Shipping Cost from Munich to Cape Town

On average, you'll pay between $2,000 to $5,000 for overseas shipping of an upright piano. This price typically includes basic packing, transportation, and standard insurance. However, costs fluctuate significantly based on the specific destination and chosen shipping method.

Piano mover costs vary widely, typically $200–$600 for local uprights, $400–$1,000+ for local grands, and $1,000–$2,500+ for long-distance moves, with bigger pianos (concert grands) and complex situations (stairs, crating, long distances) significantly increasing the price, potentially reaching thousands for international shipping. Key factors are piano type (upright vs. grand), distance, number of stairs, and special handling.

A piano dolly helps, but hiring specialized piano movers is generally much better and safer than DIY moving, even with a dolly, because pianos are incredibly heavy (often 1000+ lbs), fragile, and require specific equipment (like skid boards for grands, specialized dollies, ramps, padding) and expertise to avoid severe damage or injury, especially with stairs or valuable instruments. While a dolly provides easier rolling on flat surfaces, it doesn't replace the skills, insurance, and specialized tools professionals offer for navigating tricky spots and protecting your investment.