Quick Answer: Moving from the USA to El Salvador with AB Group Shipping costs from $2,489 for boxes and some furniture shipped consolidated from Miami (September 2026 quote), with 7-day transit, excluding import taxes and destination charges. Customs asks for a list of the goods with their values and the transport document; Salvadorans living abroad also sign a sworn declaration at Migración.
- Required documentation: ID, a list of your goods with values, the transport document and the customs declaration (DUCA-D); Salvadorans living abroad also sign a sworn declaration at Migración
- Ocean freight costs: $3,982 per 20' container move from Miami with 26-day transit (September 2026 rates)
- Port of Acajutla is the primary entry point for ocean freight moves
- Strict restrictions on medications, food, and animal-origin products
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Go to the calculator →Reference prices: moving from the USA to El Salvador
| Port | Boxes | 2-bed | 3+ bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiamiCheapestPort Everglades | $2,489 | $3,982 | $4,299 |
| Houston | $4,824 | $4,117 | $4,534 |
| Los Angeles | $4,217 | ≈ $4,050 | ≈ $4,400 |
| New Jerseyleaves from Miami | $2,489 | ≈ $4,050 | ≈ $4,400 |
Port to port to San Salvador or Acajutla, 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. Los Angeles: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia and West Virginia ship through New York / New Jersey; 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.
What Documentation Do You Need for Your Move to El Salvador?
For a move to El Salvador, Customs (DGA) asks for a customs declaration (DUCA-D), a list of your household goods with quantities and values, and the transport document. Salvadorans living abroad who use the 2025 diaspora law also sign a sworn declaration at Migración.
Correct documentation is essential to avoid delays in the customs clearance process in El Salvador. The Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) publishes the requirements in its service guide for household goods (updated January 2026) and in rule DACG DGA-016-2025.- Identity document (the value form asks for its number); pensioner or rentier residents also present their resident card
- List of household goods with quantity and estimated unit and total price for used items; for new items, the purchase invoice
- Transport document: bill of lading for ocean freight or air waybill for air freight
- Customs declaration (DUCA-D), prepared by a customs agent or, for Salvadorans under the diaspora law, by Customs itself on written request
- Sworn declaration at Migración (DGME) stating your address in El Salvador, for Salvadorans living abroad who claim the diaspora law exemption
- Value form (Annex II of DACG DGA-016-2025), signed by the consignee, marking each item as used or new and giving the FOB value, freight and insurance
Critical Documentation
Prepare the list of goods in Spanish with clear descriptions, and keep purchase invoices for anything new. Firearms, hazardous materials, plant or animal products and some health-regulated items need a permit from the ministry in charge before they can clear.
Transit Times for Moves to El Salvador from Different Countries
Ocean transit times to El Salvador on our September 2026 sailings: 26 days from Miami by full container (it sails from Port Everglades to Acajutla), 31 days from Houston, and 7 days for consolidated cargo from Miami to San Salvador. Air freight from Miami or Los Angeles takes 1 day.
Transit times vary significantly depending on the port of origin and shipping mode selected. Port of Acajutla receives regular services from major international ports.
MiamiUSMIA
AcajutlaSVAQJ
ValenciaESVLC
AcajutlaSVAQJ
Ocean Transit
- Miami → Acajutla: 26 days by full container (7 days consolidated) with weekly services
- Houston → Acajutla: 31 days by full container (17 days consolidated to San Salvador)
- Los Angeles → El Salvador: a Pacific route with no Panama Canal crossing; 43 days consolidated to San Salvador, 14 days for vehicles from Long Beach to Acajutla
- Europe → Acajutla: not part of our regular sailings; routing and transit are confirmed with each quote
Air Transit
- Miami → San Salvador (SAL): 1 day
- Los Angeles → San Salvador (SAL): 1 day
- Europe and Asia → San Salvador: connecting flights; transit depends on the routing and is confirmed with each quote
Optimize Your Timeline
For urgent moves, combine air freight for essential items (clothing, documents, personal electronics) and ocean freight for furniture and bulky items. This reduces costs while maintaining quick access to necessities.
Restrictions and Prohibited Items in Moves to El Salvador
El Salvador's Customs (DGA) requires a permit when a household shipment contains firearms, ammunition or explosives (Ministry of National Defense), hazardous materials (Ministry of Environment), plant or animal products or agrochemicals (Ministry of Agriculture), or food raw materials and equipment with a radiation source (Ministry of Health).
