MALAWI
Mwalandilika - Welcome
In Malawi we provide international relocations by sea and air, pet relocation, local moves, office moves and storage. We also provide an essential import and export service by sea and air, for international AID agencies.
OUR TEAM
Worldwide Movers Africa (Malawi) was established in August 2001 and is well known to all major international relocation companies. It enjoys an unparalleled local reputation for care and prudence.
Rolf and Petra will be pleased to help you. With so many years in the beautiful country of Malawi, their experience is second to none.
Worldwide Movers Malawi is a member of the IAM (USA), the International Association of Movers.
Our dedicated team are knowledgeable, experienced and have extensive removal skills. We have comprehensive export/import, freight and customs formalities abilities.
We attend annual workshops and overseas conferences with agency network partners. We are proud of our reputation as Africa’s Gold Standard of the relocation industry.
Rolf Ossman
Director
Rolf Ossmann is a long standing professional in the international relocation world. You can contact Rolf about moving your goods, getting a free survey, competitive prices and for information about your upcoming move.
Petra von Chamier
Office Manager
Petra has also worked in the industry for many years and brings a wealth of experience to the group.
COUNTRY PROFILE
Population: Approximately 19 million people.
Capital: Lilongwe (also the largest city and the economic hub).
Language: English (official language), Akan, Mole-Dagbon, Ewe, and many other local languages.
Political System: Multi-party democracy
GDP (Gross Domestic Product): Approximately $13.2 billion.
GDP per Capita: Approximately $580
Currency: Malawian Kwacha (MWK)
Malawi is in southeastern Africa and is bordered by Zambia (west), Tanzania (north and northeast), and Mozambique (east, south, and southwest). Lake Malawi, one of Africa's Great Lakes, dominates the eastern part of the country. Malawi has high plateaus, mountains, and the Great Rift Valley.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in Malawi's economy which is largely agrarian subsistence farming. Tobacco is a major cash crop. Malawi has been dependent on foreign aid to support its budget, and economic development has been a challenge. Lake Malawi, national parks, and wildlife reserves, contribute to the potential for tourism
Malawi has a rich cultural heritage with traditional music and dance, festivals and ceremonies are important cultural events celebrated by various ethnic groups. The Gule Wamkulu dance is a notable cultural practice. Traditional crafts include wood carving, pottery, and basket weaving.
“The Eye” Magazine provides key information including numbers of all utilities, emergency numbers and details of all accommodations, tours, schools, restaurants, dentists, doctors, hair dressers (free in shopping malls and elsewhere).
The major banks in Malawi are Ecobank, First Merchant Bank, Inde Bank, National Bank, NBS and Western Union.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Our City Orientation Tour provides a safe and friendly way to get to know your new home. We help you to find what you need and make your initial settling-in period a little easier. We are happy to drive you and show you some key places. Or, you can drive your own car to get accustomed to driving in local city traffic.
Buses are a widely used, connecting major cities and towns. Both long-distance and local bus services are available. AXA Coach Services and others operate inter-city bus routes.
Minibuses are popular and affordable for short and medium distances within cities and towns. They operate on set routes and can be flagged down along the roadside.
Taxis are available in urban areas for short and long distances. Negotiate fares before starting the journey.
Bicitaxis, bicycle taxis are used for short-distance travel especially in rural/peri-urban settings.
Car rentals are available in major cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre and give flexibility for exploring the country - road conditions can vary.
Motorcycle taxis, bodabodas, are common for short-distance travel, especially in urban areas. They provide a quick and convenient way to get through traffic.
Domestic flights are available, connecting major cities and tourist destinations with airlines like Malawian Airlines.
Boats and ferries are used between lakeside towns and villages.
In some tourist areas bicycle rentals can be an eco-friendly way to explore local surroundings.
Area 12, Lilongwe is relatively popular among expatriates. It is close to the city centre and amenities such as shops, restaurants, and schools.
Area 43, Lilongwe, has a residential character, is relatively central and offers access to various services.
In Blantyre, Kabula appeals to expatriates as it is close to the city centre and amenities.
The Sunbird Livingstonia Beach sits on the shores of Lake Malawi and offers an attractive and tranquil environment.
Namiwawa, has housing suitable for expatriates a residential feel and is close to amenities.
Nyambadwe, in Blantyre is a residential area with access to facilities such as schools and shops.
