Importing a vehicle from the United States to Guatemala is one of the most common tramites for the Guatemalan diaspora. Every year, thousands of cars, trucks, and SUVs make the journey from US ports to Puerto Quetzal or Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla. Whether you are sending a car to family back home, moving to Guatemala with your vehicle, or buying a US-spec car for the better price and selection, this guide walks you through the entire process.

The key things to understand upfront: you will pay customs duties (DAI) of around 20% on used vehicles, plus IVA (sales tax) of 12-16%, all calculated on the vehicle’s CIF value (cost + insurance + freight). You need a licensed customs broker (agente aduanero) in Guatemala — this is not optional. And you need the original title, not a copy. The process is well-established and thousands of people complete it every month, but the costs add up quickly if you are not prepared.

Quick summary: Importing a used vehicle costs roughly 20% DAI + 12-16% IVA on the CIF value, plus $1,050-$3,900 shipping from the US. The process takes 4-6 weeks total. You need the original title, a customs broker, and your NIT. Electric vehicles are IVA-exempt under Decreto 40-2022.

Prices verified March 2026. Check our exchange rate page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.

Total Cost Breakdown

Cost Component Amount
Vehicle purchase price Your cost
Shipping (RoRo from Florida) $1,050 - $2,800
Shipping (Container from Florida) $2,500 - $3,500
Shipping (RoRo from California) $2,000 - $3,900
Marine insurance 1.5-2% of vehicle value
DAI (customs duty) — used vehicles ~20% of CIF value
IVA (sales tax) — used vehicles 12-16% of (CIF + DAI)
Customs broker fee $500 - $1,000
Port handling & storage $150 - $400
SAT vehicle registration Q75 (plates) + circulation tax
Total import costs (typical) 40-70% of vehicle value

Cost Example: $15,000 Used SUV from Florida

Item Estimated Cost
Vehicle purchase $15,000
Shipping (RoRo, Miami to Puerto Quetzal) $1,500
Marine insurance (2%) $300
CIF value $16,800
DAI (20% of CIF) $3,360
IVA (12% of CIF + DAI) $2,419
Customs broker $750
Port handling $250
Registration & plates ~$50
Total to import ~$8,329
Total cost (vehicle + import) ~$23,329

Note: These are estimates. SAT uses its own annual valuation tables, which may differ from your purchase price.

Customs Duties and Taxes Explained

DAI (Derechos Arancelarios a la Importacion)

The customs duty rate depends on the vehicle type:

Vehicle Type DAI Rate
New vehicles (current year) Up to 60%
Used vehicles (1-10 years) ~20%
Electric vehicles 0% (Decreto 40-2022)
Hybrid vehicles Reduced rate
Motorcycles 15-20%

IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado)

Vehicle Condition IVA Rate
New vehicles 12%
Used vehicles 12-16%
Electric vehicles 0% (exempt)

The IVA is calculated on the CIF value plus the DAI — so you pay tax on the tax.

SAT Valuation Tables

SAT publishes annual vehicle valuation tables (portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/tablas-y-acuerdos-vehiculos/) that set the minimum taxable value for each make, model, and year. Even if you bought the car for less, SAT will use the higher of your purchase price or their table value. This prevents undervaluation fraud.

Shipping Options

RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off)

The most common and affordable option. Your car is driven onto a cargo ship and driven off at the destination port. The vehicle is exposed to sea spray but secured on the deck.

Departure Port Arrival Port Transit Time Cost Range
Miami/Jacksonville, FL Puerto Quetzal 10-15 days $1,050 - $2,800
Houston, TX Puerto Quetzal 12-18 days $1,200 - $2,500
Los Angeles, CA Puerto Quetzal 19-25 days $2,000 - $3,900
New York/New Jersey Puerto Quetzal 20-38 days $2,500 - $3,500

Container Shipping

Your car is loaded into a shipping container, providing complete protection from weather and theft. Costs more but ideal for luxury vehicles or if you want to ship personal belongings inside the car.

Container shipping typically costs $1,000-$2,000 more than RoRo from the same port.

Guatemala’s Ports

  • Puerto Quetzal (Pacific coast, Escuintla) — most common for US imports, closer to Guatemala City
  • Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla (Atlantic coast, Izabal) — sometimes used for East Coast shipments

Most vehicles arrive at Puerto Quetzal because it is about 2 hours from Guatemala City, where most customs processing happens.

Documents Required

From the US Side

  • Original vehicle title (not a copy — this is critical)
  • Bill of sale or commercial invoice
  • Copy of your passport or DPI
  • Vehicle export certificate (from US Customs, CBP Form 7512)
  • Proof of ownership (registration in your name)

For Guatemala Customs

  • NIT of the importer — get yours here
  • DPI or passport of the importer
  • DUCA (Declaracion Unica Centroamericana) — your customs broker prepares this
  • Bill of lading (from the shipping company)
  • Commercial invoice with vehicle details
  • Power of attorney (if someone else is handling customs on your behalf)

Step-by-Step Process

Phase 1: Preparation in the US (1-2 weeks)

  1. Obtain the original title. If there is a lien, you must pay off the loan and get a clean title first. Salvage titles are accepted but should be disclosed.
  2. Get the vehicle appraised or save the purchase receipt. You will need to declare the value to customs.
  3. Choose a shipping company. Get quotes from multiple carriers. Florida-based shippers are usually cheapest for Guatemala.
  4. Hire a customs broker (agente aduanero) in Guatemala. This is essential — do not try to clear customs yourself. Ask for recommendations from family or the Guatemalan community. Budget $500-$1,000 for their services.
  5. Prepare a power of attorney if you will not be in Guatemala when the vehicle arrives. This must be notarized and authenticated (apostilled).

