Moving To Philippines

Philippines International Moving Services

Change is constant and at times calls for difficult decisions to be made. Sometimes change may cause an individual or a business to move to a different country, along with their valuables. Such moves may be called international moving or relocation. International moving is often a long and complex process which may overwhelm you if you are doing it alone. It is therefore recommended that you seek international moving services so as to have a hassle-free move.

Moving to Philippines Cost & Time Examples

*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

Doing so allows you to pass the task of shipping your car, or your household goods and inventory to an experienced team.

Can import duty be exempted on household goods?

Though having import tax and duty waived on your household belongings is possible - you must have the correct kind of passport and visa to obtain this benefit. Acceptable types include a Work Visa (9-g), Non-Immigrant Visa (47-a2), Permanent Residence Visa (13-g), Investor’s Visa or Retiree Visa. If you have a Visitor’s Visa (9-a) instead, then unfortunately you’ll be charged a total of 42% in import duties and taxes (1).

It also appears that there are at least two more types of visas which are eligible for duty exemption (2). So, if you don’t fall into any of the above categories - it’s recommended that you contact customs to determine if duty-free importation will be available in your case.

Import paperwork for your household goods

Your passport and a full inventory are required, along with a Residence Visa or Work Visa (though the other visas discussed above should be an acceptable substitute). A separate Work Permit and/or Residence Permit must be submitted to customs as well (3). However, it appears that a certificate issued by a lawyer is a viable replacement for a Work Permit.

You will also need a visa, which customs will issue once you arrive. To receive this, you must fill out an application - which the Bureau of Immigration must mark as received. These steps are imperative, as failure to perform them will result in the loss of duty exemption. Be aware that depending upon the type of visa you obtain, a Bank Guarantee may be necessary (4).

Can import duty be exempted on vehicles?

No duty exemption is currently available for foreigners importing a vehicle into the Philippines. The rate for duty and VAT combined, can reach as high as 90% (charged on the vehicle’s determined value). Customs requires a permit to import a vehicle, and without this you may face additional fees and longer clearance times. The International Association of Movers (a trustworthy source of information), also points out that customs is quite particular when it comes to processing vehicle imports. They recommend speaking with a destination agent or the Philippine consulate in your origin country, prior to shipping your vehicle (5).

Import paperwork for your vehicle

The Import Permit (which should be DTI / BIS endorsed) just covered should be given to customs, along with your passport and vehicle purchase receipt. You also must present the registration and the engine number (6).

The vehicle’s title, your driver’s license and proof of international insurance coverage are also necessary. The Original Bill of Lading for the shipment should be shown as well. This is required to list the make, model, chassis and engines numbers, year the vehicle was made and the engine size (displacement) (7).

This quick summary of the procedures involved when shipping goods to the Philippines, should help you in the planning process. However, a large number of other regulations are imposed by customs, and additional filing requirements may also apply. Therefore, you should seek out advice from them directly, to avoid any difficulties during clearance.

Tips on how to make your international move easier

The following are some tips that may help you to make your international move easier:

• Research on movers that are licensed to provide Philippines International Moving Services.
• Properly package and label your products so as to ensure ease of handling, storage and movement.
• Familiarize yourself with the laws governing importing cars from the US to Philippines and migrating to Philippines. You can get information online from useful sites such as the US Department of Transportation (USDOT).
• Prepare your documents well and way in advance so as to have an easier time at the processing stage.
• Liaise with the moving company and maintain good communication with them. By so doing, the information will be passed clearly and the required action to be taken executed in good time.

Why you need a professional moving company when relocating overseas

Relocation may be a daunting task, especially if you are taking up this task alone. There are many items to be moved and many documents to be prepared. You can miss out on handling a single task that may disrupt the entire process. It is best to seek moving services from a professional moving company so as to enjoy a hassle-free move. You get to enjoy Philippines International Moving Services such as packing and unpacking, storage and transportation of your goods and document processing. You will then be able to focus on other essential tasks related to your move and have peace of mind knowing that the moving company will handle your move, from start to finish.

A-1 Auto Transport can help you move your household goods internationally. Call 888-509-3213 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote on interstate moving services.

How to find the best international moving company

Here are some questions that you need to ask when searching for the best international moving company:

• Does the company offer secure transportation of household items, automobiles and other goods? Do they also deliver your items within your set schedule?
• Does the company have a professional support and delivery team?
• Is the company licensed to provide Philippines International Moving Services and is it familiar with rules governing shipping to Philippines?
• What is the company’s rank compared to other companies based on its performance and rating?
• Does the estimated cost of shipping match your budget?
• Does the company have insurance cover and does it cater for properties belonging to third parties?

Our Philippines international moving services

• Packing/unpacking: Leave the task of packing and unpacking your goods to us.
• Commercial moving: We help big and small businesses move to Philippines.
• Office moves: We get your inventory to your new office in good time and in good condition.
• Apartment moves: When you partner with us, you can be sure moving to your new apartment in Philippines will be stress-free!
• Planning and preparation: Moving to Philippines is a big move that needs you to be well prepared. Having your plans well laid out will help you achieve this.
• Visa and immigration services: We guide you through your visa application process.
• Housing assistance: We offer exemplary but affordable housing assistance.
• Family services: We cater to each family’s unique needs and make the move just what you and your family expect.
• Auto transport services: Ship your car to Philippines using our safe and reasonably priced services. We also offer you with guidance on the vehicle registration process.

Why A-1 Auto Transport?

We know that you want to enjoy your relocation and not have to worry about each and every single detail. We have an experienced, reliable and forthright team which delivers quality services. We at A-1 Auto Transport offer you with competitive shipping rates and a guarantee that your valuables are in safe hands.

Move with us!

Please fill-out the form at the top of the page. Do not hesitate to give us a call on 888-509-3213 or write to us via the contact details provided here. We will get back to you in real time. Make the right move! Move with us!

SOURCES:

1. Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Philippines” page.
2. http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3565
3. Found on Moverscom “Moving to Philippines” page.
4. Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Philippines” page.
5. http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3565
6. https://www.a1autotransport.com/ship-car-to-Philippines/ and http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3565
7. Found on Moverscom “Moving to Philippines” page.

Written By:Joe Webster

Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing. 

After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood. 

With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.