Import restrictions in El Salvador are designed to protect public health, national security, and the environment. Shipping restricted goods without the permit can result in confiscation of goods, fines, and prolonged delays.Items That Need a Permit
- Firearms, ammunition and explosives: permit from the Ministry of National Defense
- Hazardous materials: permit from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN)
- Plant and animal products: permit or visa from the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG)
- Agrochemicals such as fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides: Ministry of Agriculture (MAG)
- Food raw materials and equipment with a radiation source: permit from the Ministry of Health
Items to Check Before You Pack
- Drugs and narcotics: never ship them
- Medications: personal-use quantities with a valid prescription
- Food: do not pack perishable items for an ocean move
- Plants and seeds: need the Ministry of Agriculture permit
- Radio transmitters: check with the telecommunications regulator (SIGET) before shipping
Medications: Ask Before Shipping
Customs lists medicines and a first-aid kit among the items that can travel as household goods. Ship only what is for personal use, with the prescription. Before shipping controlled medications (anxiolytics, opioid painkillers), ask the Superintendencia de Regulación Sanitaria (SRS), El Salvador's health products regulator.
Detailed Moving Costs to El Salvador by Shipping Mode
In September 2026, an ocean move to El Salvador from Miami costs $3,982 in a 20' container and $4,299 in a 40' HC. LCL costs approx. $215.60 per cubic meter from Miami. Air freight: approx. $7.99 per kilogram from Miami.
Moving costs to El Salvador vary based on volume, shipping mode, origin, and additional services required. AB Group Shipping offers competitive rates with complete services included.Base price (September 2026 rates) for full container including ocean freight, documentation, and basic customs management
Ocean Freight Costs (Freight + Basic Services)
- 20' container (FCL): $3,982 from Miami (September 2026 rates), approx. $4,200–$5,800 from Europe
- 40' container (FCL): $4,299 from Miami (September 2026 rates, 40' HC), approx. $6,200–$8,500 from Europe
- 40' HC container: $4,299 from Miami (September 2026 rates), approx. $6,500–$9,000 from Europe
- LCL (consolidated): approx. $215.60 per cubic meter from Miami
- LCL from Europe: approx. $195–$245 per cubic meter with hub transshipment
Air Freight and Express Services
- General air cargo: approx. $7.99 per kilogram from Miami (approx. $11.16 from Los Angeles)
- Express air: approx. $15–$25 per kilogram with 48–72 hour delivery
- International courier: $235 for a 10 kg (22 lb) box door to door (October 2026 rates), approx. $10.66 per lb, for packages up to 66 lbs
- Consolidated air cargo: $799 per 100 kg from Miami (October 2026 rates) on weekly services
Additional Costs to Budget
- Customs clearance in El Salvador: $350–$500 per complete shipment (a private service fee; for the diaspora exemption, the Customs procedure itself is free apart from a US$18 non-intrusive inspection charge, as of October 2026)
- Local transport in El Salvador: approx. $200–$400 depending on distance from port
- Port handling (THC): $180–$250 per container at Acajutla
- Cargo insurance: 2–5% of total declared value
- Storage (if needed): charged per day once the free period ends (5 business days in customs-run warehouses under the Ley de Almacenaje; port and private warehouse rates vary)
Calculate your exact quote
Get real prices for your specific move — includes all costs through final delivery.
Go to the calculator →El Salvador Customs Clearance Process: Step by Step
Customs clearance in El Salvador starts with a customs declaration (DUCA-D) filed with the DGA, together with the list of goods and the transport document. The system assigns a green or red channel; red means a physical inspection. The DGA lists a response time of 5 business days for the household goods procedure.
The customs process in El Salvador is electronic: declarations are transmitted through SIDUNEA World, the DGA's customs system. A customs agent files the declaration, and Salvadorans who use the 2025 diaspora law may instead ask Customs in writing to prepare it for them.- Arrival notification: The shipping line notifies cargo arrival at Port of Acajutla or airline at El Salvador Airport
- Sworn declaration (diaspora law only): The owner signs it at Migración (DGME), directly or through a legal representative, stating the address in El Salvador
- Declaration filing: Customs agent or Customs transmits the DUCA-D with the list of goods, the value form and the transport document
- Channel assignment: The system assigns green (release on documents) or red (original documents and physical inspection)
- Duty calculation and payment: If no exemption applies, each item is classified and its customs duty and 13% VAT are paid; exempt shipments still pay the US$18 non-intrusive inspection charge
- Physical inspection (red channel): Customs reviews the original documents and carries out the physical inspection
- Release issuance: Once requirements are met, DGA issues the release order for cargo withdrawal
- Port/airport withdrawal: The owner, or a person authorized in writing, withdraws the cargo; after release there are 5 business days of free storage in customs-run warehouses
Accelerate the Process
Complete documents and a list of goods that matches what is in the boxes make an inspection quicker to resolve. Keep digital copies of all documents to speed up any additional inquiries during customs clearance.