Phase 2: Shipping (10-38 days)

  1. Deliver the vehicle to the shipping port or arrange inland transport to the port.
  2. Complete US export documentation. The shipping company handles most of this, including CBP Form 7512.
  3. Ship the vehicle. You will receive a bill of lading — send a copy to your customs broker immediately.
  4. Purchase marine insurance. Typically 1.5-2% of vehicle value. Optional but strongly recommended.

Phase 3: Customs Clearance in Guatemala (1-2 weeks)

  1. Your customs broker receives the bill of lading and prepares the DUCA (customs declaration).
  2. Vehicle arrives at port (Puerto Quetzal or Santo Tomas).
  3. Physical and documentary inspection by SAT customs officers. They verify the VIN, condition, and declared value.
  4. SAT calculates duties and taxes based on their valuation tables and the declared CIF value.
  5. Pay all customs duties and taxes. Your broker will tell you the exact amount. Payment is made at authorized banks.
  6. Vehicle is released from customs once all payments are verified.

Phase 4: Registration (1-2 days)

  1. Register the vehicle with SAT through the standard registration process or at a SAT office.
  2. Obtain plates and circulation card.
  3. Get the vehicle inspected if required — see our vehicle inspection guide.
  4. Purchase Guatemalan vehicle insurance.

Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Benefits

Under Decreto 40-2022, Guatemala offers significant incentives for importing electric and hybrid vehicles:

  • 0% DAI on fully electric vehicles
  • 0% IVA on fully electric vehicles
  • Reduced rates on hybrid vehicles
  • Reduced circulation tax

This makes importing an electric vehicle from the US significantly cheaper than a comparable gas-powered car. A used Tesla, for example, would avoid roughly $5,000-$10,000 in duties and taxes compared to a similar-value gas SUV.

Tips & Common Mistakes

  1. Never send a copy of the title — always the original. Guatemala customs requires the original US title to clear the vehicle. If you send a copy, the car will be stuck at port accumulating storage fees ($15-$50/day) while you scramble to send the original.

  2. Hire the customs broker BEFORE shipping. Your broker needs to prepare documentation in advance. Finding a broker after the car arrives means delays and extra port storage costs.

  3. Do not hide items inside the vehicle. Customs officers inspect imported vehicles thoroughly. Personal items left inside may be subject to separate import duties or confiscation. Some shipping companies allow personal items in container shipments, but check first.

  4. Check SAT’s valuation table before buying. The table at portal.sat.gob.gt shows exactly how much Guatemala values each make/model/year. If SAT values the car higher than what you paid, you pay taxes on SAT’s value.

  5. Budget for the full cost before shipping. Too many people ship a car and then cannot afford the customs duties. The car sits at port accumulating storage fees. Calculate all costs — shipping, DAI, IVA, broker, registration — before committing.

  6. Consider the vehicle’s age carefully. Guatemala’s SAT tables typically cover vehicles up to 10-15 years old. Older vehicles may face additional scrutiny or require special valuation.

From the US (Diaspora Guide)

This is one of the most common tramites for Guatemalans living in the United States. Here is what you need to know:

Power of attorney is essential. If you are sending a car to a family member in Guatemala, you need a poder especial (special power of attorney) that authorizes your customs broker to act on your behalf. Have this notarized in the US and apostilled for use in Guatemala.

The most popular route is Miami to Puerto Quetzal. This is the cheapest and fastest option. Many Guatemalan-owned shipping companies operate this route and understand the specific requirements.

Shipping companies in the US that serve Guatemala:

  • Companies in Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles regularly ship to Guatemala
  • Look for companies with Guatemalan staff who know both systems
  • Get at least 3 quotes and verify references

Wire the customs payment early. Your broker will need funds to pay the duties at the bank. Wire the money before the ship arrives to avoid port storage delays.

Stay in communication with your broker. The process can hit unexpected bumps — a discrepancy in the VIN, a missing document, or a question about the vehicle’s condition. Respond quickly to your broker’s calls to avoid delays.

Based on Guatemala’s market, these are commonly imported from the US:

  • Toyota Tacoma / Hilux — extremely popular for rural Guatemala
  • Toyota RAV4 / Corolla — reliable and parts are widely available
  • Honda CR-V / Civic — strong resale value in Guatemala
  • Hyundai Tucson / Elantra — growing popularity
  • Ford F-150 — popular for work and agriculture
  • Tesla Model 3/Y — increasingly popular due to tax exemptions