How can I ship my household goods?

A good moving company is key. The container can be loaded right in front of your house in the States and brought to the front of your house in Mexico. As an alternative, a single family home can usually fit most items in a 20 foot container. A family head must have begun his residency process before being allowed to import personal effects into the country. Mexico Moving Company can help advise on how to start this process, if needed.

There are no import taxes on importation of your used household goods.

Mexico Moving Company can help arrange door to door shipping for your items. Fill out our contact us form for more information.

How can I ship my car?

Your car can be put into the same container up to the border, then we must unload and cross manually. Whether you are a Retiree or not, you must apply for a permit for your car. Permits can be registered in the following link

Is there anything that I am not allowed to ship in my container?

You are not allowed to import any type of plants, fruits or meats. Weapons including firearms and ammunition are not allowed as well as any narcotics (even prescribed) or alcohol, including wine. You also cannot import any new electronics.

What are the requirements to ship personal effects?

You must have the following:

• Valid Passport
• Residency Visa
• Detailed inventory of electronics i.e. ( make model and serial number). All other household items can be generalized (The document is called Declaracion de Menaje de Casa)
• Letter of Empowerment authorizing a customs broker to handle and transport your goods.

Will my goods be insured?

Yes! We will help insure your precious goods. As a supplement we always suggest a third party insurer to provide additional protection. Contact us for more information.

Are there stores that sell home repair items and tools?

Home Depot is a very popular store in many parts of Mexico for do-it- yourself needs.

Where can I shop for clothes?

There are plenty of clothing stores in the various malls in Mexico. Nevertheless, men don't seem to have much trouble but women might want to buy clothes on trips to the States. Unless you shop at the upscale department store like Liverpool and other better American brands clothes, it can be hard to find the right clothes size. Clothes made here don't fit Americans so well.

Grocery Stores

Mexico has a host of very good supermarkets. Mega, Carrefour, Chedraui and Soriana are pretty American super markets.

Can I safely send and receive mail in Mexico?

The Mexico mail system is not reliable. There are is an excellent companies dedicated to receiving and sending your mail as well as bringing stuff you have ordered over the internet Mail Boxes Etc. Mail Box etc gives your own PO Box address in Miami where you can have things sent to and they'll bring your mail from Miami to Mexico for a starting fee of about $25 a month. DHL, UPS and Estafeta can also provide good courier service.

Is Mexico safe to live in?

From personal experience, Mexico is a very safe and beautiful place to live. We personally lived there for 11 years, and have been doing business for the past 14. Although there is news of gang activity, the reality is that the country is very large, and the violence has been isolated to a few border towns. In our experience, we have felt safer in Mexico than in many urban cities in the US. The kindness of the local people and the breathtaking culture and scenery are immediately felt after just a short time staying in Mexico.

How can I ship my car and household goods?

A good moving company is key. Many people can put all their household goods and even their car in one 40 foot container. The container can be loaded right in front of your house in the States and brought to the front of your house in Panama. As an alternative, a single family home can usually fit most items in a 20 foot container. A family head must have begun his residency process before being allowed to import personal effects into the country.

There are no import taxes on importation of your household goods. You are allowed to bring up to $10,000.00 worth of household goods, including one vehicle, completely tax free.

For your car, it can be put in your container or shipped separately. Whether you are a Retiree or not, taxes will apply for your car.

Mexico Moving Company can help arrange door to door shipping for your items. Fill out our contact us form for more information.

Is there anything that I am not allowed to ship in my container?

You are not allowed to import any type of plants, fruits or meats. Weapons including firearms and ammunition are not allowed as well as any narcotics (even prescribed) or alcohol, including wine. You also cannot import any new electronics.

What are the requirements to ship personal effects?

You must have the following:

• Valid Passport
• Residency Visa or copy of a visa application and a letter from a Panamanian lawyer confirming that the visa application is in process
• Detailed inventory of everything that you are shipping into Panama (English or Spanish is ok)
• You must be present at the time of customs clearance

Will my good be insured?

Yes! We will help insure your precious goods. As a supplement we always suggest a third party insurer to provide additional protection. Contact us for more information.

Are there stores that sell home repair items and tools?

Do-it Center and Novey Center are the most popular stores for do-it-yourself needs.

Grocery Stores

Panama has a host of very good supermarkets. Riba Smith, El Rey, Super 99 and Xtra are very similar to an American super market. Riba Smith with 4 stores, all in Panama City, is popular with Americans because it has the most American brands and specialty items. El Rey has stores in almost every neighborhood in the city, as well as in Coronado and David. Super 99 and Xtra are the least expensive.

Can I safely send and receive mail in Panama?

The Panamanian mail system is not reliable. There are two excellent companies dedicated receiving and sending your mail as well as bringing stuff you have ordered over the internet etc: Air Box Express and Mail Boxes Etc. Airbox Express delivers your mail and packages directly to your home. Mail Boxes receives them at the offices where you can go pick them up. They'll give your own PO Box address in Miami where you can have things sent to and they'll bring your mail from Miami to Panama for a starting fee of about $25 a month. These mail services are invaluable for life in Panama. For more info see Air Box Express.

How can I get around Panama City and get all the things I need?

To be honest - Panama City traffic is chaotic and not easy to get around by car. You can hire a taxi driver to take you around. For stress-free and fun shopping, if you can, we recommend you hire a personal driver with fluent English. Uber is the best way to go – it’s by far the cheapest and easiest way to get around.