¿Cuánto tiempo toma una mudanza completa a El Salvador?

Una mudanza marítima completa a El Salvador toma entre 15-25 días desde recogida hasta entrega final. Esto incluye 2-3 días de recogida y embalaje, 8-12 días de tránsito marítimo desde Miami, y 5-7 días para desaduanaje y entrega local en El Salvador.

¿Necesito estar presente en El Salvador para recibir mi mudanza?

No es obligatorio estar presente, pero se recomienda. Puede designar un representante legal con poder notariado para recibir la mudanza y firmar documentos aduaneros. El representante debe tener copia de su pasaporte y autorización por escrito.

¿Puedo enviar mi vehículo junto con mi mudanza a El Salvador?

Sí, puede enviar su vehículo en el mismo contenedor que su mudanza doméstica si el espacio lo permite. Los vehículos requieren documentación adicional incluyendo título de propiedad, registro y certificado de emisiones. El proceso aduanero para vehículos es separado.

¿Qué pasa si mis bienes sufren daños durante la mudanza a El Salvador?

Con seguro de mudanza internacional, todos los daños están cubiertos según el valor declarado. Debe reportar daños inmediatamente al recibir la mudanza, tomar fotografías detalladas y contactar al agente local para iniciar el proceso de reclamo que toma 15-30 días.

¿Cuál es el volumen mínimo para una mudanza económica a El Salvador?

Para mudanzas económicas, el mínimo recomendado es 5-8 metros cúbicos vía LCL marítimo. Volúmenes menores son más eficientes por vía aérea. Un contenedor completo 20' (33 metros cúbicos) es la opción más económica para mudanzas grandes.

International Moving to El Salvador 2026: Complete Guide to Costs, Documents & Transit Times

Quick Answer: Moving to El Salvador requires specific documentation including passport, detailed inventory, and certificate of origin. Ocean freight costs range $2,800–$4,200 for a 20' container with 8–12 day transit from Miami.

Required documentation: passport, detailed inventory, certificate of origin, and DGA customs form
Ocean freight costs: $2,800–$4,200 per 20' container from Miami with 8–12 day transit
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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El Salvador has become an increasingly popular destination for expats and entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in Central America. International moves to El Salvador require careful planning and specific knowledge of Salvadoran customs requirements. With correct documentation and an experienced service provider, you can relocate your belongings safely and efficiently. AB Group Shipping processes hundreds of international moves to El Salvador annually, offering complete services from origin pickup to final delivery in any Salvadoran city. Our local agents in San Salvador ensure smooth customs clearance and on-time delivery.

What Documentation Do You Need for Your Move to El Salvador?

For moves to El Salvador you need a valid Salvadoran or foreign passport with visa, detailed inventory in Spanish, certificate of origin for used goods, and the DGA's Accompanied Baggage Declaration (DEA) form.

Correct documentation is essential to avoid delays in the customs clearance process in El Salvador. The Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) of El Salvador has specific requirements that must be met before your shipment arrives.

Valid Salvadoran passport or foreign passport with temporary or permanent residence visa in El Salvador
Detailed inventory of all items in Spanish with individual declared values in US dollars
Certificate of origin and age of used goods proving minimum 6 months of personal use
DEA form (Accompanied Baggage Declaration) completed and signed by the importer
Commercial invoice for the international moving service issued by the carrier
Cargo insurance policy covering the total declared value

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Critical Documentation

The inventory must be completely in Spanish with detailed descriptions. Documents in English or other languages require official translation by an authorized translator in El Salvador, which can add 3–5 days to the process.

For foreign citizens, the residence visa must be valid at the time of import. Temporary residents can import personal goods only once during their residence period, while permanent residents have greater flexibility. The certificate of age can be a notarized affidavit specifying when you acquired each item and its personal use. This document is crucial for obtaining the tax exemption on used goods.

Transit Times for Moves to El Salvador from Different Countries

Ocean transit times to El Salvador are: 8–12 days from Miami, 15–20 days from Spain, 18–25 days from Northern Europe. Air freight: 2–5 days from any international origin.

Transit times vary significantly depending on the port of origin and shipping mode selected. Port of Acajutla receives regular services from major international ports.

