How Much Does It Cost to Move Internationally?

Whether you’re moving for work or personal reasons, living in another country can be an adventure. However, moving internationally is more complicated and expensive than moving within the U.S. In addition to shipping your belongings to your new home, you may need to acquire visas, ship your vehicle, move your pet, and pay import taxes. This guide will help you understand what to expect regarding international moving costs before you start your journey.

International Moving Cost Factors

Several factors can affect international moving costs, including your destination country, the amount of goods you’re moving, your chosen shipping method, and more.

Moving Destination

The cost of moving internationally depends on where you’re moving to. A move to Canada or Mexico from the U.S. will be more affordable than an overseas move to Europe or Asia. 

Home Size

The size of your home will also affect your international moving costs. Larger homes tend to have more furniture, decor, and other items. If you plan on moving the entire contents of your home, you can expect to pay closer to the high end of the cost range to move internationally.

Shipping Method

An international move often requires moving your belongings across the ocean by air or sea. International shipping companies often charge by weight, so the heavier your belongings, the more you’ll pay. Shipping a moving container costs around $4,150 for an international move but could easily reach $9,100 or more.

Sea freight is cheaper, but you may wait weeks or months for your shipment. Air freight is faster but costs more. 

Storage

Timing your international move can be difficult. You might need to store your stuff before your shipping date or pay to store your belongings at your destination until you arrive. Storage units cost $100 to $450 per month in the U.S.; costs will vary depending on where you’re moving. Check out some long-term storage tips to help keep your belongings safe and secure.

Car Shipping

Shipping a car costs between $1,000 and $2,000 domestically, but moving it internationally can cost $5,000 or more. In addition to shipping costs, you’ll need to pay import taxes, which vary from country to country. Some countries also have strict environmental requirements for cars, and you may need to get approval to import your vehicle, adding to the overall cost. In many cases, it’s cheaper to sell your car and buy a replacement once you arrive in your new country.

Pet Transportation

Many people refuse to move without their four-legged friends. Moving your pet internationally costs around $1,000 to $3,000, though it varies by country and moving method and could cost much more. Smaller dogs and cats may be able to travel in an airplane cabin with you for a fee, while larger pets will need to travel in the plane’s cargo compartment.

Immigration and Travel Expenses

Immigration and travel expenses depend on which country you’re moving to. If you need a visa, expect to pay between $100 and $3,000. You’ll also need to pay for plane tickets for you and any family members moving with you, and you might incur additional baggage charges if you’re planning to check one or more bags.

Customs and Import Taxes

Depending on your destination country, you might need to pay customs and import taxes to bring your items into the country when you move. Some countries allow you to transport personal items duty-free, while others may charge 1.8% to 2% of the purchase value.

Moving Insurance

Moving insurance helps protect you financially if your belongings are damaged, destroyed, or lost during the move. There are 4 types of moving insurance to consider:

• Basic valuation covers your belongings at $0.60 per pound per item, leaving you to pay the remainder out of pocket if you need to replace any items lost or damaged in transit.

• Full-value protection can cover your belongings at a higher per-pound cost, leaving you with fewer out-of-pocket costs when making a claim.

• Total loss insurance covers the value of your move and can pay to replace items declared a total loss.

• All-risk insurance covers the total replacement cost of the item, less a deductible.

Tips to Save Money When Moving Abroad

Moving to another country isn’t cheap, but many consider the expense worth it. Here’s how to save money on international moving costs.

Plan Ahead

The sooner you start planning for your international move, the better. Moving between November and January will typically cost the least. If you have a storage unit or a family member with space in their home, you can also ship your stuff in stages rather than one big shipment to spread the cost over a few months.

Declutter

The more items you ship, the more expensive your move will be. Declutter as much as possible by selling or donating items or furniture you don’t need. In many cases, you can purchase replacements in your new home country for cheaper than you’d pay to ship your existing furniture over.

Choose Shared Shipping Over Air Freight

Shared shipping means you share the container with other customers and only pay for your volume. It is often the cheapest way to ship your stuff overseas. Consider shipping time-sensitive items and valuables by air and the rest by sea to keep your moving costs down.

Shop Around for Quotes

Get quotes from several moving companies near you to find one that fits your budget and moving needs. Don’t settle for the cheapest quote, though. Instead, consider the services in each quote to ensure you compare apples to apples.