Relocation Services

Moving companies we trust

Allianz Moving, Gateway Moving & Relocation, Mudanzas Mundiales, Inter Moves SG Global, Multimodal, and ABC Mudanzas are among the stronger options for international moves into and from Costa Rica, based on industry directories (IAM and/or FIDI/FAIM) and available reviews.

These companies handle door-to-door residential and commercial moves, packing/crating, customs brokerage, vehicle and pet shipping, storage, and insurance. Costa Rica has strict import rules (including biosecurity), and duties on household goods can be significant unless you qualify for residency-related exemptions—experienced local agents help navigate this.

Sea freight from the US typically takes 4–8 weeks (plus customs time); air is faster but much more expensive.

Top Recommended Companies

Here are the most consistently mentioned professional international movers (focus on those with IAM membership or strong local/international track records):

Allianz Moving — Frequently ranked highly. IAM member with extensive experience in local, national, and global relocations. Offers packing, insurance, pet/car shipping, storage, and full relocation support. Consistently well reviewed. Website: allianzmoving.com.

Gateway Moving and Relocation (Gateway Moving & Storage) — Family-owned, based in the San José/Heredia area (with Nicaragua operations). IAM member. Specializes in tailored packages, packing/crating, customs, vehicle shipping, and storage. Many positive customer testimonials on their site for moves to/from Costa Rica (including the US). Website: gatewaymovingcr.com.

Mudanzas Mundiales — Long-established (50+ years), FIDI-accredited and IAM member. Full door-to-door service, packing, multi-modal transport (land/sea/air), customs, pet/art transport, storage, and broader relocation support (orientation, etc.). Offices in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Website: mudanzasmundiales.com.

Inter Moves SG Global (Inter-Moves) — IAM member with long tenure. Household/office moves, packing, customs, antiques/art, vehicles, insurance, and storage. Founded in the early 2000s.

Multimodal — IAM member focused on international trade/customs. Handles packing, multi-modal transport, insurance, pets/vehicles, and storage. Good for complex shipments.

ABC Mudanzas S.A. — Well reviewed. Strong local presence in San José area; appears in international contexts as well.

Other names that surface include Winmovers (IAM/FIDI) and various local operators (e.g., CR Movers, Tico Movers, Mudanzas M&H) that may partner for international work.

Practical Tips for Choosing and Moving

• Get several quotes. Contact several companies directly and compare price against what is included, not price alone. Ask for binding or detailed estimates.
• Check current reviews. Look at recent Google reviews and any independent sources. Ratings can vary by specific move (inbound vs. outbound, origin country).
• Verify credentials. Prefer IAM and/or FIDI members for international standards, trained crews, and better insurance options.
• Confirm the extras. Detailed inventory, insurance coverage (declare high-value items), customs handling experience in Costa Rica, timelines, and what's included vs. extra fees. Ask about bonded warehouses and local delivery.
• Costs. A rough range for a 2–3 bedroom household from the US is often $3,500–$12,000+ depending on volume, origin port, packing level, and container vs. shared.
• From the US or elsewhere. Many use a US-based international mover that partners with a Costa Rican agent, or work directly with one of the local specialists above for better control of the CR side. Customs is often the tricky part.
• Residency. Qualifying residents may access duty benefits under relevant laws. Confirm with your mover and a customs broker early.

Always request a pre-move survey (in-person or virtual), get everything in writing, and confirm insurance details. Start the process months ahead, as international moves involve documentation, booking space, and potential delays.

For the most up-to-date ratings and availability, check Google reviews and contact 3–5 companies for personalized quotes based on your origin, destination (e.g., Guanacaste vs. Central Valley) and volume.

Having been through more than a few international relocations ourselves, we know how stressful a move can be. Our advice: ask for verified references and speak with previous clients directly. If a company hesitates to hand over contact details for references, look elsewhere.