Ports and Airports for Moves to El Salvador
Port of Acajutla, on the Pacific coast, is where our container and vehicle sailings to El Salvador arrive. El Salvador International Airport (SAL) receives our air cargo from Miami and Los Angeles.
El Salvador's main seaport and its international airport receive most international moves. The details below follow our own September 2026 sailings and what the port authorities report.Port of Acajutla - Primary Marine Terminal
- Location: Pacific coast, in the department of Sonsonate, with three piers (A, B and C)
- Our sailings: Full containers from Port Everglades (26 days) and Houston (31 days); vehicles also from Newark and Long Beach (14 days)
- Operator: Unión Portuaria del Pacífico (UPDP), the company formed by the state port authority CEPA and the Turkish group Yilport to run Acajutla and La Unión for 50 years
- Customs: Under the diaspora law, the procedure can be done at the port's customs office or at any other customs office in the country
- Onward transport: By road to San Salvador and the rest of the country after release
Port of La Unión - Secondary Terminal
- History: Opened in 2009–2010 as a container terminal; from 2013 it was used mostly by fishing vessels
- Activity: 75 ships in 2025, its busiest year since opening
- Operator: Also run by Unión Portuaria del Pacífico (UPDP)
- For your move: None of our September 2026 sailings arrive at La Unión
El Salvador International Airport (SAL)
- Official name: Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez
- Cargo: Cargo terminal with warehouses and three cargo aircraft positions
- Our air service: 1 day from Miami and from Los Angeles
- Location: About 25 miles (40 km) from San Salvador by highway
Port Selection
You do not choose the port: the sailing does. Every container quote we issued for El Salvador in September 2026 arrives at Acajutla, and consolidated cargo is delivered to San Salvador. SAL airport suits small moves that require speed.
International Moving Insurance Specific to El Salvador
Moving insurance to El Salvador covers 2–5% of declared value, with full coverage against damage, loss, and delays. Includes protection during ocean transit, port handling, and local transport.
International moving insurance is not a customs requirement in El Salvador, but we recommend it for every shipment, covering the total declared inventory value. AB Group Shipping offers comprehensive policies with top-tier international insurers.Complete Coverage Included
- Physical damage: Breakage, dents, scratches during handling and transport
- Total or partial loss: Theft, misplacement, loss at sea during ocean transit
- Water damage: Leaks, condensation, rain during temporary storage
- Prolonged delays: Additional expenses for delays exceeding 30 days
- General average: Proportional contribution in maritime emergencies
- War and strikes: Optional coverage for extraordinary situations
Percentage of total declared value, with minimum of $150 per complete policy
Simplified Claims Process
- Immediate notification: Report damage or shortages upon receiving the move
- Photo documentation: Detailed photographs of all damage before moving items
- Loss inventory: Specific list of damaged items with original values
- Local assessment: Evaluation by authorized surveyor in El Salvador (no additional cost)
- Settlement: Indemnity payment within 15–30 days once claim is approved
Declare Values Correctly
Undervaluing items to reduce insurance costs can result in limited proportional indemnification. Declare the true replacement value of each item to ensure full coverage in case of loss.
Specialized Packing for Ocean Moves to El Salvador
Packing for moves to El Salvador requires reinforced cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, moisture protection, and Spanish-language labeling. Furniture needs plastic wrapping and extra protection against salt spray.
