International Moving to Guatemala from USA 2026: Costs & Process

Quick Answer: International moving from the USA to Guatemala with AB Group Shipping costs from $2,472 for about 13 m³ of boxes and furniture consolidated from Miami, 14 days in transit (September 2026 quote). A 2-bedroom move in a 20 ft container from Houston is $2,650, 6 days. Prices are port to port and exclude import taxes and destination charges.

Instant quote

How much will your move cost?

Real rates from 40+ carriers in seconds.

Real prices from $2,472

OriginCity in the USA DestinationCity or country

No obligationFree

Transit time: 4 days via ocean from Miami (Port Everglades), 6 days from Houston
Cost: from $2,650 (Houston) or $3,474 (Miami) for a 20' container and $2,750 or $3,812 for a 40' HC, September 2026 rates
Key documentation: CBP Form 3299, detailed inventory, passport and residency visa
Main port: Puerto Quetzal with land connection to Guatemala City

International moves to Guatemala represent a major decision that requires careful planning and specific knowledge of customs processes. Guatemala has become an attractive destination for US and Latin American professionals seeking quality of life, lower costs, and cultural proximity. The international moving process involves multiple stages: from packing and preparation in the United States, through customs clearance at Puerto Quetzal, to final delivery at your new home. Each phase has specific requirements that, when handled correctly, guarantee a smooth transition without costly delays or legal complications.

Get an instant moving quote

Compare full container and consolidated cargo prices in seconds — no email required.

Go to the calculator →

Reference prices: moving from the USA to Guatemala

−$824A 2-bedroom move from Houston costs $824 less than from Miami.

Port	Boxes	2-bed	3+ bed
MiamiPort Everglades	$2,472	$3,474	$3,812
HoustonCheapest	≈ $2,472	$2,650	$2,750
New JerseyNew York	≈ $2,472	$3,610	$3,940
Los Angelesleaves from Miami	$2,472	$2,650	$2,750

Port to port to Guatemala City or Santo Tomas de Castilla, in USD, quoted with our system on September 28, 2026. Includes freight and US export charges; excludes import taxes and destination charges. Boxes: consolidated, ≈13 m³. 2-bed: 20 ft container. 3+ bed: 40 ft HC container. The calculator on this page gives your exact price, with pickup and delivery. ≈ Approximate price: what our system quotes leaving from another port, or the median of the other ports for that shipment.

Shipping from another state? Which port to read

Each port in the table is the one that cargo from these states usually leaves through. Miami: Florida. Houston: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. New Jersey: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia and West Virginia. California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii ship through Los Angeles / Long Beach; Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama ship through Savannah; Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota ship through Chicago (rail); Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska ship through Seattle / Tacoma: those ports are not in the table yet. We pick up in every state, and the calculator finds the best port from your city.

How Much Does an International Move to Guatemala Cost?

A complete move to Guatemala costs $3,474 from Miami (leaving from Port Everglades) for a 20' container and $3,812 for a 40' HC in September 2026, or $2,650 and $2,750 from Houston. The price covers ocean freight to Puerto Quetzal, before import taxes and destination charges.

Costs for moves to Guatemala vary significantly based on volume, included services, and time of year. The main route from Miami or Port Everglades to Puerto Quetzal offers the best rates and sailing frequencies.

20' Container (33 m³)

$3,474 from Miami, $2,650 from Houston (September 2026, port to port)
Ideal for 1-2 bedroom apartment
Capacity: 1,172 cubic feet
Maximum weight: 28,000 kg

40' Container (67 m³)

$3,812 from Miami, $2,750 from Houston (40' HC, September 2026, port to port)
Perfect for 3-4 bedroom house
Capacity: 2,390 cubic feet
Maximum weight: 28,000 kg

approx. $215.60per cubic meter LCL

For small moves under 10 cubic meters, the LCL (consolidated cargo) option offers economic flexibility with a 2 CBM minimum.

Additional services include professional packing at approx. $800-$1,200, full insurance at 2.5-3% of declared value, and temporary storage if you need flexibility on dates. Peak season (November-January) can increase rates by up to 25%.

Option	Approximate Volume	Estimated Cost	Ideal For
LCL (consolidated cargo)	Up to 15 m³, charged by volume	Approx. $215.60 per m³; about 13 m³ is $2,472 from Miami (September 2026)	1-2 bedroom apartment or partial move
20' Container	33 m³	From $2,650 (Houston); $3,474 from Miami (September 2026)	2-3 bedroom house
40' Container	67 m³	$2,750 (Houston); $3,812 from Miami (40' HC, September 2026)	4+ bedroom house or move with vehicle

All three prices are ocean freight to Puerto Quetzal, before import taxes and destination charges. Transit is 4 days from Miami and 6 days from Houston by full container, and 14 days by LCL. Pickup at your origin city in the United States is quoted separately based on distance to Miami or Port Everglades.

