Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.

Moving To Cape Town From New Zealand

Relocating to Cape Town

Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest and second-largest city, located in the Western Cape Province. It’s culturally diverse, blending African, European, and Asian influences, making it a popular family destination with a range of attractions and activities for all ages. It boasts a rich cultural scene, with historic sites like Robben Island – the former prison of Nelson Mandela, stunning beaches such as Camps Bay and Boulders Beach, and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. Table Mountain offers numerous trails, appealing to nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Cape Town is also famous for its food and wine, featuring traditional dishes like bobotie and nearby wine regions such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. It has a friendly atmosphere and well-developed infrastructure. The city hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

In addition to its many attractions, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on work-life balance, making it an excellent choice for those looking to relocate. Some companies have a concept of “half-day Fridays” whereby employees work a shorter day on Fridays, often leaving around lunch or early afternoon. This allows them to enjoy longer weekends, pursue personal interests, or relax and recharge.

New Zealanders moving to Cape Town may face challenges such as a warmer climate, a diverse culinary scene, and adapting to a complex cultural landscape. Safety concerns with crime and load shedding (controlled power outages) may also require adjustments. However keep in mind However, while there may be challenges, Cape Town’s stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly people make it an exciting and rewarding destination for New Zealanders.

Colourful streets in Bo Kaap Cape Town. Photo by Devon Janse van Rensburg
Colourful streets in Bo Kaap Cape Town. Photo by Devon Janse van Rensburg

International Shipping to Cape Town

Crown Relocations NZ makes moving to Cape Town simple and stress-free with customised services to meet your relocation needs. With 60 years of experience in providing international shipping around the world, we have the knowledge and expertise to safely ship your belongings to Cape Town. Whether you have a whole house to move or just a few precious items, we offer flexible shipping options to suit your needs and budget.

With Crown, you can leave all the paperwork to us. Our team handles all necessary clearances and entry documentation, assisting with South Africa’s customs regulations and requirements. We make sure your move complies with all regulations.

Our comprehensive moving services include transit protection insurance, a free relocation checklist, support and assistance with relocating vehicles and pets. With Crown, you can go knowing that every aspect of your move to Cape Town is managed with care and professionalism.

For an international moving quote, call our friendly team on: 0508 227 696 or complete our online form.

NZ to Cape Town Corporate Mobility Services

Imagine your team thriving in their new South African home, settled in a new culture and excelling in their roles. At Crown Relocations, we make this vision a reality. Whether moving permanently or on a temporary basis, our worldwide expertise ensures your team and their families will be confident transferring to Cape Town.

We oversee every part of your team’s move from beginning to end, making sure your employees have a seamless relocation. Our consulting services are tailored to your company’s unique needs, helping you build a strategy that not only moves your employees successfully but also supports them throughout their transition.

Cape Town offers exciting possibilities for your team with all the opportunities available. Our Mobility Specialists provide comprehensive support, from navigating immigration requirements to offering settling-in and orientation services.

Our settling-in services go beyond the basics. We help your employees and their families connect with their new home through a variety of ways. This can include language learning, house hunting, an orientation tour, and career support for partners, ensuring everyone can feel at home.

Contact our World Mobility specialists to find out more: call us on: 0800 243 578, or (+64) 9 415 7300. Alternatively you can email us: [email protected] or complete our contact form.

South Africa Flying along the coast Cape Farms Cape Town with Table Mountain behind Photo by Jacques Nel
South Africa Flying along the coast Cape Farms Cape Town with Table Mountain behind. Photo by Jacques Nel

Moving to Cape Town FAQs:

New Zealand citizens can move to Cape Town with the right kind of visa. There are various types of visas, including Study visas, Work visas, Business visas, and Retirement visas. Visa information is found on the South African Department of Home Affairs website.

Crown can help you navigate South Africa’s immigration system when relocating from New Zealand, making the whole process easier and less stressful. Call our friendly team today on 0508 227 696 to find out more.

Relocating from New Zealand to Cape Town can be expensive. Shipping costs, finding a place to live, and living costs in a new country all add up. Crown is best placed to help you enjoy a stress-free move at a reasonable cost. As well as providing packing and relocation services, we offer additional services such as moving insurance, international vehicle transport and pet relocations.

Let us take care of your international move. Call us on 0508 227 696 to find out more, or get a free quote online

Moving from New Zealand to Cape Town can be both challenging and rewarding. Dealing with visa requirements, shipping belongings, and adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming. However careful planning can ease the transition. It’s crucial to research the visa application process and plan carefully for shipping and finding somewhere to live. Joining expat communities for support and remaining flexible and open-minded when embracing the local culture will help you to settle in. Despite these challenges, Cape Town’s breath-taking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality make it easy to fall in love with this city.

Our team at Crown can make your relocation simple and hassle-free. We provide comprehensive services so you can enjoy your journey and leave the hard work to us.

Call our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or fill in our online form.

Crown Relocations has a variety of international shipping options that can be tailored to meet your budget and relocation needs. Whether you’re shipping a few items, or a full household, we provide sole-use and shared containers, as well as air transport for urgent deliveries. With 60 years of experience, we guarantee a reliable and simple relocation experience, helping you every step of the way.

Talk with our expert team on 0508 227 696 or request an online quote.

What do I need to know about moving to Cape Town?

What are the best places to live in Cape Town?

