- Mexico International Moving Services
- How Much Does It Cost To Move To Mexico?
- Storage
- Visa Fee
- Insurance
- Custom Fees
- Moving To Mexico Cost & Time Examples
- Import Duties For Your Household Items
- Documents For Your Household Items
- Import Duties For Your Vehicle
- Documents For Your Vehicle
- Tips On How To Make Your Move Easier
- Why You Need A Professional Moving Company When Relocating Overseas
- How To Find The Best International Moving Company
- Our Mexico International Moving Services
- Why A-1 Auto Transport?
- Make The Switch!
- Sources

Mexico International Moving Services
Are you thinking of moving from the US to Mexico? International moving is not as easy and, for some people, it might be impossible. However, with professional moving services, most, if not all the work is done for you. Indeed, there are various challenges in moving abroad such as rules and regulations set up by customs that you need to abide by. If you are looking to relocate to Mexico, worry not because we are a professional international moving company that will help you in your endeavor. We are also an international auto moving company and will take good care of your vehicle in transit.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Mexico?
The cost of moving internationally to Mexico can range anywhere from $2,000-$12,000 depending on various factors such as the size of your move, total distance, route, transportation method, and current market trends.
The cost of accommodation is one of the most vital factors that impact the cost of moving internationally. A mini apartment with 1-2 bedrooms can range from $3,600- $6,100 in Mexico City and a 3-4 bedroom can cost within $10,300- $17,000. Other factors like custom fees, travel fees, shipping date, insurance, vehicle transportation, shipping rates, visa fee, and storage costs must be considered when moving.
Storage
When relocating abroad, you may find yourself in need of a storage facility for a variety of reasons. Your luggage may be stored in transit if you fly ahead of the cargo. Second, finding a home and settling in can take some time once you arrive in the new nation. Storage services may be helpful in the interim. Finally, if you don't want to take anything with you, you can store everything in a storage facility. Perhaps it's only a short-term move? It's possible to rent a storage unit to keep your possessions safe while away.
A storage unit's pricing depends on its size, often defined as square feet.
Visa fee
It's important to think about visa costs before packing up and moving across the world. It all depends on your destination and your plans once you get there. The cost of a background check or postage often must be paid in addition to the visa application fee. US citizens can move to Mauritius without a visa, but they will require a valid passport. You'll need to get a work visa after you land in Mauritius.
Insurance
Shipping companies typically offer insurance protection for the cargoes they transport. You will be paid in the event of any unanticipated circumstances, including loss, theft, or damage. On the other hand, you will want to find out what is covered by the policy, as the plans offered by many shipping companies are not nearly as extensive. It will be in your best interest to pay an additional cost where the policy does not provide sufficient coverage.
In most cases, the value of the goods being transported serves as the basis for the premium that must be paid. The expense is between 0.6 and 4 percent of the overall value of the shipment. The cost will increase proportionately with the distance traveled and the value of the products being transported, but this is to be expected.
Custom fees
Moving globally could end up costing you a tidy sum of money if you decide to settle in one of the many countries or regions across the world that require residents to pay taxes and customs fees on all goods carried into the country. The sum will change according to the costs imposed by the government of the place you have relocated and the number of belongings you have brought. However, this is something to think about because, in the long run, it may cause your financial plan to suffer a setback.
Moving to Mexico Cost & Time Examples
To/From | 2BR | 4BR | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
Boston to Mexico City | $3,200- $5,400 | $6,100- $9,900 | 3-5 weeks |
Houston to Guadalajara | $3,300- $5,700 | $6,200- $10,200 | 3-5 weeks |
LA to Mexico City | $3,600- $6,100 | $6,700- $11,200 | 3-6 weeks |
Seattle to Mexico City | $3,600- $6,100 | $6,700- $11,100 | 3-6 weeks |
Portland to Tijuana | $3,700- $6,200 | $6,800- $11,300 | 3-6 weeks |
Detroit to Guadalajara | $3,700- $6,300 | $6,800- $11,300 | 3-5 weeks |
Memphis to Tijuana | $3,900- $6,400 | $7,100- $11,700 | 3-5 weeks |
Chicago to Guadalajara | $4,400- $7,200 | $7,900- $13,000 | 3-5 weeks |
Phoenix to Guadalajara | $4,400- $7,300 | $8,100- $13,400 | 3-6 weeks |
Denver to Mexico City | $5,700- $9,400 | $10,300- $17,000 | 3-6 weeks |
*Please note that these estimates do not include taxes, customs fees & duties, insurance & quarantine inspections. They assume easy access to both pick up and drop-off addresses and do not allow for special items such as pianos.

Estimated Weight (based on home size): 1BR=2600 lbs - 3900 lbs 2BR=3900 lbs - 5200 lbs 3BR=6500 lbs - 9100 lbs 4BR=9100 lbs - 14300 lbs 5BR=11700 lbs - 19500 lbs
Import duties for your household items
Respected sources are a bit ambiguous on this point, but it seems that if you have a Temporary Residence Visa - then import duty on used household goods can be waived. However, you’ll need a Letter of Guarantee from your employer within Mexico. This confirms that they’ll pay all fees levied by customs, should you fail to remove your belongings from the country upon moving away.
If you have a Permanent Residence Visa instead, then you’ll need documentation showing you’ve resided outside of Mexico for at least the last six months. Be aware that you cannot include any new items in your shipment, as these must be brought in on their own dedicated shipment (1).
Documentation Delays Aren’t Advised You’re strongly cautioned against sending any belongings to Mexico, before having all of your paperwork squared away. The reason for this advice, is the strict policy Mexican customs takes on processing shipments. Holding time for standard shipments is just 60 days (and just 30 days for shipments via air).
Forfeiture of Goods Can Occur According to one source, if documentation isn’t submitted before this time expires - customs will confiscate your items. Therefore, it’s imperative that you have all documentation ready beforehand, to ensure that no processing delays occur (2).

