TELFED TIPS - What to do before leaving South Africa for your new home in Israel

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(With thanks to Hessel Friedlander)
1. Aliya papers and procedures should be in order sooner rather than later. There might be delays.

2. Visit a lawyer to make sure you haven't left unfinished business unattended. Discuss signing “power of attorney” so that once you have made Aliyah someone can sign on your behalf in South Africa, if necessary.

3. Visit a financial advisor to make sure that your policies, investments etc, are all in order. It is much easier to do this while you are still in South Africa than after you have left. Discuss the following:

a.  Insurance policies and pensions

b. Closing bank accounts.
 
c. Moving money from your current account to a money market account and make sure you can transact with it.

d. Selling your house, business and how to deal with other assets.

4. If you intend keeping your bank accounts open then consider the following:

a.   make sure you leave a forwarding email address for your bank. If you don't then the bank might not be able to contact you if your account goes dormant.

b.  set up internet banking.  
 
c.  Sign a form at your bank to let you do email or telephone transactions.

d. Check to see if you can cancel all debit/stop orders .

e.  Cancel credit cards unless you want to use them abroad

f.  You might want to advise your bank that you will send them a new address from Israel. You will have to  have to provide proof of residence (FICA requirements). This may require you getting your Israeli utility account translated into English.

 
5.  Pay all outstanding accounts.

6. Cancel TV license  

7. Cancel memberships of clubs etc

8. Cancel magazine, newspaper subscriptions

9. Ask the post office to arrange to have your mail forwarded. 

9.   Arrange to sell your car (if appropriate) rather than leaving it for someone to do for you.

10. Visit 'important' people to say goodbye.
This helps to close the loop.

Farewell to South Africa and Welcome to your new home in Israel.