Cape Town is a diverse city with various neighbourhoods to accommodate different lifestyles and budgets, offering a range of suburbs to choose from, including the City Bowl and Surrounds, Coastal Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, and Northern Suburbs.

Some of the best areas to live in Cape Town include Constantia, an upscale, leafy suburb with beautiful wine estates; Gardens, a trendy, leafy neighbourhood with a village atmosphere; Hout Bay, a picturesque, coastal suburb with a relaxed atmosphere; and Bo-Kaap, a colourful, historic neighbourhood with a rich cultural heritage, each offering a unique and desirable living experience.

Housing in Cape Town

Housing in Cape Town provides diverse options for different lifestyles and budgets, including modern apartments, townhouses, historic cottages, and villas with beautiful mountain or ocean views. Homes are well-appointed, featuring comfortable living spaces, pools, and outdoor entertainment areas. The mild Mediterranean climate generally ensures pleasant temperatures, with warm summers and mild winters.

Most people choose to live outside of the city centre in nearby suburbs or towns, such as Somerset West, Strand, or Stellenbosch, rather than in the city centre of Cape Town because these areas offer more affordable housing options and provide a more relaxed pace of life, scenic views, and a variety of amenities.

Finding rental accommodation can be competitive, especially in popular areas, but it’s possible to find. New Zealand citizens can also purchase real estate in Cape Town, although there may be certain restrictions and requirements, such as obtaining a permit from the South African Reserve Bank.

Our team at Crown can help you find accommodation in Cape Town, simplifying your move even further.

Healthcare in Cape Town

Cape Town has a strong healthcare system with various public and private hospitals and clinics. The City of Cape Town provides public healthcare to everybody, including foreign nations, through clinics and centres, offering primary care services, including emergency care and maternal and child healthcare.

For those with medical insurance or preferring private healthcare, they can go to several high-quality private hospitals, such as Cape Town Mediclinic, Groote Schuur Hospital, and Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, providing access to top-notch medical care and expertise.

Education in Cape Town

Cape Town offers a variety of educational options. It has preschools and early childhood centres catering to children as young as a few months old. Education is looked after by the Western Cape Education Department There are both public and private schools, including international schools, offering a variety of curricula.

While public schools are generally free, private schools and universities come with fees. Schools typically require uniforms, and the school day is often structured around a traditional curriculum. Afrikaans is not a requirement to attend school, as many schools offer English as the primary language of instruction.

Cape Town is home to several top institutions, including the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Our team at Crown can help you to find the best school for your child with our school search programme, so give us a call today on 0508 227 696.

Money in Cape Town

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the currency used in Cape Town, and you can pay with cash, debit/credit cards, mobile payments, and online banking.

Living costs in Cape Town are generally lower than in New Zealand, particularly for housing, food, and transportation. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from R8,000-R15,000 (NZD $600-$1,100) Groceries cost around R500-R1,000 (NZD $35-$75) weekly, with meal prices comparable to New Zealand.

To open a bank account, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of address, and possibly proof of income. Major Banks like Standard Bank, Absa, FNB, and Nedbank cater to international clients. Visit a branch to apply and wait for activation.

Transportation in Cape Town

Transportation in Cape Town offers a range of options, both nationally and locally. Nationally, buses, trains, and flights connect the city to other major cities. Locally, you can use buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, or the commuter rail system. Cycling is also a viable option, with many bike lanes and picturesque routes.

While having a car can be convenient, it’s not necessary, as public transport is affordable and efficient. South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, just like New Zealand. However, roads can be quite congested during rush hour. If you decide to buy a car, the process is straightforward, with many dealerships and financing options available.

Learning the Afrikaans, isiZulu & isiXhosa languages

Learning Afrikaans can make life easier for you in Cape Town and will enhance your experience by helping you connect with locals, appreciate their culture, and understand the city’s rich history.

You can learn the language by taking classes from the University of Cape Town Language centre or Afrikaans language schools. Additionally, you can make friends with Afrikaans-speaking people and practice it with them or joining Afrikaans language groups on social media or local community centres.

While fluency in isiZulu or isiXhosa isn’t essential for living in Cape Town, knowing some basics can enhance your experience and help you connect with the local community, especially in industries serving Xhosa or Zulu communities.

Crown also offers language learning as part of our additional services, so you can be more confident when moving to Cape Town.

Networking in Cape Town

Networking in Cape Town is relatively easy, with numerous opportunities to meet and connect with locals. Newcomers can join interest-based groups like hiking, book clubs, or sports teams. Professionally, associations such as the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce and industry-specific groups offer valuable connections. Networking groups like the Cape Town Expats on Meetup and Women’s Leadership Network are also available.

Making friends and building a community as a newcomer can take time, but with a little effort, it’s achievable. Most expats and locals are friendly and welcoming.

Amazing view over Cape Town. Photo by E Diop

Moving to Cape Town? Go knowing

Let Us make Your Journey to Cape Town simple

Cape Town is a unique and vibrant city that offers something for everyone, making it an ideal place to call home. Known for its stunning scenery, rich culture, and modern amenities, Cape Town offers a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants and locals alike.

Let us simplify your move to Cape Town. As your international moving experts, our team at Crown takes care of every detail so you can focus on what matters most – discovering and embracing your new life in Cape Town.

Go knowing you can trust Crown to make your move simple and hassle-free. Call us on 0508 227 696 or fill in our online quote.

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