Moving To Guatemala From The US

Guatemala is synonymous with ancient Mayan ruins and rich Mayan history. This is a country located in Central America, known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. The country is home to several indigenous Mayan ruins, including Tikal, Palenque, and Antigua. Guatemala is also famous for its vibrant markets, delicious cuisine, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the country’s rainforests, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches, or relax in its charming colonial towns.

If you are moving to Guatemala from the USA expect an exciting time ahead. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins to experiencing vibrant traditional festivals, you will be drawn to the country’s unique heritage. The country is also home to stunning landscapes, including volcanoes, lakes, and beaches, providing endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits.

To make this transition from one country to another smoother consider making a detailed plan for the move to Guatemala from the USA.

Moving to Guatemala from USA

When Moving to Guatemala

When you are moving internationally it’s a lot to process. The packing of your household goods and other belongings and then moving those to another country, moving your car and pet if you own them, choosing a freight service, moving cost – and the list can go on! Handling all these alone may not be a good idea. Hire an international mover to help you in your move to Guatemala from the USA so that you can focus on the other to-do list after you enter Guatemala.

International Sea & Air Shipping is a globally recognized mover. We have a professional team of international moving experts. They can make the entire process of moving to Guatemala from the USA hassle-free for you. You will be able to avail end-to-end specialized moving services for your international relocation.

You can rest assured that our experienced team will carefully pack your household goods, choose the right container and freight services for your move to Guatemala from the USA and will always be ready to assist you.

We will further advise you on the time it will take to transfer your belongings and other international moving tips that you will find handy. There is another advantage of hiring our services. At International Sea & Air Shipping you will get our top-class moving services at an affordable rate.

About Guatemala

Guatemala is small country situated in Central America and is bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It is the most populous country and has a diverse environmental ecosystem. Its name is derived from “Goathemala,” which means “the land of the trees” in the Maya-Toltec language.

It is a country filled with volcanoes, mountains and beaches on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea and three of its 30 volcanoes are still active. The majority of its area is land mass with a small coast line. About one-third of the population lives in highland villages instead of the warm and humid coastal lowlands.

Guatemala is a constitutional democratic republic. It has a multi-party system where a president is elected and assisted by a vice president and Council of Ministers. New laws are passed by Congress.

Tourism has become one of the main economic drivers in the country. The economy of Guatemala is predominantly dependent on agriculture.

Customs Regulations for Guatemala

  • Passports – original with latest entry stamp for all family members
  • Visa
  • Work permit
  • NIT Card (Guatemalan Tax ID card)
  • “Cedula” – ID card for returning Guatemalan citizens
  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill – 2 originals: vehicle requires its own bill of lading regardless if it is in the same household goods container
  • Inventory list – with cost of items NOT INSURED VALUE
  • Delivery instructions
  • Customer must be in Guatemala for the shipment to clear Customs.
  • All shipments are subject to inspection.
  • Used household goods and personal effects are subject to duties and taxes of 27 percent of total CIF value.
  • New household goods are considered commercial entry and will incur full duties and taxes ranging from five percent to 40 percent of CIF value plus 12 percent of VAT.
  • Narcotics/illegal drugs
  • Weapons and ammunitions
  • Pornographic material
  • Pre-Columbian archaeological items or colonial antiques
  • Appliances – Items produced prior to the year 2000 will be denied entry. Items containing R11 and R12 are also prohibited.
  • Sporting guns require a permit
  • New items are subject to tax and duties up to 40 percent
  • Appliances – require a license otherwise they will be seized
  • Refrigerators and air conditioners require import permit
  • Electronics – must state serial number, make and model
  • Plants – require Phytosanitary Certificate notarized by Consulate
  • Food – only two kilograms allowed with Certificate of Purity notarized by Consulate
  • Alcohol –six bottles of wine or spirits is duty-free
  • Tobacco – 80 cigarettes, 3.5 ounces of tobacco is duty‑free

It is recommended to have both your pet’s Health Certificate and vaccination record stamped at the nearest origin Consulate prior to departure.

  • Quarantine is not required-however, pets are subject to duty (the only exception is proven pedigree pets)
  • Certificate of Vaccination – including rabies, parvovirus, dated less than 30 days prior to arrival required
  • Health Certificate –dated less than 30 days prior to arrival and endorsed by origin Consulate required
  • AWB – original required
  • Pedigree required if applicable
  • A 12 percent tax based on CIF value is determined by Customs.
  • Vehicles with luxury accessories will result in higher duty

Required documents:

  • Bill of Lading or Carte de Porte – two originals, notarized by Guatemalan Consulate at origin
  • Delivery instructions
  • Certificate of Title and Registration
  • Bill of Sale
  • NIT number and Passport
  • Vehicle condition report from certified mechanic

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Tips for a successful move to Guatemala from the USA

Moving to Guatemala from the USA can be a unique and rewarding experience. Guatemala offers a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and a lower cost of living compared to the USA. However, there are also some challenges to consider, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and navigating the country’s bureaucracy. Researching and planning ahead can help make the transition smoother.

Here are some information and tips that will help you stay on top of the entire moving process and make a smooth transition to the new life in Guatemala.

Visas and residency permits to move and live in Guatemala

When you are an American citizen you will not need a visa to enter and live in Guatemala for 90 days. This can be extended to another 90 days. However, your passport should have validity for more than 6 months irrespective of when you want to leave Guatemala.

If you are planning to move to Guatemala from the USA and stay there for a longer term than 90 or 180 days, you will need to have a proper residency permit and a visa to justify your stay in Guatemala. You will be required to provide the following documents when you are planning to move to Guatemala from the USA and settle there or stay there for a long term –

  • Proof of pension or investment income if you want to retire in Guatemala
  • Police record certificate
  • Certified photocopy of your passport
  • Letter of passport validity from your embassy
  • Any applicable marriage certificate paperwork when you are seeking family reunification visa

If you are moving to this central American country for work purposes you have to obtain employment with a Guatemalan company even before moving there. Guatemala offers two types of work permits – one for the family reunification purpose and another is for the foreign employees with a Guatemalan company.

Top reasons to move to Guatemala from the USA

When you are moving to Guatemala from the USA you will have a lot of great reasons to settle or stay for a long term in this country. Guatemala offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that makes it an attractive destination for American expats. Some of the top reasons to move to Guatemala from the USA include:

Lower cost of living

Guatemala has a much lower cost of living than the USA, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their retirement savings or start a new life on a budget. In fact, it’s been noted that if you let go of splurging and live like a local, the cost of living in this Central American country can be even 50% lower than that of the USA!

Rich culture

Guatemala has a rich Mayan heritage, including vibrant art, music, and festivals. Expats can immerse themselves in the local culture and learn about the history and traditions of this fascinating country.

Beautiful weather

Guatemala has a tropical climate with mild temperatures year-round, making it an ideal destination for.

Ease of travel

When you are moving to Guatemala from the USA it helps to know that unlike many other international relocation in this case you can come back to the USA every now and then given the short time it takes to travel between the two countries! Miami is only two hours away from Guatemala!

Best places to live and settle down in Guatemala

Guatemala offers a diverse range of destinations to live, each with its own unique culture, history, and natural beauty.

Antigua, a colonial city renowned for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant arts scene, is a popular choice.

Lake Atitlán, surrounded by scenic villages and volcanoes, offers a tranquil atmosphere.

The bustling city of Guatemala City provides easy access to modern amenities and cultural attractions.

Consider factors such as safety, cost of living, and job opportunities when choosing the best place to live in Guatemala.