UK Immigration: 50 things South Africans can’t do without

In 2019, we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of South Africans joining the group “I am Staying,” a social media pledge of sorts, to remain in the country. However, there are many who have left and others who plan to move over to the UK.

For those who have chosen to leave, immigration can be tough. Ever wondered what you’d be missing if you left? Well, here’s a list of what to take with you, decided by members of the Facebook group titled South Africans Immigrating to the UK and Ireland. 

What to pack in your bags for the UK

1. Braai
2. Potjie pot
3. Biltong maker
4. Pyrex dishes
5. Tupperware
6. Biltong
7. Niknaks
8. Prescription medicines
9. Over-the-counter medicines
10. Vitamins and supplements
11. Your favourite spices
12. The kids’ 2-wheel scooters
13. Skottel
14. Kettle
15. Toaster
16. Small kitchen appliances
17. Photo albums
18. The good pots and pans
19. Good crockery
20. Fabric (for those who like to sew)
21. Sewing machine
22. Overlocker
23. Sentimental items
24. House decor
25. Table cloths
26. Seasonal decorations
27. Craft supplies
28. SA cookbooks
29. Mattress
30. Bed linen
31. Rusks
32. Electric frying pan
33. Piano
34. Pets
35. Paintings
36. Green Tabasco
37. Citro soda
38. Some garden tools
39. Good towels
40. Grandpa headache powder
41. ENO
42. Spur sauces
43. Bed
44. Microwave
45. Salad platters
46. Casserole dishes
47. Kenwood food processor
48. Corenza C
49. Myprodol
50. Crosse & Blackwell Tangy Mayonnaise

These are some of the items that will make the transition easier, by reminding you of home in subtle ways. Worry not if your suitcase can’t manage all of the above – most are available in the UK, though they come with a hefty price tag.

“If you will be earning pounds straight away you could replace appliances once you arrive, but you probably won’t get much for them in SA. If you are going to replace them using rands, it will be expensive. So, if you have space in a container then I’d say bring them along. It’s easy to change the plug. The exception is things you will need before your container arrives like your kettle and toaster,” said one member of South Africans Immigrating to the UK and Ireland, Darlene.

Another member, David, advised, “Weigh up the cost of shipping versus buying new. Also keep in mind not all items arrive ‘in one piece.’”

There are things that one may come to realise only after moving over. One such thing is the average size of a kitchen in the UK, which is often smaller than South African kitchens. This means you won’t necessarily enjoy the same cupboard space you were used to back in SA.

“I would bring the items you use all the time. There are some items that are nice to have, but not essential. I’ve had to give loads away as I don’t have space for it in the kitchen,” Marlene commented.

When it comes to over-the-counter medicines, some countries have lower doses of certain chemicals found in, for example, cough syrup, unfortunately making it less effective than some of the medicines available locally, hence the medication on the ‘bring these with you to the UK’ list above.

“South Africans often advise one another to take over their preferred cold and flu medicines, pain killers, as well as any prescription medications they are on while they arrange their family’s access to the National Health Services (NHS) in the UK,” said Move Up’s managing director, Ryan Rennison.

Move Up is a UK-specific immigration consultancy that assists with lodging all types of visa and British passport applications for South African citizens. They can assist with applications for Ancestral Visas, British Passports, or any other UK settlement visas, and offer free visa or birth assessments and advice on emigrating to the UK.