensures that our customers can receive the same high-quality service in their new country that they receive from us in South Africa.
In addition to our network of agents, our membership in Harmony Relocation Network gives us access to a global network of trusted partners who are experts in international moving. This allows us to provide our customers with a seamless and consistent moving experience, no matter where they are going.
Whether you are moving to a neighboring country or halfway across the world, Biddulphs International has the expertise and resources to assist with your move.
Yes, Biddulphs International offers a range of shipping options to suit the needs and budgets of our customers. Our experienced consultants can help you choose the best shipping option for your international move, based on factors such as the destination country, the volume and weight of your belongings, and your desired arrival time.
Our shipping options include sea freight, air freight, and land freight. Sea freight is often the most economical option, and we offer both full container load (FCL) and groupage (part load) shipping by sea. With FCL shipping, you can rent an entire shipping container to transport your belongings, or you can opt for groupage shipping to share a container with other customers. Our consultants can help you choose the right option for your move.
In addition to sea freight, we also offer air freight and land freight options. Air freight is typically faster than sea freight, but it is also more expensive. Land freight may be a suitable option for customers who are moving within the same region or continent. Our consultants can provide more information on these options and help you choose the best one for your move.
At Biddulphs International, we are committed to providing our customers with a range of shipping options to suit their needs and budgets. Let us help you choose the right option for your international move.
Yes, we offer a variety of tools and resources to help you plan your move, and our experienced consultants can answer any questions you may have about the moving process.
Planning an international move can be a daunting process, but with the right resources and information, it can also be a successful and exciting experience. To help you plan and prepare for your international move, we have put together this brief guide:
Documents and visas: Before you can move to a new country, you will need to obtain the necessary visas and documents. This may include a passport, visas for you and any family members, and possibly other documents such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. It is important to research the requirements for the country you are moving to and start the application process well in advance of your move.
Packing and shipping: Choosing the right packing and shipping options can help ensure that your belongings arrive at your new destination safely and securely. It is important to carefully pack your belongings, using high-quality materials and labeling each box with its contents and destination room. You will also need to decide on a shipping method, such as sea freight, air freight, or land freight, based on factors such as the destination country, the volume and weight of your belongings, and your desired arrival time.
Settling in: Once you arrive at your new destination, there are several steps you can take to help make the transition smoother. This may include setting up utilities, finding housing, enrolling in schools for any children, and exploring your new surroundings. It can also be helpful to research the local culture and customs, and to make connections with other expats or locals who can provide support and advice.
Additional resources: In addition to the information and tips provided in this guide, there are many other resources available to help with your international move. These may include websites, books, and organizations that provide information on visas, packing, shipping, and settling in to a new country. It can be helpful to consult these resources as you plan and prepare for your move.
We hope this guide will be a useful resource as you plan and prepare for your international move. With careful planning and the right information, your move can be a success. Good luck on your new adventure!
Researching the destination country and its requirements: Before moving to a new country, it is important to research the local culture, laws, and requirements, such as visas and work permits. This can help you to understand what to expect and make necessary preparations.
Obtaining the necessary visas and documents: In order to move to a new country, you will likely need to obtain a passport and any necessary visas or other documents. This can be a complex process, so it is important to research the requirements for your destination country and start the application process well in advance of your move.
Finding housing: One of the key considerations when moving abroad is finding a suitable place to live. This may involve researching different areas and neighborhoods, and deciding on the type of housing that will best meet your needs. It can be helpful to work with a real estate agent or property manager who is familiar with the local market.
Setting up utilities and services: After finding housing, you will need to set up utilities such as electricity, water, and internet, as well as other services such as phone and television. This can be a time-consuming process, so it is important to research the available options and start the process as soon as possible.
Shipping and transporting belongings: Deciding on the best way to ship and transport your belongings to your new destination is another key consideration. This may involve researching different shipping options, such as sea freight, air freight, or land freight, and deciding on the best option for your needs. It is also important to carefully pack your belongings to ensure that they arrive safely.
Learning the local language: Depending on your destination country, learning the local language can be essential for daily life and making connections with others. Consider taking language classes or finding other resources to help you learn the language before or after your move.
Finding a job: If you are moving abroad for work, you will need to research job opportunities and start the job search process. This may involve networking, updating your resume, and applying for jobs in your field. If you are moving for other reasons, you may still want to research job opportunities and consider starting a new career in your new country.
Enrolling children in schools: If you have children, finding and enrolling them in schools in your new country is a crucial consideration. This may involve researching different schools and their programs, as well as obtaining necessary documents and meeting any requirements for enrollment.
Making connections: Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, so it is important to make connections with others who can provide support and advice. This may involve joining expat groups, finding local organizations with similar interests, and making friends with neighbors or coworkers.
Adapting to the local culture: Finally, adapting to the local culture and customs can take time and effort. It is important to be open-minded and respectful of local customs, and to try to learn as much as possible about the culture in your new country. This can help you to feel more at home and make the transition smoother.
Contact Biddulphs International: The first step to getting a quote for your move with Biddulphs International is to contact us. You can do this by calling our customer service team or filling out the online contact form on our website.
Provide details about your move: Once you have contacted us, our team will ask you for some information about your move, such as the origin and destination, the volume and weight of your belongings, and your desired arrival time. This information will help us to provide you with an accurate quote.
Discuss your needs and preferences: Our team will also discuss your needs and preferences with you to help determine the best moving plan for your situation. This may include discussing your budget, your desired shipping method, and any special requirements you may have, such as for fragile or valuable items.
Review the quote: Based on the information you provide, our team will provide you with a quote for your move. This quote will include an estimated cost for the services you have requested, such as packing, transportation, and storage. Our team will also provide information on any additional services or options that may be available to you.
Confirm and schedule your move: Once you have reviewed the quote and decided on the services you would like to include in your move, our team will help you confirm and schedule your move. This may involve finalizing the details of your moving plan, such as the shipping method and the date of your move, and providing you with any necessary documents or instructions.
