Books - Amazon delivery to Bogota

Peter (Moderator) says on Jun 15, 2008, 12:23:

I ordered from Amazon to Colombia in 1999. The book didn't arrive for 2 months, I called Amazon, and they sent me another copy for free. 3 weeks later, both books arrived. It was great :) I don't remember the sending costs though...

Poor but snappy

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Peter (Moderator) says on Jun 15, 2008, 12:24:

So I think you can assume the books should arrive safely...

Poor but snappy

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jun 15, 2008, 12:25:

Was the first book already pre-read?

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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hongo_joe says on Jun 15, 2008, 13:08:

I ordered some books from Amazon earlier this year. They took about two months. They arrived a few days after the estimated delivery date. The package was unopened and there were no customs issues.

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bickerss says on Jun 15, 2008, 13:28:

Go to the new english book store near Chapinero - they have a great selection and they will order in what you want as well.

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ixent says on Jun 15, 2008, 13:30:

I ordered a CD back in 2001 and it worked, took about 3 weeks I think.

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adrienne79 says on Jun 15, 2008, 15:12:

How much do they charge for shipping to here? is it by price point or quantity or lbs?

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hongo_joe says on Jun 15, 2008, 15:39:

Check their website for details. The shipping cost for my order of two books (400 pages each) was $14.97.

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twmcm says on Jun 15, 2008, 16:01:

Where is this English bookstore in/near Chapinero? There used to be a place called Author's that stocked a pretty good selection. I understand it went out of business last year.

---

Amazon . . . I'll know sooner or later. Today I ordered six books for delivery to Bogota.

Books: $66.11
Shipping: $71.93

Shipping estimate:June 16, 2008
Delivery estimate:June 18, 2008 - June 24, 2008

Stay tuned.

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sloopskipper says on Jun 15, 2008, 16:43:

I order from Amazon, with shipping via AirBox http://www.aeropost.com/main.htm and receive in less than two weeks (in Panamá). They also deliver to Bogotá and elsewhere in Colombia.

I think DVD shipping (to my apartment) was maybe eight bucks. I also ordered Chapman's Seamanship, which must weigh 12 pounds, and I think shipping was maybe $32. That took less than 3 weeks.

Airbox deals with aduana.

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viajero123 says on Jun 15, 2008, 17:13:

I have it shipped to a Miami address: www.ultrabox.com, and pay 4.5 USD per pound for the delivery to Colombia. They provide me with a Miami address and I only pay for shipping, no monthly maintenance or anything (check their website for the latest info on this, as they might change, and they might charge new customer a maintenance fee). They handle customs, and books pay no duty or VAT. They charge my credit card and deliver 24 to 48 hours after receiving the package in my Miami address.

Another provider is TCC, they charge 2.50 USD per pound but with a minimum 10 USD. www.tcc.com.co The payment with them is more complicated though, you have to go and pay in the bank or a Bancolombia account I think.

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mranderson says on Jun 15, 2008, 18:32:

I also ordered from amazon recently and it took almost 3 weeks. I think the shipping cost was about 15 bucks. Book arrived in perfect shape.

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schm1359 says on Jun 16, 2008, 08:01:

what about shipping a camera? does anyone have any advice? is that too risky?

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viajero123 says on Jun 16, 2008, 10:12:

www.ultrabox.com has worked good for me. The downside is that you have to pay 10% duty and 16% VAT plus the shipping charges.
I would not even try it to order a camera and put the Colombian address. It would get stolen on the way or "confiscated" by the Colombia customs until you pay the duty and taxes which can be impossible to do.

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sloopskipper says on Jun 16, 2008, 16:45:

schm1359 (newbie) says on Jun 16, 2008, 08:01: flag

"what about shipping a camera? does anyone have any advice? is that too risky?"

I would only trust with a service like ultra or aerobox. I am sure both will deal with aduana and deliver to you home.

I would feel comfortable in Panamá, but in Colombia, I don't know.

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sloopskipper says on Jun 16, 2008, 16:49:

If is a very expensive camera, it might be cheaper to fly to New York (or elsewhere) and buy it (but not in airport "duty-free").

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bickerss says on Jun 16, 2008, 17:57:

I had mobile phones sent to colombia by DHL and had to pay a hefty tax to get it out; you will be the same I think for Cameras.

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adrimm says on Jun 16, 2008, 19:15:

In exchange for being able to read them on the flights down, I'd happily purchase & ferry a couple of book down for someone who doesn't mind a cracked spine. Free express delivery, purchase price repayment in COP. We just need a similar taste in books.
:)

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twmcm says on Jun 16, 2008, 19:16:

Follow up . . . English bookstore . . . Author's . . . It's still in operation at Carerra 5 and Calle 70. I went there today.

Go there only if you are in dire need of a new book. Prices are outrageous; 200% to 300% higher than normal. Special orders take one month or more, says the sales droid. Why not just order from Amazon and the book comes to your door in the same or less time (probably much cheaper, too)?

Their selection is okay but certainly not great. I'm looking for Horace's Odes and they had nothing even close - not even any sort of related poetry anthology.

I also found a place called Books & Books in the extreme north - Calle 140 and 16. Good selection & better prices.

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twmcm says on Jun 18, 2008, 11:22:

Well folks, my Amazon order was placed on Monday and today it arrived in Bogota at my apartment.

DHL tracking number:

8417675184

No issues with customs or anyone else.

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adrimm says on Jun 18, 2008, 18:54:

Holy cow.. they must have had it in a warehouse in Miami or something..that's amazing.

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Joel y Luza says on Jun 18, 2008, 23:07:

seriously?? very cool!!!!!
That just gave me soooo many ideas!!
how much was freight, if I dare ask?!?!?
Its actually amazing how much shit, ( I mean stuff) you can buy on Amazon, and send to family, if not too much for shipping costs, that is a very great vector to use to send needed stuff to Colombia from the States.....

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twmcm says on Jun 19, 2008, 17:23:

The numbers: shipping was $71.93 for six books.

It is not cheap compared to what you may expect, but it is certainly cheaper than buying from Authors.

Amazon won't ship just anything to an international address. For example; most electronic items are US-shipment only.

All books can be shipped anywhere in the world - other items may contain shipping restrictions in the item information section.

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