SOMALILAND
Soo dhawow" (سو دهوو) - Welcome to Somaliland
In Somaliland we provide international relocations by sea and air, pet relocation, local moves and office moves. We also provide an essential import and export service by sea and air, for international AID agencies.
OUR TEAM
Worldwide Movers Africa (Somaliland) was established by Omar in one of our most challenging locations. From here Omar provides our clients with our highly valued Gold Standard level of service.
Founded on customer service, hard work and dedication.
Our team are knowledgeable, experienced and have extensive removal skills. We have comprehensive export/import, freight and customs formalities abilities.
Our team 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.
Omar Duale
Director
Omar lives in Hargeisa with his family and operates both the Somalia and Somaliland businesses from there. He is well travelled, highly respected and has excellent networks in the region.
COUNTRY PROFILE
Population: Approximately 6.2 million
Capital: Hargeisa
Language: Northern Somali or Somaliland Somal, Arabic and English
Political System: Multi-party democracy
GDP (Gross Domestic Product): c. US$ 2.6 billion
GDP per Capita: c. US$853
Currency: Somaliland shilling (SLSH) is used along the US$
Somaliland is in the northern part of Somalia, bordered by Djibouti, Ethiopia and the Gulf of Aden. Its terrain comprises plateaus, plains, and mountains, with the Togdheer and Hawd plateaus dominating the landscape.
Somaliland was a British protectorate until independence in 1960. It then united with Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic. Internal strife and the collapse of the government in Somalia led to Somaliland's declaration of independence in 1991.
As a de facto state it has its own government, institutions, and security forces. It has a multiparty political system, has conducted several successful elections and is a relatively stable democracy.
The economy is primarily based on livestock, remittances from the diaspora, and trade. Livestock, particularly camels, goats, and sheep, form the backbone of the economy, with exports mainly to the Arabian Peninsula.
Somaliland is not internationally recognized as an independent state. This hampers its ability to engage in formal diplomatic relations and access global institutions. However, Somaliland does attract investment and foster development initiatives.
Omare Duale of Worldwide Movers Africa (Somaliland) started the first international relocation company in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, in 2010. Not easy in a country with no banks or postal services. WWM Africa (Somaliland) provide full origin and destination services and like all other WWM operations in Africa are trusted with the highest calibre transfers.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Public buses and minibuses operate within cities and between towns in Somaliland. These vehicles are often crowded but provide an affordable means of transportation for locals and travellers alike.
Yo may prefer to hire private cars or drivers, especially for longer journeys or when travelling to remote areas where public transportation is limited.
In Urban areas taxis can be hailed on the street. They are usually small cars or SUVs and are a convenient way to travel within cities or to nearby towns.
Bajaj, tuk-tuks, are three-wheeled taxis used for short-distance travel in cities. They are maneuverable, cheap and popular.
Motorcycles, Boda-bodas, are widely used particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. They provide a convenient way to navigate through traffic and reach places not easily accessible by car.
Daallo Airlines and Jubba Airways operate domestic routes connecting cities like Hargeisa, Berbera, and Burao.
Boats and ferries operate between coastal towns and islands. They are essential for accessing remote coastal areas and islands.
While transportation options are available, infrastructure in Somaliland is limited, especially in rural areas. Security concerns and travel advisories may impact travel. Exercise caution and stay informed.
Expats and international workers often reside in areas that offer security, amenities, and proximity to essential services.
Ahmed Dhagah is near the city centre of Hargeisa. It is relatively quiet with upscale housing options. Expats, particularly diplomats and aid workers, live in this area.
Jigjiga Yar is popular among expatriates due to its central location and access to restaurants, shops, and markets. It is relatively safe and offers a range of housing options.
New Hargeisa has seen significant development in recent years. It has modern infrastructure, including shopping malls, hotels, and residential complexes. Housing options are newer and more upscale.
Mohamed Moge is to the south of Hargeisa. It has spacious properties and quiet surroundings for a more suburban lifestyle.
Salaama is to the east of Hargeisa. It is relatively calm and has a mix of residential and commercial properties for those seeking a quieter environment.
The Maansoor Hotel area, in the city centre of Hargeisa, is popular among expatriates due to its proximity to hotels, restaurants, and businesses. It is a bustling area with a mix of residential and commercial properties.
It's essential to consider security, access to amenities, and proximity to workplaces when choosing accommodation. Expatriates in Somaliland often live in secure compounds or residences with gated security for added safety.
Look for international schools that follow recognised curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British or American educational systems. Schooling may be affected by the region's geopolitical economic conditions.
Abaarso School of Science and Technology: Hargeisa (American) Abaarso School of Science and Technology
Hargeisa International School: Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Hargeisa International School
Hope International School: Hargeisa. International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Hope International School
Modern English School: Hargeisa, CIE Modern English School
Hargeisa Montessori School: Hargeisa Montessori School
These schools provide a diverse and globally-oriented education with facilities and resources for expat students and families. Contact the schools directly or visit their websites for more information on admission processes, curriculum, facilities, and fees. It's essential to consider proximity to accommodation, transportation, and other amenities when choosing an expatriate school in Somaliland.
Please contact our office for details of reputable real-estate companies. 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 SOMALILAND TEAM
Contact Details
Email: omarduale@gmail.com
Tel: +252 252 0681
Mobile: +252 24 426 761
Head Office Address
Worldwide Movers Somalia (WWM Group)
Main Road
Hargaisa
Somaliland