FCL

Miami(USMIR)

→

Acajutla(SVACA)

from USD $2,800

LCL

Valencia(ESVLC)

→

Acajutla(SVACA)

from USD $195/m³

Ocean Transit

Miami → Acajutla: 8–12 days with weekly services
Los Angeles → Acajutla: 12–16 days via Panama Canal
Valencia/Barcelona → Acajutla: 15–20 days with transshipment
Hamburg/Rotterdam → Acajutla: 18–25 days via Atlantic

Air Transit

Any origin → San Salvador: 2–5 days
Miami → San Salvador: 1–2 days direct
Europe → San Salvador: 2–3 days with connection
Asia → San Salvador: 3–5 days with multiple connections

The additional customs clearance time in El Salvador is 3–7 business days once cargo arrives at the port or airport. This period includes customs inspection, payment of duties (if applicable), and issuance of the customs release. During peak season (December–January) and hurricane season (June–November), times can extend an additional 2–5 days due to port congestion or maritime route diversions.

💡

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 strictly prohibits prescription medications without a doctor's order, perishable foods, animal-origin products without SENASA certificate, firearms, pornographic materials, and hazardous chemicals in international moves.

Import restrictions in El Salvador are strict and designed to protect public health, national security, and the environment. Violating these restrictions can result in confiscation of goods, significant fines, and prolonged delays.

Completely Prohibited Items

Firearms and ammunition without special military permit
Drugs and narcotics of any kind
Pornographic material in any format
Hazardous chemicals and flammables
Radioactive or nuclear materials

Items with Special Restrictions

Medications: only with valid prescription
Food: perishable and animal-origin products prohibited
Plants and seeds: require phytosanitary certificate
Veterinary products: need SENASA authorization
Telecommunications equipment: require SIGET homologation

⚠️

Medications: Strict Regulation

You can only import medications for personal use with an original prescription and a maximum quantity for 3 months of treatment. Controlled medications (anxiolytics, opioid painkillers) require special authorization from El Salvador's Ministry of Health.

Animal-origin products are completely prohibited, including meats, processed meats, dairy, honey, and derived products. This restriction protects El Salvador's livestock sector from diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and swine fever. For telecommunications equipment (radios, transmitters, commercial WiFi equipment), you must obtain prior homologation from the General Superintendence of Electricity and Telecommunications (SIGET) before shipping.

Detailed Moving Costs to El Salvador by Shipping Mode

An ocean move to El Salvador costs $2,800–$4,200 per 20' container and $4,500–$6,800 per 40' from Miami. LCL costs $180–$220 per cubic meter. Air freight: $8–$12 per kilogram.

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.

$2,800FCL 20' from Miami

Base price for full container including ocean freight, documentation, and basic customs management

Ocean Freight Costs (Freight + Basic Services)

20' container (FCL): $2,800–$4,200 from Miami, $4,200–$5,800 from Europe
40' container (FCL): $4,500–$6,800 from Miami, $6,200–$8,500 from Europe
40' HC container: $4,800–$7,200 from Miami, $6,500–$9,000 from Europe
LCL (consolidated): $180–$220 per cubic meter from Miami
LCL from Europe: $195–$245 per cubic meter with hub transshipment

Air Freight and Express Services

General air cargo: $8–$12 per kilogram from any origin
Express air: $15–$25 per kilogram with 48–72 hour delivery
International courier: $35–$50 per kilogram for packages up to 66 lbs
Consolidated air cargo: $6–$9 per kilogram on weekly services

Mandatory Additional Costs

Customs clearance in El Salvador: $350–$500 per complete shipment
Local transport in El Salvador: $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): $45–$65 per day after 5 free days

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Prices include ocean/air freight, basic documentation, booking management, and coordination with local agents. Additional costs such as special packing, residential pickup, extended storage, and furniture assembly are quoted separately. For complete family moves, a 40' HC container (67 cubic meter capacity) is the most economical option starting at $4,800. Small moves (under 8 cubic meters) are more efficient via LCL or air.

El Salvador Customs Clearance Process: Step by Step

Customs clearance in El Salvador requires submitting documents to the DGA, paying applicable duties, optional physical inspection, and cargo release. The process takes 3–7 business days with a local customs agent.

