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Air Cargo & Excess Baggage

Moving more than your allowance? Here’s how to get your goods home without breaking the bank.

Your options compared

The SA Vietnam Shipping Company

Instant online quote — Vietnam, Thailand & Cambodia routes

Parcel, document, and consolidated shipping built specifically for this corridor — not a generic global courier. Get an actual quote (not an estimate) in a couple of minutes with their own rate calculator.

  • Covers Vietnam ↔ SA, Thailand ↔ SA, and Cambodia ↔ SA
  • Parcel, document, or consolidated (they collect from suppliers) shipment types
  • Optional shipment insurance and a refundable customs deposit built into the quote
  • Get an instant quote →
Best for: parcels, personal effects, and consolidated shipments on this specific corridor

Pre-purchase excess baggage

40–60% cheaper than the airport counter

Buy extra kilos through the airline website or app before departure. Always check this first.

  • Sold in 5kg or 10kg blocks on most airlines
  • Available up to a few hours before departure
  • Prices vary significantly by airline and route
Best for: 5–20kg over your free allowance

Extra checked bag

From ~$60–$200 per bag online

If you have a complete extra bag rather than a few loose kilos, adding a bag is often cheaper than buying excess weight.

  • Airport same-day rates are 2–4× the online price
  • Maximum 32kg per bag (23kg on some carriers)
  • See our Baggage Guide for per-airline rates
Best for: One full extra bag of belongings

Air freight (unaccompanied)

~$2–6 per kg depending on route

Ship goods as air freight — arrives within days of you. More paperwork but cost-effective for 50kg+.

  • Use a freight forwarder: DHL, Aramex, FedEx, or The SA Vietnam Shipping Company if you're on the Vietnam/Thailand/Cambodia route
  • You need a SARS clearing agent on the SA side
  • Duty applies on commercial goods; personal effects may qualify for rebate
  • Book at least 1–2 weeks before you travel
Best for: 50kg+, appliances, bulk personal items

Sea freight (groupage / FCL)

~$800–$3,000+ per CBM

Cheapest per kg for large volumes. Transit time from Asia: 25–45 days to JNB or CPT.

  • Groupage (LCL): share a container — suited to 1–5 CBM
  • FCL: full 20ft or 40ft container for major relocations
  • SARS clearing + duty applies at destination port
  • DA 306 rebate available for returning residents
Best for: Relocating — furniture, full households

Airline excess baggage rates — online pre-purchase (economy)

Always buy online; airport counter rates are substantially higher.

AirlineExtra bag onlineExtra bag airportOverweight fee
Air France $75 $200 $150
British Airways $75 $95 $100
Cathay Pacific (Outbound) $170 $150 $100
Cathay Pacific (Return) $200 $150 $100
Emirates $200 $250 $75
Ethiopian Airlines $50 $75 $100
Kenya Airways $275 $275 $150
Lufthansa — $100 $110
Qatar Airways $200 $255 Up to $80
Singapore Airlines $100 $160 $100

Source: airline websites, August 2026. Rates vary by route, fare class and booking timing. Verify with your airline before purchase.

Cost Estimator

Pick the option you're considering to get a ballpark figure — actual quotes from your airline or freight forwarder will vary. Shipping from Vietnam, Thailand, or Cambodia? The SA Vietnam Shipping Company's calculator gives you an actual quote rather than an estimate.