SP: (11) 4637-5729 | RJ: (21) 2112-4000 | (21) 3900-8292 | USA: +1 (786) 375-9065

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Is it worth sending a whole move with furniture and all the contents of a house, or is it more cost-effective to send just a few boxes?
It’s always best to send the entire shipment. Mathematically, it costs less to send larger volumes.
The cost of an international move is not proportional; it’s not like using the postal service. The price difference between sending a few boxes or an entire house is sometimes very small.
Do you pack everything or do I have to pack things myself?

Transworld packs all your belongings for your move, so you don’t have to worry about it. We bring all the packing materials and take care of everything with great care and attention. You don’t need to buy boxes or pack anything yourself!

I am returning to Brazil. When should I send the documents for customs clearance in Brazil?

We recommend contacting us 10 days before your move arrives in Brazil. Most of our clients are already in Brazil to provide the necessary documents. Speak to a Transworld representative for more details.

I am leaving Brazil; when should I send you the documents for customs clearance?

O ideal é receber todos os documentos 10 dias antes da embalagem e coleta de sua mudança.

Do you have insurance? How is it arranged? Is it mandatory?

Sim, o seguro é obrigatório, a Transworld não transporta nada sem o seguro contratado. O seguro protege o cliente desde o primeiro dia da mudança até a entrega. Fale com um representante da Transworld para maiores detalhes.

How long does it take?

This depends on the size, origin, and destination of the move. Speak to a Transworld representative.

How long does the packaging take?

This depends on the size of the Move, generally 1 to 2 days.

Do you have self-storage facilities? I can store my belongings with Transworld.

Yes, when you book your international move with us, you receive 30 days FREE in our warehouses in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. For other locations, please speak to one of our representatives.

Can I buy new items and have them delivered to your warehouse?

Yes, this is very common for our customers in Brazil and the USA. Contact us for more details.

Do I need to go to the port/airport to clear customs?

Transworld takes care of everything; you don’t need to go to the port or airport. Just send us the necessary documents by mail, and we’ll take care of the rest.

What is the size of the container?
There are 3 types of containers: 20-foot, 40-foot, and HC. 
A 20-foot container generally fits a 2-3 bedroom house; above that size, a 40-foot or HC container is usually used. During the virtual or in-person inspection, we will indicate which container is appropriate for your move.
What are the dimensions of a 20-foot container?

Dimensions of the 20-foot  model  : Internal: 5,444 mm long x 2,294 mm wide x 2,276 mm high

What are the dimensions of a 40-foot and 40HC shipping container?

The dimensions  are: Internal: 12.043 m long x 2.438 m wide x 2.591 m high. The HC container has the same width and length. It differs in height, measuring 2.69 m.

What is the price difference between the different types of containers?

Although the 40-foot container is twice the size of the 20-foot container, the price is not double. Speak to a Transworld representative for more details.

Is the container just for me, or do you use it for other moves as well?

Transworld uses the container exclusively for you. Your container will not be used by other customers.

How long does customs clearance take in Brazil?

Em geral de 15 a 20 dias.

What document do I need to provide?

Click here  to see the complete list of documents (for those returning to Brazil).
For those leaving Brazil, click here. 
Can I buy new things?

Sim, pode trazer coisas novas para o seu uso pessoal, fale com um representante da Transworld para mais detalhes.

Can I bring my car?

No, unfortunately we don’t offer car transportation.

What items are prohibited during a move?

Plants, narcotics, drugs, cans, food, drones, electric scooters, electric bicycles, boats of any type and size, gasoline/diesel lawnmowers, any engine that uses fuel, gas tanks (even if empty), generators, cars, motorcycles. There are other items not mentioned; if you have any questions about any item, please contact us.

How far in advance should I let you know so you can schedule my move?

Between June and August and December and January, we recommend that you notify us 30 days in advance if possible; outside these periods, 10 days’ notice is sufficient.

Is it worth making an international move?
Moving involves much more than just large furniture and appliances. It’s natural to forget that clothes, dishes, decorations, paintings, toys, and other things take up more space than the large items in your home.
Therefore, when doing the math, remember that space in your suitcase is extremely limited. For this reason, most of our clients choose to take their entire house with them and almost always buy new things to include in the move.
I stayed in Brazil for more than 45 days in the last 12 months and I want to bring my belongings with me. Will I have to pay import tax?

It depends on the total time you were away from Brazil and other factors. Speak to a Transworld representative.

What is a Move of Address Letter (Proof of Residence)?

The document used for moving to Brazil, known as a “Moving Letter,” is one of the most important documents for sending your belongings. This document is a letter issued by the Brazilian consulate or embassy abroad certifying that you have lived outside of Brazil for more than one year.

If the consulate/embassy is located far from your residence, please contact us to obtain an exemption for this document.

 

How far in advance should I schedule my move?

Ideally, you should schedule your appointment about 6 weeks in advance. This allows enough time for organization, paperwork, and logistics.

When should I submit the documents to you for customs clearance of the move?

If you are leaving Brazil: it is important that we receive all the necessary documentation at least one week before packing your belongings.

If you are returning to Brazil: we will only need your Brazilian documents, sent one week before the arrival of your belongings in Brazil.

In other words, there’s no need to worry about authenticating documents at the consulate before moving; you can do that in Brazil, which will be faster and easier.

Contact one of our team members to properly plan deadlines and ensure all documents are submitted on time.

How does Transworld calculate the volume of a move?

We conduct an inspection—either in person or virtually—to estimate the actual volume of the move. Based on this, we recommend the most suitable container (20, 40, or HC) and provide a clear quote. If the volume is smaller or larger than expected, we adjust transparently.

What if the move is to a remote or hard-to-reach destination?

We analyze access to the property (external elevator, stairs, narrow street, parking restrictions) during the inspection. If special equipment or additional services are required, we will inform you and provide quotes for these items separately so you are aware.

Do you help with corporate or office relocations?

Yes! We offer specialized services for businesses, including transportation of furniture, files, electronic equipment, and team logistics, while maintaining deadlines and the integrity of the items.

Is there any assistance available if something arrives damaged?

Yes! All items are insured. In case of damage, our support team will assist with assessment, filing a claim with the insurance company, and replacement or repair according to the contracted coverage.

Can I track my belongings during transport?

Yes! We offer online tracking so you know exactly where your packages are, whether by sea container or air freight.

Do you offer furniture disassembly and assembly services?

Yes, this service is included and offered for simple, non-built-in furniture that has been disassembled by our team during the move.

Contacts

Whatsapp: +55 (11) 4637-5729

São Paulo: 55 (11) 4637-5729
saopaulo@transworldbrazil.com

Rio de Janeiro: 55 (21) 2112-4000
rio@transworldbrazil.com

United States:   +1(786) 375-9065
eua@transworldbrazil.com

Europe: +351 21 145 1583
europa@transworldbrazil.com

Brasilia: 55 (61) 3962-5010
brasilia@transworldbrazil.com

Curitiba: 55 (41) 3411-4400
curitiba@transworldbrazil.com

Belo Horizonte: 55 (31) 3010-8854
belohorizonte@transworldbrazil.com

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