Documentation Required for Moves to Guatemala

For moves to Guatemala you need CBP Form 3299, detailed inventory in Spanish, Guatemalan passport or residency visa, and consular certificate. SAT requires declaration of used personal effects.

Correct documentation is critical to avoid delays and additional costs in customs clearance. Government regulations have established clear guidelines for transport companies handling international moves.

CBP Form 3299: Declaration of personal effects sealed by CBP at port of departure
Detailed inventory: List in Spanish with approximate values per item
Guatemalan passport: Valid or permanent/temporary residency visa
Consular certificate: Authentication of inventory at Guatemalan consulate
Power of attorney: If using customs agent in Guatemala (highly recommended)

⚠️

Common Mistake

Many people underestimate the time needed to obtain the consular certificate. This process can take 5-10 business days and must be completed before shipment.

The inventory must include detailed description, brand, model, and approximate value of each item. Appliances require complete technical specifications. Guatemalan SAT is strict with incomplete inventories or inconsistent values.

Household Goods to Guatemala: What It Is and How to Declare It

In Guatemala, customs (SAT) calls household goods the set of furniture, appliances, clothing, dishes, and used household items that a person transfers to establish their home in the country. This is the term that must appear in your inventory and customs declaration: if the same goods are declared as 'merchandise,' the process is handled as commercial import and you'll pay higher taxes and longer wait times at Puerto Quetzal.

Guatemalans returning after living abroad and foreigners establishing residency can request household goods treatment from SAT, which reduces or exempts import taxes on used goods. Typical requirements are passport with evidence of foreign residence, valued and signed inventory, bill of lading (B/L) in the principal's name, and for foreigners, proof of residency or visa. Minimum residency periods and exempt amounts change; confirm with SAT or our customs agent before shipping.

Category	Counts as Household Goods?	Inventory Notes
Used furniture and appliances	Yes	Must show obvious signs of use; original sealed packaging is interpreted as new merchandise.
Clothing, books, and personal items	Yes	Indicate approximate quantity per box and estimated value.
New items with tags or sealed boxes	No	Taxed as normal import (DAI + VAT).
Vehicles	No	Separate process with its own declaration and import permit.
Tools or professional equipment	Partial	Accepted if for personal use; in commercial quantities it is taxed.

💡

Use the same term in all documents

Write 'household goods' in the inventory, on the B/L, and in the request letter to SAT. An inventory in English without that classification is the most common cause of clearance delays.

How Long Does an International Move to Guatemala Take?

The complete process takes 9-16 days: 3-5 days for packing and export from the United States, 4 days ocean transit Miami (Port Everglades)-Puerto Quetzal, and 2-7 days for customs clearance and final delivery in Guatemala.

The timeline for moves to Guatemala depends on multiple factors, including document preparation, vessel space availability, and customs clearance efficiency. Advance planning is essential to meet specific dates.

Packing and loading at origin: 1-3 business days for full container
CBP export process: 1-2 additional days for document sealing
Ocean transit: 4 days Miami → Puerto Quetzal
SAT customs clearance: 2-5 days at Puerto Quetzal
Land transport: 1-2 days Puerto Quetzal → final destination

💡

Timeline Optimization

Schedule your move to arrive in Guatemala between Tuesday and Thursday. This avoids weekend delays in customs clearance and allows same-day delivery.

Factors that can extend the timeline include physical inspections (30% probability), incomplete documentation, and hurricane season (June-November) which can cause 2-5 additional days of port delays.

Routes and Ports for Moves to Guatemala

Moves to Guatemala primarily use the Miami/Port Everglades → Puerto Quetzal route. Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla is an alternative for the Atlantic coast, but Puerto Quetzal offers better land connectivity to Guatemala City and Antigua.

FCL

MiamiUSMIR

→

Puerto QuetzalGTPQU

from · Sep 2026USD$3,474Quote this route →

Puerto Quetzal (GTPQU) is the main port for moves to Guatemala, located just 2 hours from Guatemala City by road. Major carriers offer weekly sailings from PortMiami with Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and Maersk. Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla (GTPST) on the Atlantic coast serves as an alternative, but requires 4-5 hours of land transport to the capital. This route is less frequent and generally more expensive for destinations in the Guatemalan highlands. Puerto Quetzal's port infrastructure has modernized significantly, with capacity to handle large container volumes and specialized equipment for household goods cargo. The port operates 24/7 and has direct connection to the CA-2 highway toward Guatemala City.