Specialized packing is crucial to protect your belongings during the ocean transit (26 days by full container or 7 days consolidated from Miami) and tropical humidity conditions in El Salvador. AB Group Shipping uses marine-grade materials proven in this environment.Marine-Grade Packing Materials
- Double-wall cardboard boxes: Resistant to marine moisture with anti-mold treatment
- Reinforced bubble wrap: Protection against impacts and vibrations during sailing
- Marine plastic wrap: Special plastic film resistant to salt and corrosion
- Silica gel moisture control: Desiccant packets for humidity control in sealed boxes
- Cardboard corner protectors: Edge and corner protection for furniture and artwork
- Moving blankets: Padded protection for delicate furniture and appliances
Packing Techniques by Item Type
Electronics and Equipment
- Double wrapping: Antistatic plastic + bubble wrap
- Original boxes: Use original packaging when available
- Complete fill: Eliminate empty spaces with filler material
- Correct orientation: Mark "This Side Up" clearly
Furniture and Large Items
- Partial disassembly: Remove legs, drawers, and fragile parts
- Complete wrapping: Plastic film over entire surface
- Corner protection: Cardboard corners on all edges
- Assembly instructions: Clear reassembly directions
Spanish-Language Labeling
Label in Spanish to make a customs inspection easier. Use water-resistant labels with content description, declared value, and handling instructions like "FRÁGIL" or "NO VOLTEAR".
Door-to-Door Moving Services to El Salvador
Door-to-door moving services to El Salvador include origin pickup, professional packing, complete customs management, ocean/air transport, and final delivery to your Salvadoran home with furniture assembly.
The door-to-door service eliminates logistical complexity for you, handling every aspect of the move from initial pickup through final delivery and assembly in El Salvador. AB Group Shipping coordinates the entire process with a single point of contact.Services Included at Origin
- Home survey: Professional evaluation of volume and special requirements
- Complete packing: Packaging of all items with appropriate marine materials
- Furniture disassembly: Professional breakdown of beds, wardrobes, and modular furniture
- Loading and transport: Pickup with specialized vehicles and lifting equipment
- Documentation: Preparation of detailed inventory and export document management
Complete International Management
- Space booking: Confirmed booking on regular services to Port of Acajutla
- Customs management: Complete processing at origin and destination with certified agents
- Real-time tracking: Constant shipment status updates
- Comprehensive insurance: Full coverage from pickup through final delivery
- Local coordination: Direct communication with El Salvador agents
Delivery Services in El Salvador
- Complete customs clearance: DGA processing and duty payment (if applicable)
- Local transport: From port/airport to final residence in any city
- Specialized unloading: Appropriate equipment for heavy furniture and appliances
- Furniture assembly: Professional reassembly of all disassembled furniture
- Final cleanup: Removal of packing materials and area cleaning
Typical time from origin pickup through final delivery for consolidated cargo from Miami, which has a 7-day sea leg. A full container has a 26-day sea leg from Port Everglades, so allow more time
When Is the Best Time to Move to El Salvador?
The best time for moves to El Salvador is November through April (dry season), avoiding hurricane season. Costs are lowest in January–February and October–November outside peak holiday season.
Seasonal planning can generate significant savings and reduce operational risks. El Salvador has two well-defined seasons that affect both costs and transit times.Ideal Season (Nov–Apr)
- Climate: Dry season with minimal rain risk
- Hurricanes: Hurricane season ended, stable maritime routes
- Handling: Optimal conditions for loading/unloading at ports
- Roads: Complete access to all country regions
Season to Avoid (May–Oct)
- Heavy rains: Rainy season with possible flooding
- Hurricanes: Risk of maritime diversions and delays
- High humidity: Greater risk of moisture damage
- Limited access: Some rural roads may be inaccessible
Cost Variations by Season
- January–February: Lowest rates of the year, discounts up to 15% on ocean freight
- March–April: Peak moving season, 5–10% rate increase
- May–September: Stable rates but risk of weather delays
- October–November: Second low season with good rates
- December: Peak holiday season, 10–20% rate increase
Hurricane Season
Between June and November, Atlantic hurricanes can affect maritime routes to El Salvador. While diversions are rare, they can add days to transit time.
Plan your move with advance notice
Get available dates and seasonal rates for your specific move.
Check availability →Duties and Tariffs for Personal Moves to El Salvador
Salvadorans living abroad can bring household goods into El Salvador free of import taxes, new or used, up to US$100,000 per family group, under the 2025 diaspora law in force until August 21, 2030. Foreigners pay customs duty plus 13% VAT, except pensioner or rentier residents and diplomats.