Documents for your household items
The filing requirements imposed by customs are rather extensive and detailed. You’ll need a valid passport, your full contact information and a letter written to customs. An Original Bill of Lading (or perhaps an Express Bill of Lading) or the Air Waybill for your shipment, along with a declaration of your shipment’s value are required.
You must provide a full inventory as well, which is to be written in Spanish. If you’re attempting to import any antiques or historic artifacts - then paperwork showing ownership of these items is mandatory. Customs may also ask for either your Permanent or Temporary Residence Visa.
Some additional documents are required, if you’re a Temporary Residence Visa holder. This includes the Letter of Guarantee from your company (mentioned above), as well as a solidarity and compromise letter (3).
Import duties for your vehicle
Again the nature of customs regulations isn’t crystal clear, but it appears that temporary residents may import a vehicle. You’ll need a valid Temporary Import Permit in order to bring your vehicle into Mexico. You must obtain a renewal of this import permit annually. You’re also required to be at the point or port of entry in person, while customs is processing your vehicle for clearance (4).
In addition, it seems that just the ports of Veracruz, Altamira and Tampico allow temporary vehicle imports. If you’ll be bringing a vehicle in over land at Laredo instead, then the owner must be the one driving the vehicle. Also, don’t try to include your vehicle with a shipment of household items - as this is forbidden. Finally, duty is apparently charged, even on temporary vehicle imports (5). If you’re a permanent resident of Mexico instead, then you’re not allowed to import a vehicle into the country (this regulation applies to citizens as well) (6).

Documents for your vehicle
You must provide the purchase receipt, a Letter of Authorization and your Express (or Original) Bill of Lading. Your driver’s license, your Temporary Resident Visa or card and some kind of personal ID are also required (7).
A Temporary Import Permit and the vehicle plates are needed as well. Customs will also request the vehicle’s title and registration, which were issued in the origin country. Finally, be prepared to submit your credit card information (this must be valid in Mexico), in order to settle the bill for import duties and taxes (8).
Relocating to Mexico entails a good amount of somewhat complicated paperwork, all of which has not been covered above. For this reason, it’s imperative that you discuss the requirements for your shipments with customs, before undertaking an international move. It’s also wise to retain the services of a trustworthy shipping company like A1 Auto Transport, as we can take care of all the logistics for you.
Tips on how to make your move easier
- Plan in advance: It is important to start the whole process early to avoid the last minute rush. Most professional worldwide moving companies advise their clients to start preparations about 90 days prior to moving. This gives ample time to ensure everything that goes into the execution of the moving process is taken care of.
- Visa and passport: Moving abroad requires that you have a visa and passport. Ensure that you have done proper research to find out which type of visa you require while looking for Mexico international moving services. You can visit the embassy of Mexico in Washington DC or visit this website to find a Mexican consulate near you.
For your passport, make sure you apply through the US Government.
- Find the right international moving company: A simple Google search will give you so many worldwide movers near you. However, not all will fulfill your needs. Settle on two to three moving companies and do some analysis. This includes comparing rates, reading customer reviews on their websites, and finding out if they are licensed among other factors.
- Apply for jobs: It is obvious that you will need a means of income once you move abroad. Also, you will spend so much during the whole moving process and before you settle in. Thus, you will adapt faster to the new environment if you start looking for jobs early. Make sure you get a work permit so that you can get started right away.
A-1 Auto Transport can help you move your household goods internationally. Call 888-241-3110 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote on interstate moving services.

Why you need a professional moving company when relocating overseas
Professional movers provide you with the necessary expertise when moving abroad. If you do it by yourself, you might even end up not relocating. There is just so much to be done that it would become a logistical nightmare.
Undeniably, professional international moving companies come with the right equipment for the job. Also, they come with trained personnel who will handle your belongings with care and make sure that your transition is smooth. You will have peace of mind by leaving it to the experts.
How to find the best international moving company
You can search the internet or seek information from friends when looking for Mexico international moving services. After you get the information, here are a few considerations:
- Ensure that the movers are licensed. This will ensure that you’re dealing with professionals who abide by the law.
- Ensure that the moving company has insurance that covers for damage during transit.
- Read customer reviews on websites of the companies that you select.
- Compare the rates of the selected moving companies to find out which one provides the services that you need at the most affordable rate.
Our Mexico international moving services
Below are the services we offer:
- Packing/unpacking: We help you get your belongings on to our transport facilities. We also assist in unpacking once you get to your destination.
- Apartment moves: We help in moving your belongings between rental apartments.
- Commercial moving. We help in moving businesses and offices. This includes office equipment and other business assets.
- Planning and preparation: We help in planning by offering important packing information; we provide a checklist of what needs to be done.
- Visa and immigration services: We help in giving information on how to apply for a visa. We also assist in applying for Mexico immigration.
- Housing and family services: We help in finding suitable housing and essential services such as plumbing and laundry.
- Auto transport services: We offer international shipping of vehicles.

Why A-1 Auto Transport?
We have over 30 years’ experience. We take pride in having helped thousands relocate worldwide. We have the relevant information and resources that you need when moving abroad. Indeed, we will answer all your questions regarding international moving.
Make the switch!
If you are planning to move to Mexico, kindly contact our experts on our toll-free number 888-241-3110. Please don’t forget that you can get free estimates of our services by filling-in the form at the top of this page.
SOURCES
(1) http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3588 (2) Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Mexico” page. (3) http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3588 (4) Ibid. (5) Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Mexico” page. (6) http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3588 and Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Mexico” page (7) http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3588 (8) Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Mexico” page.