Prohibited and Restricted Items for Moves to Guatemala

Guatemala prohibits firearms, prescription-free medications, perishable foods, and plants. Used appliances pay reduced taxes, but vehicles require a separate process with age restrictions based on engine size.

Guatemalan customs regulations are specific about which items can enter as personal effects. SAT maintains updated lists of prohibited and restricted products that you should review before packing.

Prohibited Items

Firearms and ammunition
Controlled medications without prescription
Fresh, canned, and dairy foods
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products
Animal-origin products without certificate

Restricted Items

Alcohol: maximum 2 bottles per person
Cigarettes: maximum 200 units
Perfumes: maximum 3 bottles for personal use
Electronic equipment: value declaration required
Personal medications: maximum 3 months of treatment

⚠️

Vehicles Require Separate Process

Vehicles CANNOT be included in personal effects moves. They require an independent process with restrictions: maximum 7 years old for engines >2000cc and up to 10 years for smaller engines.

Used appliances are permitted as personal effects with tax exemption, provided you demonstrate prior use of at least 6 months. Include photos of the inventory showing signs of normal wear to facilitate customs clearance.

Verify what you can ship

Our calculator includes a guide to permitted and restricted items for your move to Guatemala.

Check restrictions →

Container Sizes for Moves to Guatemala

For moves to Guatemala, a 20' container (33 cubic meters) works for a 1-2 bedroom apartment, while 40' (67 cubic meters) accommodates a 3-4 bedroom house. LCL is an economical option for small moves under 10 cubic meters.

Selecting the correct container size optimizes costs and ensures all your belongings arrive safely. Moves to Guatemala typically use standard containers with the following capacities:

Standard 20' Container

Capacity: 33 cubic meters
Dimensions: 6.1m × 2.4m × 2.4m
Ideal for: 1-2 bedroom apartment
Cost: $3,474 from Miami, $2,650 from Houston (September 2026)

Standard 40' Container

Capacity: 67 cubic meters
Dimensions: 12.2m × 2.4m × 2.4m
Ideal for: 3-4 bedroom house
Cost: $3,812 from Miami, $2,750 from Houston (40' HC, September 2026)

40HC (High Cube) Container offers additional height (2.7m vs 2.4m) for $3,812 from Miami or $2,750 from Houston (September 2026 rates), perfect for tall furniture, large refrigerators, or artwork. Capacity increases to 76 cubic meters. LCL (Less than Container Load) is ideal for partial moves starting at 2 cubic meters at approx. $215.60/m³. Recommended for students, single professionals, or shipments of specific items.

10 m³break-even point

Above 10 cubic meters, the full 20' container offers better value than LCL and greater security for your belongings.

Practical calculation by room: - Master bedroom: 12-15 m³ - Secondary bedroom: 8-10 m³ - Living/dining room: 15-20 m³ - Kitchen (appliances): 8-12 m³ - Office/study: 6-8 m³

Customs Clearance Process in Guatemala

Customs clearance in Guatemala is handled by SAT at Puerto Quetzal. It requires a local customs agent, takes 2-5 days, and used personal effects are tax-exempt with correct documentation and proven residency.

The SAT (Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria) is Guatemala's customs authority responsible for clearing international moves. The process is efficient when documentation is complete and correct.

Container arrival: Automatic notification to customs agent
Document submission: Form 3299, inventory, and certifications
Document review: 1-2 business days for verification
Physical inspection (optional): 30% probability, adds 1-2 days
Cargo release: Final authorization for delivery

💡

Customs Agent Required

Guatemalan law requires a licensed local customs agent. The cost of $300-$500 is included in our quotes and guarantees full legal compliance.

Used personal effects with more than 6 months of prior use are tax-exempt under the household goods regime. New or commercially valuable items may generate taxes of 12-15% based on tariff classification. Physical inspection occurs in approximately 30% of cases and may include partial container opening. Keep detailed photographic inventory to facilitate item identification during inspection.

Insurance for International Moves to Guatemala

Insurance for moves to Guatemala costs 1.5-3% of declared value. Basic coverage includes total loss, while full coverage protects against partial damage, theft, and delays. Minimum insurable value $5,000.

International insurance is essential for moves to Guatemala due to inherent risks in ocean transport, port handling, and final land transport. Policies are tailored specifically to personal effects.