The customs process in El Salvador is digitalized through the DGA's Integrated Foreign Trade System (SICEX). Our certified agents handle the entire process to ensure regulatory compliance.

Arrival notification: The shipping line notifies cargo arrival at Port of Acajutla or airline at El Salvador Airport
Document submission: Customs agent submits complete documentation in DGA's SICEX system
Document verification: DGA reviews inventory, declared values, and compliance with restrictions (24–48 hours)
Duty calculation: System determines applicable duties based on tariff classification and import type
Duty payment: Payment of duties (if applicable) made through authorized banks or electronic system
Physical inspection (optional): DGA may order physical inspection on 15–20% of shipments based on risk profile
Release issuance: Once requirements are met, DGA issues customs release for cargo withdrawal
Port/airport withdrawal: Authorized carrier withdraws cargo with customs release and original documents

💡

Accelerate the Process

Moves with complete documentation and coherent declared values rarely require physical inspection. Keep digital copies of all documents to speed up any additional inquiries during customs clearance.

For moves of used goods with tax exemption, the process is faster (2–4 days) since it doesn't require duty calculation or payment. Verification focuses on confirming personal use and age of items. The customs agent cost is included in our quotes and covers the entire process through cargo release. Attempting to handle customs clearance without a local agent can result in significant delays and additional costs.

Ports and Airports for Moves to El Salvador

Port of Acajutla is the primary ocean entry point for moves to El Salvador, while Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport handles all international air cargo.

El Salvador has modern port and airport infrastructure that facilitates efficient handling of international moves. The strategic location enables direct connections with major global trade routes.

Port of Acajutla (SVACA) - Primary Marine Terminal

Capacity: Handles 95% of El Salvador's ocean cargo with 4 specialized docks
Regular services: Weekly connections to Miami, bi-weekly to Europe and Asia
Equipment: Cranes up to 220,000 lbs, 25-hectare container area
Hours: 24/7 operation with customs services Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: 53 miles from San Salvador via Port Highway (1.5 hours)

Central American Port of La Unión (SVLUN) - Modern Terminal

Specialty: State-of-the-art container terminal opened in 2019
Capacity: 1.8 million TEU annually with expansion potential
Services: Primarily containerized cargo and regional transshipment
Advantage: Less congestion than Acajutla for special cargo

El Salvador International Airport (SAL)

Official name: Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport
Cargo capacity: 110,000 tons annually in specialized terminal
Connections: Direct flights to 25+ cities in the Americas and Europe
Customs hours: 24/7 for air cargo with express services
Location: 27 miles from San Salvador (45 minutes via highway)

💡

Port Selection

For large moves, Acajutla offers better international connectivity. La Unión is ideal for urgent cargo with minimal handling. SAL airport is perfect for small moves requiring speed.

Ground connections from both ports to the interior are excellent. The highway network enables delivery to San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Miguel, and other major cities on the same day as port withdrawal.

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 mandatory for all shipments to El Salvador and must cover 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

2–5%Insurance Cost

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.

For high-value items (art, jewelry, expensive electronics), we recommend additional insurance with specific coverage. These items require special packing and may need professional appraisal before shipping.

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 8–12 day ocean transit 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

All labeling must be in Spanish to facilitate customs inspection. Use water-resistant labels with content description, declared value, and handling instructions like "FRÁGIL" or "NO VOLTEAR".

For important documents and photographs, use sealed plastic envelopes inside waterproof boxes. Make digital copies of critical documents as additional backup. Professional packing is included in our door-to-door moving services. Our specialized team handles packing at origin using appropriate materials for each item type and the specific conditions of transit to El Salvador.

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

15–25Total Days

Complete time from origin pickup through final delivery and assembly in El Salvador

The door-to-door service includes a dedicated coordinator who handles all communication and updates. You receive notifications at each stage: pickup completed, cargo shipped, arrival at destination, customs clearance start, and final delivery scheduling. For moves to cities outside San Salvador, we coordinate specialized delivery with local carriers who know the routes and specific restrictions of each Salvadoran region.

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 3–7 days to transit time and generate additional fuel costs.

For urgent moves during rainy season, we recommend air freight for essential items and deferring heavy furniture until dry season. This strategy minimizes risks while maintaining access to necessities.