Look for international schools that follow recognised curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British or American educational systems. These schools typically offer curricula based on international standards and provide education in English.
Saint Andrew's International High School, Blantyre, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Saint Andrew's International High School
International School of Lusaka (ISL) - Lilongwe, International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), International School of Lusaka - Lilongwe Campus
Bishop Mackenzie International School, Lilongwe, (CIE). Bishop Mackenzie International School
Lilongwe Academy, (CIE). Lilongwe Academy
Ensure that the schools are accredited by relevant educational authorities or international accreditation bodies.
Consider the curriculum offered by the school and whether it aligns with your child's educational needs and future plans.
Check the school's facilities, resources, and extracurricular activities to ensure a well-rounded education.
Aim for accommodation and schooling within a sensible commute!
Stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Research: Learn about the city and which areas are safe. Stay updated on local news and events, travel advisories or safety alerts issued for the city.
Accommodation: Use reputable well-reviewed accommodations. Look for good security measures. Use reliable booking platforms to ensure your reservation is legitimate.
Transport: Use licensed and reputable transport options. Avoid travelling alone late at night and use well-lit and busy routes.
Avoid Risky Areas: Be cautious in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night.
Personal Belongings: Keep your belongings secure. Use anti-theft backpacks or money belts. Be cautious with flashy jewellery, expensive gadgets and large amounts of cash.
Contacts: Contact locals or expats who can give you guidance. Share your plans with someone you trust. Know the local emergency numbers (police, medical, fire). Carry a list of contacts, including the nearest embassy or consulate.
ITC: Use secure Wi-Fi connections and consider using a VPN. Keep your devices charged and have a backup power source.
Language: Learn some basic phrases in the local language, especially those for seeking help or directions.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly in areas where it is appropriate.
Health Precautions: Be aware of health risks and take necessary vaccinations. Carry necessary medications and know the location of local medical facilities.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it. Trust your instincts and be cautious about accepting invitations or assistance from strangers.
FAQS
Moving costs are based on factors such as:
The volume and weight of your belongings
Whether your belongings are being shipped by air, sea or road (or a combination)
Your origin and destination
Any special requirements you have such as crating for art work
Ease of access to your property
Additional services requested
Please provide our surveyor and operations manager with as much information as possible.
We use the assessment made by our surveyor and the information you provide to calculate your quote.
As each move is unique our service usually begins with a survey. Our surveyor will estimate the volume of goods to be shipped and the materials needed. He will listen carefully to any special instructions or requests you may have. He will also make an assessment of the property checking for any access issues (narrow gates or height restrictions) and look at lift access and staircases.
We have teams of highly experienced professional packers
We use high quality and appropriate materials to protect and pack your belongings
* You should not pack your own belongings
Many countries will not allow entry of goods that have been packed by their owners (PBO). This ensures no prohibited items are shipped with your belongings.
Any boxes labelled PBO are very likely to be opened and searched by customs officials
Our teams will produce a detailed packing list which they will ask you to sign
We do not ship prohibited goods, such as:
Ivory or furs, drugs, weapons, hazardous materials or perishable items.
Each location has its own export and import regulations. Our teams will be able to advise.
We do not pack keys or passports (you will need those)
It is recommended that you carry any small high value items, such as jewellery, rather than having it shipped with your goods
Your normal household insurance is unlikely to cover your goods in transit.
We offer protection cover for your move including marine insurance.
Your shipment may be insured by your origin agent if you are importing your goods to us.
It is very important that you complete a detailed valued inventory of your goods as one box may contain items of much greater value than another.
Please read our terms and conditions for information on liability.
It helps if you are organised.....
Make sure you have applied for any visas or permissions you will need and have your passports up to date and ready
Dispose of or sell any items you do not wish to take
Separate items to be shipped from those to remain
Separate items to be shipped by air and those to be shipped by sea (if appropriate)
Label or attach stickers to the items to be packed
Organise school books or your children's much loved toys
From start to finish the entire moving process has a number of steps:
Survey - please book your survey as far in advance as is practical
Quote - once your survey is done our team will contact shipping line and destination agents. Once all this information is in and collated we can provide you with a quote/estimate.