Basic Coverage (1.5%)

Total container loss
General average (contribution)
Fire and explosion
Limit per item: $1,000

Full Coverage (2.5-3%)

Partial and total damage
Theft and burglary
Water and humidity damage
No limit per item

The declared value should reflect current replacement cost in Guatemala, not original purchase price. Appliances, furniture, and personal items are valued according to local Guatemalan prices. Common exclusions: - Fragile items poorly packed - Normal wear from use - Delays not caused by covered loss - Jewelry and cash - Documents and digital files

⚠️

Claims Process

Document any damage immediately with detailed photos and report within 7 calendar days. Adjusters process claims in Guatemala within 30-45 days.

Packing and Preparation for Moves to Guatemala

Professional packing for Guatemala uses reinforced marine boxes, bubble wrap, and extra humidity protection for tropical climate. Appliances require special wrapping and furniture is disassembled to optimize container space.

Proper packing is critical for your belongings to arrive in perfect condition in Guatemala. The tropical climate and high humidity during ocean transit require specialized techniques. Specialized materials: - Double-corrugated marine cardboard boxes - Desiccant bags for humidity control - High-density bubble wrap - Padded blankets for furniture - Industrial plastic film for extra protection

Appliances: Original packaging when possible, internal desiccant bags
Wood furniture: Anti-humidity treatment, professional disassembly
Clothing and textiles: Sealed boxes with desiccants, avoid plastic bags
Books and papers: Extra protection against tropical humidity
Fragile items: Double packing, special marking, photographic inventory

💡

Photographic Inventory

Document the condition of valuable items before packing. These photos are crucial evidence for insurance claims and facilitate identification during customs inspections.

Professional packing includes bilingual labeling (English-Spanish), sequential box numbering, and detailed content lists. This system facilitates customs clearance and final delivery in Guatemala.

Final Delivery in Guatemala: Cities and Costs

Delivery in Guatemala includes Guatemala City and Antigua at no extra cost. Quetzaltenango, Cobán, and other cities have surcharges of approx. $200-$400. Service includes unloading, but hoisting to upper floors has additional cost.

Final delivery in Guatemala is coordinated from Puerto Quetzal to your specific destination. Guatemalan road infrastructure allows access to most major cities on the same day. Delivery zone with no additional cost: - Guatemala City (metropolitan area) - Antigua Guatemala - Villa Nueva - Mixco - Santa Catarina Pinula Destinations with delivery surcharge: - Quetzaltenango (Xela): approx. $250 surcharge, 3 hours from port - Cobán: approx. $300 surcharge, 4 hours by mountain road - Flores/Petén: approx. $400 surcharge, 8 hours with driver overnight - Huehuetenango: approx. $350 surcharge, 5 hours via Los Altos - Retalhuleu: approx. $200 surcharge, 2 hours toward south coast

2 hoursPuerto Quetzal → Guatemala City

The CA-2 highway in excellent condition allows same-day delivery to the Guatemala City metropolitan area.

Additional delivery services: - Hoisting to upper floors: $100 per floor - Full unpacking: $300-$500 based on volume - Basic appliance installation: $150-$250 - Temporary storage: $75/day in secure warehouse Delivery includes truck unloading to your property entrance. For buildings without cargo elevators, coordinate in advance for manual hoisting or pulley systems for heavy furniture.

Partial vs Complete Moves to Guatemala

Partial moves to Guatemala use LCL from 2 cubic meters at approx. $215.60/m³, ideal for students or professionals. Complete moves require an exclusive container but offer better per-volume pricing and greater security.

The decision between partial or complete move depends on volume, budget, and urgency. Both options have specific advantages based on your particular situation.

LCL - Partial Move

Volume: 2-15 cubic meters
Cost: approx. $215.60 per m³
Time: 25-35 days total
Ideal for: Students, single professionals, specific shipments

FCL - Complete Move

Volume: 33-76 cubic meters
Cost: $2,650-$2,750 from Houston, $3,474-$3,812 from Miami (September 2026)
Time: 20-25 days total
Ideal for: Families, complete household moves

LCL advantages: - Lower initial investment - Flexibility for gradual shipments - No full container commitment - Ideal for testing life in Guatemala FCL advantages: - Better per-cubic-meter price above 18 m³ - Greater security (exclusive sealed container) - Shorter transit time - No risk of cross-contamination The economic break-even point is around 18 cubic meters. Above this volume, the full 20' container offers better value and protection for your belongings.

Compare LCL vs FCL options

Our calculator automatically shows the best option based on your specific volume.