Plan your move with advance notice

Get available dates and seasonal rates for your specific move.

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Duties and Tariffs for Personal Moves to El Salvador

Personal moves to El Salvador are duty-free if you meet residency requirements and goods have minimum 6 months of use. New goods pay 0–15% tariff depending on classification.

The tax regime for personal moves to El Salvador is favorable for residents meeting specific requirements. The Dirección General de Aduanas grants significant exemptions to facilitate new resident establishment.

Complete Exemption for Used Goods

Main requirement: Legal residence in El Salvador or Salvadoran citizenship
Minimum age: All goods must have minimum 6 months of personal use
Single use: Exemption applies only once during residence period
Documentation: Notarized certificate of origin and age
Reasonable quantity: Volume proportional to family size and needs

Tariffs for New or Commercial Goods

Categories with 0% Tariff

Books and educational material
Prescription medications
Original artwork
Musical instruments

Categories with 5–15% Tariff

New appliances: 5–10%
New furniture: 10–15%
Electronics: 5–15%
Vehicles: 15% + special taxes

13%Standard VAT

Value-added tax applies only to commercial goods or new items without exemption

Documentation for Tax Exemption

Request exemption: Submit request to DGA 30 days in advance
Prove residency: Valid residence visa or Salvadoran ID card
Certify age: Notarized affidavit of personal use of goods
Valued inventory: Detailed list with current use values, not purchase prices
Prior approval: DGA issues exemption resolution before shipment

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Strategic Valuation

For used goods, declare current use value, not original purchase price. A 5-year-old television might be worth 30–40% of the original price. This realistic valuation facilitates exemption approval and reduces customs risks.

For mixed goods (some used, some new), exemption applies proportionally. New items pay applicable tariff while used goods maintain complete exemption.

Specialized Moving Companies in El Salvador

AB Group Shipping offers complete moves to El Salvador with FCL, LCL, and air services from $2,800. 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

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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

With over 2,000 successful moves completed in the El Salvador corridor, AB Group Shipping combines local expertise with international standards to ensure a hassle-free move.

Preparing Your Inventory for Moves to El Salvador

Your inventory for moves to El Salvador must include detailed Spanish descriptions, individual values, estimated weight, country of origin, and age of each item to meet DGA requirements.

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.

Required Information 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

For items without commercial value but with sentimental worth (family photos, letters, souvenirs), declare a nominal value of $5–20 to meet customs requirements without creating disproportionate expectations. The final inventory must be signed and dated by the importer. AB Group Shipping reviews all inventories before shipping to ensure DGA compliance and prevent customs delays.

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

24hResponse Time

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 →

The quote includes price guarantee for 30 days, allowing sufficient planning time without price increase risk. For peak season moves, we recommend confirming services 45–60 days in advance. All quotes include dedicated coordinator who manages your move from start to final delivery, providing regular updates and resolving any questions throughout the process.

How long does a complete move to El Salvador take?+

A complete ocean move to El Salvador takes 15–25 days from pickup through final delivery. This includes 2–3 days for pickup and packing, 8–12 days ocean transit from Miami, and 5–7 days for customs clearance and local delivery in El Salvador.

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

You don't need to be present, but it's recommended. You can designate a legal representative with notarized power of attorney to receive the move and sign customs documents. The representative needs a copy of your passport and written authorization.

Can I ship my vehicle with my move to El Salvador?+

Yes, you can ship your vehicle in the same container as your household move if space permits. Vehicles require additional documentation including title, registration, and emissions certificate. Vehicle customs processing is separate from household goods.

What happens if my belongings are damaged during the move to El Salvador?+

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.

What is the minimum volume for an economical move to El Salvador?+

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.

Moves to El Salvador require careful planning but are completely manageable with the right provider. AB Group Shipping simplifies the entire process with complete services from pickup through final delivery, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in El Salvador. With correct documentation, appropriate packing, and professional customs management, your move will arrive safely and on time. Our local agents in El Salvador are ready to receive your shipment and coordinate final delivery to any city in the country. Ready to move to El Salvador? Use our embedded calculator above to get an instant quote with real prices and available dates. No commitment, no follow-up calls — just accurate information to plan your move with confidence.