An international move to Guatemala from the United States costs between $3,200 and $5,800 for a full 20' or 40' container as of September 25, 2026, with the most recent real quote seen by a reader of this guide at USD 4,749.89 all-inclusive on LCL consolidated cargo (August 4, 2026). Ocean transit to Puerto Quetzal takes 15-25 days and clearance requires detailed inventory, CBP Form 3299, and the principal's passport.
- Transit time: 15-25 days via ocean from Miami or Port Everglades
- Average cost: $3,200-$5,800 depending on container size and services
- Key documentation: CBP Form 3299, detailed inventory, passport and residency visa
- Main port: Puerto Quetzal with land connection to Guatemala City
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Go to the calculator →Reference prices: moving from the USA to Guatemala
| Move | From Miami Port Everglades | From Houston Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes and some furniture consolidated, ≈13 m³ | $2,472 | — |
| 2-bedroom apartment 20 ft container | $3,474 | $2,650 |
| 3+ bedroom house 40 ft HC container | $3,812 | $2,750 |
Port-to-port rates in USD to Guatemala City or Santo Tomas de Castilla, calculated with our quoting system on September 28, 2026: you bring the cargo to the departure port and collect it at the destination port. They include ocean freight and US export charges; they do not include import taxes or local charges at destination. The calculator on this page gives your exact price, with pickup and delivery.
How Much Does an International Move to Guatemala Cost?
A complete move to Guatemala costs between $3,200-$5,800 for 20'-40' containers. The price includes ocean freight Miami-Puerto Quetzal, customs clearance, and delivery to Guatemala City or Antigua.
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)
- $3,200-$4,100 door-to-door
- Ideal for 1-2 bedroom apartment
- Capacity: 1,172 cubic feet
- Maximum weight: 28,000 kg
40' Container (67 m³)
- $4,800-$5,800 door-to-door
- Perfect for 3-4 bedroom house
- Capacity: 2,390 cubic feet
- Maximum weight: 28,000 kg
For small moves under 10 cubic meters, the LCL (consolidated cargo) option offers economic flexibility with a 2 CBM minimum.
| Option | Approximate Volume | Estimated Cost | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (consolidated cargo) | Up to 15 m³, charged by volume | Based on cubic meters; most recent real quote: USD 4,749.89 all-inclusive (August 2026) | 1-2 bedroom apartment or partial move |
| 20' Container | 33 m³ | From $3,200 | 2-3 bedroom house |
| 40' Container | 67 m³ | Up to $5,800 | 4+ bedroom house or move with vehicle |
All three ranges include ocean freight to Puerto Quetzal, customs clearance, and delivery to Guatemala City or Antigua; transit is 15-25 days in all cases. 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.
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 20-30 days: 3-5 days for packing and export from the United States, 15-18 days ocean transit Miami-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: 15-18 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.
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.
Miami(USMIR)
Puerto Quetzal(GTPQU)
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.
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: $3,200-$4,100
Standard 40' Container
- Capacity: 67 cubic meters
- Dimensions: 12.2m × 2.4m × 2.4m
- Ideal for: 3-4 bedroom house
- Cost: $4,800-$5,800
Above 10 cubic meters, the full 20' container offers better value than LCL and greater security for your belongings.
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.
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
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.
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 $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): $250 surcharge, 3 hours from port - Cobán: $300 surcharge, 4 hours by mountain road - Flores/Petén: $400 surcharge, 8 hours with driver overnight - Huehuetenango: $350 surcharge, 5 hours via Los Altos - Retalhuleu: $200 surcharge, 2 hours toward south coastThe CA-2 highway in excellent condition allows same-day delivery to the Guatemala City metropolitan area.
Partial vs Complete Moves to Guatemala
Partial moves to Guatemala use LCL from 2 cubic meters at $180/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: $180-$220 per m³
- Time: 25-35 days total
- Ideal for: Students, single professionals, specific shipments
FCL - Complete Move
- Volume: 33-76 cubic meters
- Cost: $3,200-$6,200 total
- Time: 20-25 days total
- Ideal for: Families, complete household moves
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
Optional Services
Add services like professional packing ($800-$1,200) and full insurance (2.5% of value) directly in the calculator to see the true total cost.
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. The additional cost is $1,200-$1,800 depending on vehicle size.
Between $3,200 and $5,800 in a full 20' or 40' container, including Miami–Puerto Quetzal freight, customs clearance, and delivery to Guatemala City. Partial moves travel in LCL and are charged by volume; the most recent real quote seen by a reader was USD 4,749.89 all-inclusive (August 2026).
A 20' container (33 m³) starts at $3,200 and a 40' container (67 m³) goes up to $5,800, including ocean freight, customs clearance, and land delivery from Puerto Quetzal. If your move doesn't fill a container, consolidated LCL cargo is usually more economical.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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