How do I ship belongings to Paraguay?
Sea freight is cheapest for large shipments ($2,000-5,000 for container). Air freight for essentials. Import duties apply unless you qualify for exemption.
Key Takeaways
- Sea freight: $3,000-7,000 for container
- New residents may qualify for duty exemption
- Standard duties 40-50% of value
- Electronics: voltage difference (220V vs 120V)
- Often cheaper to sell and rebuy locally
Shipping belongings to Paraguay is possible but requires planning. Here's what you need to know about costs, customs, and logistics.
Shipping Methods
**Sea Freight** (Cheapest for large shipments)
- 20ft container: $3,000-5,000 to Asunción
- 40ft container: $4,000-7,000
- Transit time: 6-10 weeks
- Best for furniture, vehicles, large items
**Air Freight** (Faster but expensive)
- $5-15 per kg
- Transit time: 1-2 weeks
- Best for essentials, small valuable items
**Personal Luggage**
- Airline allowances (50-70lbs checked)
- Free or low cost
- Best for initial move, electronics
Import Duties
Standard import to Paraguay:
- **Customs duty**: 15-30% depending on item
- **VAT**: 10%
- **Other fees**: ~5%
- **Total**: Can reach 40-50% of declared value
One-Time Import Exemption
New residents may qualify for exemption:
- First-time import of household goods
- Must have residency or residency in process
- Used goods only (not new purchases)
- One-time allowance
- Must be used within first year of residency
**Requirements for exemption**:
- Detailed inventory
- Proof of residency process
- Goods must be in your name
- Some items always taxed (vehicles, electronics)
What to Ship
**Worth Shipping**:
- Quality furniture (if you love it)
- Art and sentimental items
- Kitchen equipment (if specific needs)
- Books (heavy but expensive to rebuy)
- Specialty tools
**Probably Not Worth It**:
- Cheap furniture (buy locally)
- Heavy appliances (voltage issues, buy local)
- Most clothing (buy as needed)
- Common household items
**Definitely Don't Ship**:
- New items (full customs duty)
- Prohibited items (weapons, some foods)
- Items easily available locally
Shipping Companies
**International Movers**:
- International Van Lines
- Atlas International
- Crown Relocations
- JK Moving
**Freight Forwarders**:
- Often cheaper than movers
- You pack, they ship
- More DIY approach
Cost: $200-500 per cubic meter typically
Electronics Considerations
Paraguay uses:
- 220V/50Hz electricity
- US is 120V/60Hz
- Many modern electronics (laptops, phones) are dual voltage
- Kitchen appliances may not work
- Consider buying electronics locally
Vehicle Import
Importing a car:
- High duties (30-50%+)
- Must meet certain requirements
- Process is complex
- Often cheaper to buy locally
- Used car market exists
Recommended Strategy
Before Move: 1. Sell most furniture 2. Reduce possessions 3. Ship only sentimental/irreplaceable items 4. Pack essentials in luggage
**First Arrival**:
- Bring 2-3 checked bags
- Carry-on with electronics, documents
- Rent furnished apartment initially
**After Settling**:
- Ship remaining items if worthwhile
- Buy furniture locally (decent quality available)
- Import specific items later if needed
Timing
- Get quotes 2-3 months before move
- Book 6-8 weeks ahead for sea freight
- Coordinate arrival with your arrival
- Allow time for customs clearance (1-2 weeks)
Customs Process
Upon arrival of shipment:
- Use despachante (customs broker): $200-500
- Provide inventory and documentation
- Pay any applicable duties
- Arrange local delivery
Money-Saving Tips
- Qualify for import exemption (save 40%+)
- Use freight forwarder vs. full-service mover
- Ship by sea not air for volume
- Consolidate with other expats (share container)
- Buy bulky items in Paraguay
Have More Questions?
Explore our comprehensive guides to Paraguay