See price comparison →

How to Get a Quote for Your Move to Guatemala

To quote your move to Guatemala you need a detailed inventory, exact origin and destination addresses, and tentative date. Our online calculator generates instant pricing for full containers and consolidated cargo.

An accurate quote for moves to Guatemala requires specific information that allows calculation of volume, weight, and necessary services. Careful inventory preparation guarantees exact budgets without surprises. Information required for quote:

Inventory by rooms: Detailed list of furniture and appliances
Estimated weight: Especially for books, tools, and equipment
Complete addresses: Origin in USA and destination in Guatemala
Tentative date: ±1 week flexibility improves pricing
Special services: Packing, unpacking, hoisting, storage

Our online calculator processes this information instantly, comparing LCL vs FCL options and showing complete cost breakdown. Prices include all major charges: freight, basic insurance, customs clearance, and local delivery.

💡

Optional Services

Add services like professional packing (approx. $800-$1,200) and full insurance (2.5% of value) directly in the calculator to see the true total cost.

Quotes are valid for 30 days and are subject to vessel space availability. Booking in advance guarantees better rates and preferred dates, especially during peak season (November-January).

🔗

📦

Move with AB Group Shipping

Planning the whole move? Our international movers pack, ship and handle customs, with your door-to-port price in 60 seconds.

Can I ship my vehicle with my move to Guatemala?+

No, vehicles require a separate process with specific documentation and age restrictions. Guatemala allows vehicles up to 7 years old for engines over 2000cc and up to 10 years for smaller engines. For the cost of shipping a vehicle, see the price table at the top of this page.

How much does an international move to Guatemala cost?+

See the price table at the top of this page for current prices for a full 20' or 40' container. Partial moves travel in LCL and are charged by volume.

How much does a container to Guatemala cost?+

Prices for a 20' container (33 m³) and a 40' container (67 m³) are in the price table at the top of this page. If your move doesn't fill a container, consolidated LCL cargo is usually more economical.

What are household goods in Guatemala?+

It's the SAT customs category for furniture, appliances, and used household items that a person transfers to establish their home in Guatemala. Declaring it correctly, with valued inventory and passport, allows Guatemalans returning home and foreigners with residency to access reduced or exempt import taxes.

Do you do local moves within Guatemala?+

No. AB Group Shipping handles international moves from any city in the United States and Canada to Guatemala: pickup at origin, ocean transport to Puerto Quetzal, customs clearance, and delivery to Guatemala City, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, and other cities. For moves within the country, hire a Guatemalan moving company.

Do I need to be present in Guatemala to receive my move?+

Yes, you must be present or designate a legal representative with power of attorney. SAT requires the importer's signature for customs clearance and the delivery company needs authorization to unload. Without presence, the container is stored at daily costs of $50-$75.

What if my move arrives damaged in Guatemala?+

With full insurance, document damage immediately with photos and report within 7 days. The adjuster evaluates in Guatemala and processes reimbursement within 30-45 days. Without insurance, carrier liability is limited to $500 per package under international convention.

Can I ship medications in my move to Guatemala?+

Only personal-use medications with a current prescription and reasonable quantities (maximum 3 months of treatment). Controlled or prescription-free medications are prohibited. Include a medical letter in English and Spanish explaining the treatment need.

When is the best time to move to Guatemala?+

The best season is January-April (dry season) to avoid hurricane delays and rain. Avoid November-December for peak holiday season which increases costs 15-25%. The lowest prices are May-September, but with risk of weather-related delays.

Your move to Guatemala represents the start of a new chapter in a country with rich culture, pleasant climate, and attractive cost of living. With proper planning and the right logistics partner, the process executes smoothly, allowing you to focus on adapting to your new home. The key to success is detailed preparation of documents, correct container size selection, and clear understanding of Guatemalan customs processes. Our team specialized in the USA-Guatemala corridor handles thousands of moves annually, guaranteeing practical expertise at every stage. Use the embedded calculator above to get your personalized instant quote. Compare LCL vs FCL options, add optional services, and plan your move with transparent pricing and realistic timelines. Your new life in Guatemala is just a few clicks away.

🧭

Guides for shipping to Guatemala

Car Shipping Guatemala Calculator: 2026 Instant Quotes · Car shipping calculator
LCL Shipping USA to Guatemala 2026: Instant Quotes · Consolidated cargo (LCL) calculator
Air Freight Calculator USA to Guatemala: 2026 Rates · Air freight calculator
Importing Auto Parts from USA to Guatemala: Full Guide
Motorcycle Shipping Calculator Guatemala 2026: Instant Rates