The tax regime for personal moves depends on who you are, not on how old your goods are. The rules below come from the Ley Especial de Beneficios y Protección para la Diáspora y Personas en Movilidad Humana, the customs rule that applies it (DACG DGA-016-2025), the Ley de Equipajes and the migration law, as published by the Dirección General de Aduanas (as of October 2026).Who Has an Exemption
- Salvadorans living abroad (diaspora law): by birth or naturalization, whatever the time abroad or immigration status, returning or setting up a home in El Salvador; up to US$100,000 per family group, one time, in one or several shipments until August 21, 2030
- Salvadorans who lived abroad three years or more and return for good (Ley de Equipajes, article 31): household goods up to US$15,000 CIF, no vehicles, arriving between 30 days before and 90 days after you do
- Foreign pensioner or rentier residents (migration law, article 146): customs duties waived on household goods up to US$20,000 CIF, one time
- Diplomats: Salvadoran diplomats returning for good and accredited foreign diplomats, under their own rules
- Everyone else, including other foreign residents: each item is classified and pays its duties and taxes
What You Pay Without an Exemption
Customs Duty (DAI)
- Set by the tariff line of each item
- Most lines: 15% or less
- Higher exceptions: mostly food and alcohol
- Vehicles: their own rules and rates
Value-Added Tax (IVA)
- Rate: 13%
- Base: CIF value plus the customs duty
- Over the US$100,000 cap: diaspora shipments pay only IVA on the excess
- Paid before release
Value-added tax is charged on the CIF value plus customs duty whenever no exemption applies, for used goods as well as new ones
How to Claim the Diaspora Exemption
- Sign the sworn declaration: At Migración (DGME) or its offices at borders, airports and seaports, stating your address in El Salvador; directly or through a legal representative
- Fill in the value form: Annex II of DACG DGA-016-2025, marking each item as used or new
- File the declaration: Through a customs agent, or ask Customs in writing to prepare it
- Pay the official charges: US$18 for the non-intrusive inspection, plus storage if the cargo stays past the free storage period
- Keep your documents: Customs can verify the exemption after release
Valuing Your Goods
For used goods, Customs asks for a list with the quantity and the estimated unit and total price of each item. For new goods it asks for the purchase invoice. Values count toward the US$100,000 cap, so list them honestly.
Specialized Moving Companies in El Salvador
AB Group Shipping offers complete moves to El Salvador with FCL, LCL, and air services from $2,489 from Miami (consolidated, ~13 m³, September 2026 rates). Includes customs management, full insurance, and door-to-door delivery throughout El Salvador.
AB Group Shipping specializes in the Miami–Central America corridor with over 15 years of experience processing international moves. Our network of local agents in El Salvador ensures personalized service and regulatory compliance.AB Group Specialized Services
- FCL moves: Full containers 20', 40', and 40' HC with exclusive cargo
- LCL moves: Weekly consolidation from Miami with volumes from 1 cubic meter
- Air moves: Express service for urgent moves and priority items
- Combined moves: Air for essentials + ocean for volume
- Corporate services: Executive moves and business relocations
Local Agent Network in El Salvador
- San Salvador: Main office with complete team of certified customs agents
- Santa Ana: Regional agent for western zone with direct connection
- San Miguel: Eastern zone coverage and Honduras border connection
- Port of Acajutla: Permanent port representative for immediate management
- SAL Airport: Air cargo agent for express services
Competitive Advantage
AB Group Shipping operates weekly consolidations from Miami to El Salvador, guaranteeing confirmed space and preferred rates. Our local agents handle 100% of customs clearance, eliminating surprises and delays.
Instant Quote Calculator
Our online calculator provides real-time quotes based on:- Exact volume: Integrated cubic meter calculator
- Optimal mode: Automatic FCL vs LCL vs Air comparison
- Complete costs: Includes all expenses through final delivery
- Available dates: Service calendar with confirmed space
- Additional services: Packing, insurance, furniture assembly
Preparing Your Inventory for Moves to El Salvador
For used household goods, the DGA asks for a list with the quantity and the estimated unit and total price of each item; new items need the purchase invoice. The value form adds the number of packages and the total weight. Detailed Spanish descriptions make an inspection faster.
