Moving to Colombia from the US

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Moving to Colombia from the US

We’ll move you to the place you love.

If you are moving to Colombia from the USA, finding an international mover you can trust is a number one priority. You don’t want to deal with a mover with no experience or license. When relocating to Colombia from the USA, you’ll look for the most reliable service to deliver your household goods and personal effects with care and perseverance. 

Fortunately, SDC International Shipping is an international mover implementing household removals to Colombia from the USA for more than a decade, so we know all the legal weasels of the shipping process. 

On this page, we’ll explain how shipping to Colombia from the USA works. If you want to get a moving quote, start filling out a 3-step form at the top or click on the link available on the page.

Shipping Household Goods to Colombia 

An international move to Colombia requires preparation and planning. As your mover, we’ll help you pack your belongings and plan your moving budget. We’ll also sort out paperwork for import clearance. No matter what you are going to move to Columbia, you can rely on our assistance to get your things through customs. 

Here is what you need to know when moving to Colombia from the USA.

  • You must be present in Colombia at the time of receiving your shipment; 
  • All shipments imported in Colombia will be thoroughly checked;
  • You must have lived in the USA or outside Colombia at least two years before arrival to be eligible for shipping household items.  
  • Household goods shipment must arrive in the country up to 120 days after your arrival; 
  • You must have a Colombian residence permit to ship household items.
  • You can ship only one shipment per family.
  • You will have to pay taxes, duties, and sales tax (15% on the CIF value). 

The following documents will be decisive in making sure the import process goes smoothly:

  • Passport;
  • Residence visa or work visa for at least 12 months;
  • Original Bill of Lading;
  • Complete inventory list.

It’s essential that you include a detailed description of all items in the container (including the make, model, and a serial number of appliances and electronics). Labeling a box as “miscellaneous” may arouse suspicion and further inspections. So make sure that your packing list is as detailed as possible. 

How long does customs clearance take?

It takes around 10-12 weeks from the date your personal belongings arrive at the port. 

Shipping Motor Vehicles to Colombia 

Colombia doesn’t allow the import of used vehicles. Also, note that while you can include the car in the household goods container, this is not the case when moving to Columbia. You will have to send your auto in a separate container. In addition, you will need to obtain an Import License prior to shipping a car. Duties and taxes rates range between 15% to 85% on the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value. 

Documents required to ship a car to Colombia: 

  • Passport;
  • Valid residence permit;
  • Import License; 
  • Original commercial invoice;
  • Anti Pollution certificate;
  • Title and registration;
  • Copy of Bill Sale;
  • All documents must comply with the Import License.

Does it all sound like a complicated process? Don’t fret! Our logistics experts will show you the right direction and ensure that your precious auto is transported securely and painlessly . 

How long does customs clearance take?

It takes approximately 3-4 weeks from the date your shipping container arrives at the port. 

Moving to Colombia via Ocean or Air Freight

At SDC International Shipping, we operate ocean freight and air freight. Ocean freight is the most cost-efficient way to move to Columbia. You may significantly save on money by sending household goods in a consolidated container, known as a Less than Container Service (LCL). Yet, it doesn’t work for big-size shipments. If you are sending a three or four-bedroom apartment, then a Full Container Load (FCL) service is the best option. 

Since ocean freight takes 8 to 10 weeks, some customers opt for air freight, which is much faster. Typically, we don’t recommend air freight for shipments over 100 kg because of its high cost. But if you are on the clock, we’ll be happy to arrange air freight forwarding. 

Ocean ports in Colombia:

  • Buenaventura 
  • Barranquilla 
  • Cartagena
  • Santa Marta
  • Tumaco

Cargo airports in Colombia: 

  • Bogota (BOG)
  • Cali (CLO)
  • Medellin (MDE) 

Additional Services

As a full-service international mover, we offer our clients a wide range of shipping solutions. For instance, a door-to-door service covers packing service, pickup and transportation to the port, paperwork preparation for customs, and delivery to your new destination. 

Port-to-port service is also available for customers that can transport their household items or vehicles to the port themselves. They will also be responsible for delivering their shipment to the doors of their home. Learn more about our offered shipping services:  

Where Do Most American Expats Settle in Colombia?

Most Americans heading to Colombia settle in Bogota, the country’s capital. We can deliver your household goods to any city, but generally, here are some more places where many US citizens found their new home: 

  • Medellin
  • Pereira
  • Manizales
  • Armenia
  • Bucaramanga
  • Cartagena
  • Santa Marta

Moving with SDC Experts

We do our best to keep our promises.

“SDC moved our stuff to Colombia successfully. We chose a full container option because we had high-value furniture and we were right. Nothing was missing or damaged. Communication with the support service and my logistics agent was good. They did an excellent job.”  Harry L.


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Moving to Colombia from the US

Fill the form below to get your Free Quote!

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