Study Abroad Packing List South Africa: Check Out The Essentials To Carry 

We are glad that you are about to join the rich and vibrant culture of South Africa. Before you fly to this foreign but welcoming land, make sure you don’t forget to carry certain crucial items to avoid any hassle later on. Consider going through our packing list South Africa to avoid missing any important items. 

The country boasts various perks, including affordable cost of living, a great living environment, warm and friendly people, and high standards of education. So, it’s no wonder that you have selected South Africa as your destination. Now, let’s dive right into our packing list South Africa without any further delay. 

Study Abroad Packing List South Africa: Important Items 

We have provided a comprehensive packing list South Africa below, which includes crucial items like your academic and travel documents, electronics, and personal care items. 

Essential Documents

See below the academic and travel documents you have to carry:

• Valid Passport
• Visa 
• Acceptance Letter
• Travel insurance Documents
• Motivation Letter
• Clearance Certificate
• Health Insurance Policy Documents

Clothing

Here is a list of clothing items suitable for South Africa:

• T-Shirts
• Light Pants
• Long-Sleeve Shirts
• Trousers
• Shorts
• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Hat With Brim
• Hiking Boots
• Windbreaker
• Swimwear
• Light Jacket
• Lightweight, Breathable Tops
• Flip-Flops
• Sandals
• Rain Jacket
• Poncho

Electronics

Here is a list of electronic items you should carry to South Africa:

• Camera
• Power Bank
• Plug Adapters
• Charger
• Smartphone
• Tablet
• Laptop

Also Read: Study Abroad Packing List Korea: What to Pack?

Personal Care

See below the list of popular personal care items you should carry:

• Body Wash
• Hairbrush
• Hand Sanitiser
• Deodorant
• Makeup
• Toiletries
• Comb

Miscellaneous

Here are the key miscellaneous items you should not forget to carry:

• Local currency (South African Rand)
• First Aid
• Medicines 
• Bedding
• Daypack
• Sunglasses
• Nail cutter

Download the PDF below to know more specific items to include in your packing list South Africa.

Study Abroad Packing List South Africa: Travel Finance

Apart from the packing list South Africa, planning out your travel and living expenses is also very important. The table below shows the costs you can expect to bear while moving to and staying in the country. 

Average cost of flight from India to South Africa for an individual	R 6,031
Student Visa application fee	R 425
Average monthly cost of living without rent for a single individual	R 10,802.2

What Not to Add To Your Study Abroad Packing List South Africa?

Now that you know what you should include in your packing list South Africa, let’s see what you are not allowed to carry there. The following items are prohibited to carry to this country. 

• Narcotic and habit-forming drugs in any form
• Poison and other toxic substances
• Fully automatic, military, and unnumbered weapons, explosives, and fireworks
• Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2 kilograms per 1,000
• Unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright
• Goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any Act (for example, counterfeit goods)
• Prison-made and penitentiary-made goods

Baggage Limit for International Students Going to South Africa

See below the baggage limit for your packing list as per the South African Airway. Please note that the baggage limitations may vary according to the airline you choose. 

Class	Maximum Weight of Checked Baggage Allowance
Economy Class	44 lb/20 kg total
Business Class	66 lb/30 kg total
First Class	88 lb/40 kg total

Also Read: Heading to Australia? Here’s Your Complete Study Abroad Packing List

Study Abroad Packing List South Africa: Additional Tips

Now that you are familiar with the packing list, let’s look at some important tips you should keep in mind before moving to the country. 

Secure an Appropriate Visa: The visa system of South Africa is a bit complex and the applications may take more time than expected. So, it’s a good idea to apply well in advance. 

Get an International Driving Permit: Consider applying for an International Driving Permit in your home country if you plan to drive around South Africa to enjoy its breathtaking beauty. 

Pack Your Belongings: Consider packing your belongings well in advance so that you don’t forget to take them with you at the last minute. 

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We hope this blog gave you a complete overview of the packing list South Africa. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!