A detailed and accurate inventory is fundamental to your move's success. The Dirección General de Aduanas requires specific information that must be carefully prepared before shipping.Information to Include per Item
- Spanish description: Specific detail including brand, model, material, and color
- Declared value: Current use price in US dollars (not original price)
- Estimated weight: Individual or batch weight in pounds
- Country of origin: Manufacturing country per label or documentation
- Approximate age: Purchase date or years of personal use
- Exact quantity: Number of units of each identical item
Recommended Categorization
Main Categories
- Clothing and footwear: By type and approximate quantity
- Furniture: Complete description with dimensions
- Appliances: Brand, model, and specifications
- Electronics: Serial numbers when possible
Special Categories
- Books and documents: Quantity by type
- Art and décor: Artistic description
- Tools: Personal vs professional use
- Sports equipment: Activity specification
Example of Correct Description
Recommended Format
Correct: "Samsung LED television model UN55TU7000, 55 inches, manufactured in Mexico, 2 years personal use, current value $400"
Incorrect: "Large used Samsung TV"
Tools for Preparing Your Inventory
- Photographs: Take photos of valuable items and current condition
- Original receipts: Keep purchase invoices for new or expensive items
- Mobile apps: Use home inventory apps for systematic cataloging
- Online valuation: Check used market prices for realistic valuation
How to Get a Personalized Quote for Your Move
For an accurate move quote to El Salvador, provide detailed inventory, exact origin and destination addresses, preferred dates, and shipping mode. The quote includes all costs through final delivery.
A personalized quote considers all specific factors of your move to provide exact prices without surprises. AB Group Shipping offers comprehensive quotes valid for 30 days.Information Required for Accurate Quote
- Complete inventory: Detailed list with estimated volume in cubic meters
- Exact addresses: Specific origin and destination for local transport calculation
- Preferred dates: Date flexibility for better rates
- Preferred mode: Ocean (economical), air (fast), or combined
- Additional services: Packing, assembly, temporary storage
Components of Complete Quote
- International freight: Ocean or air transport based on selected mode
- Origin services: Pickup, packing, documentation, and export management
- Destination services: Customs clearance, local transport, and final delivery
- Comprehensive insurance: Full coverage of declared value
- Optional services: Assembly, storage, express services
Detailed quote delivered within 24 hours with firm prices and available dates
AB Group Shipping Quote Process
- Initial consultation: Free assessment of requirements via online calculator
- Virtual survey: Video call to evaluate volume and special items
- Detailed quote: Complete proposal with cost breakdown
- Service confirmation: Final review and date scheduling
- Service agreement: Clear terms and defined timeline
Request your personalized quote
Get exact prices for your specific move with all costs included.
Start quote →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.
It depends on the service. Consolidated cargo from Miami has a 7-day sea leg to San Salvador. A full container sails 26 days from Port Everglades to Acajutla, or 31 days from Houston (September 2026 sailings). Add pickup and packing at origin, plus customs clearance and local delivery in El Salvador.
Not necessarily. Customs allows the cargo to be withdrawn by the owner or by a person the owner authorizes in writing with a power of attorney. Under the diaspora law, the sworn declaration at Migración can also be signed through a legal representative. Ask your customs agent which powers the document must include.
Yes. Customs says the diaspora law sets no restriction on bringing vehicles and household goods in the same container. Salvadorans living abroad can import up to two light vehicles per family group tax-free: no more than 8 years old (7 for hybrids and electrics), with a title showing the vehicle is in normal working order, and kept in their name for two years. Other importers pay duties and taxes on the vehicle.
With international moving insurance, all damage is covered according to declared value. You must report damage immediately upon receiving the move, take detailed photographs, and contact the local agent to start the claims process, which takes 15–30 days.
For economical ocean moves, the recommended minimum is 5–8 cubic meters via LCL. Smaller volumes are more efficient by air. A full 20' container (1,165 cubic feet) is the most economical option for large moves.
Guides for shipping to El Salvador
- Car Shipping El Salvador Calculator: Rates 2026 · Car shipping calculator
- El Salvador Car Import Tax Calculator: 2026 DAI & IVA · Car import tax calculator
- LCL Shipping Calculator El Salvador: CBM Rates 2026 · Consolidated cargo (LCL) calculator
- Cheapest Shipping to El Salvador 2026: Instant Quotes · Boxes & packages calculator
- Air Freight Calculator El Salvador: 1-3 Day Rates 2026 · Air freight calculator
- Shipping Times USA to El Salvador 2026: 1-25 Days · Transit times
- Documents to Ship a Container to El Salvador 2026: 9 Musts · Documents & requirements
- Real Cost to Ship Pickup Truck Houston to El Salvador 2026: Pricing & Process · Car shipping calculator