PLEASE NOTIFY US OF ANY CHANGES
Packing dates - we can be very busy especially at peak packing time in the summer months. We will always aim to pack on or close to your preferred dates when possible
Transport to port
Export clearing
Loading onto shipping vessel
Transit by sea or air - this can take a day to several weeks. We can give an estimated time of arrival (ETA) to help you with planning. However, many things affect the transit time and are out of our control: technical issues, weather, international incidents, port congestion etc. Your shipment is tracked and the ETA adjusted accordingly.
Offloading from the vessel
Import clearing
Transport to storage or your new home
Unpacking and debris removal
We will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed quote for our services which should highlight any exclusions.
DUTY AND TAX: Customs/import duty is imposed when people bring goods into a country. Duty can vary widely depending on the country and its specific customs regulations. Personal belongings and household goods are sometimes duty free or have a reduced rate. Exemptions or reductions may apply to some individuals, such as expatriates on short-term assignments and diplomats. Depending on the country there may be other taxes and levys charged on your shipment.
A customs declaration including a detailed inventory, packing list, and relevant identification documents is crucial for smooth customs clearance. Some countries may require additional documents, such as a visa, work permit, or proof of residence. We can provide guidance on the documentation required and potential duty implications.
DEMURRAGE: Demurrage is charged by a shipowner for any delay in loading/unloading a vessel or returning the container beyond the allowed free time. Delays can arise for many reasons including port congestion, customers not presenting the required paperwork on time etc
Free time is generally about 5 days for an air import and 7 days for a sea import (including weekends and holidays). Charges are calculated on a daily rate for each day beyond the free time.
We are unable to include demurrage charges in our quote as they vary. You, your origin agent or your company are usually responsible for paying demurrage. It is important for us to know who to contact so that they can be paid efficiently, the container is released and further unnecessary charges are not incurred.
OTHER
Inspections - Your shipment may be selected for inspection or X-Ray by officials for which there will be an additional fee.
Storage - We are able to store your household goods for you if for example your new home is not ready. We charge warehouse handling and storage for this service.
Handyman - We offer other services such as a handyman if you need other work such as putting up curtains, electrical work, assembly of IKEA furniture and so on....
Out of Hours - Additional may be incurred if you require us to work after hours, on weekends or public holidays.
International relocation of pets involves careful planning and adherence to regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends.
We have moved many pets all over the world including USA, UK, many EU countries, New Zealand, Australia, Cyprus, Thailand, Singapore....
Pet import requirements and regulations vary and some countries have strict rules and timelines to which you must adhere.
Ensure that your pet has a compliant microchip registered with your contact information.
Visit your veterinarian well in advance and ensure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations required by the destination country. Give parasite treatments according to the regulations of the destination country. Obtain a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian shortly before travel.
An import permit may be required by the destination country. Obtain the necessary permits and ensure compliance with any waiting periods. Be aware of any quarantine requirements in the destination country.
You will need an IATA and airline-approved travel crate that provides enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Familiarise your pet with the crate before travel. Include familiar items like blankets or toys in the travel crate (but no choking hazards). Ensure access to water and any necessary medications during the journey.
We organise the door-to-door relocation of pets, from collection at your residence, booking with the airline, airport procedures and processing, arranging a destination agent and hand over or delivery to your new home. We select an airline we trust with experience in transporting pets. We consider the travel time, any transfers and their location so that we choose the best route for the comfort and safety of your pet/s. Some airlines have specific pet travel programs.
You will need to provide original copies of all your pets documents. We will also need your old and new address and contact information.
NB: Do not give your pet any sedative or calming medications/supplements - these can have devastating affects at altitude. We will refuse to ship your animal if we suspect it is sedated.
We can also relocate other animals and always adhere to regulations. If your pet is CITES listed you will need to provide the correct paperwork.
TESTIMONIALS
Dear Charles and William,
We would like to thank you, all of you, for the very good job you have done. Your team, this morning, was efficient and competent. We will have the pleasure to work with you again. Thank you very much.
Kindest regards Helene
Why Choose Us?
With over 30 years of experience on the African Continent, Worldwide Movers Africa has the knowledge and dedication needed to successfully move your belongings.
CONTACT THE malawi TEAM
Contact Details
Tel: +265 1 712222
Cell: +265 999 963 888
Email: wwmmw@gmx.de
Address
Worldwide Movers Malawi
Kanengo Railway Station
Lilongwe
Malawi
Postal Address
P.O. Box 30580
Lilongwe
Malawi
