bringing stuff into colombia on flight

donmia says on Feb 28, 2008, 11:08:

I just flew down last week with a 42" LCD tv. it was overweight and oversized for American Airlines. it did really well, no bumps or bruises in the original box (with a comforter and some pillows placed inside where the styrofoam was not).

the customs form i was given on the plane said i could bring in $1,500 worth of goods, no questions or taxes. I had a receipt for the t.v. saying $989 in my hand. that helped. after that, they didn't even bother to look at the other stuff i had to see if it would be over.

I brought dishes, etc. lots of breakables. they were in bubble wrap and taped with postal tape. I guess i could have dropped them on a wood floor and they would have been fine the way i did them. but that may be a stretch.

they aren't great with the bags, but they're not horrible either. we've sent three lcd t.v.s this way and all have arrived unharmed and working great.

if you have the receipts, keep them handy. i was told they may check the internet and try to find a price for it and tax you on that - rather than what you actually paid. when i handed the tv receipt - again- they just shrugged after seeing the price was way below the $1,500 limitation.

Nobody even bothered with my personal ipod, cell phone, other electronics that would have easily tossed me over the threshold. they seem to be looking for "regalos" that are electronic and expensive. Nothing else is on the radar screen.

Have a great trip!

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RUV says on Feb 28, 2008, 11:24:

I recently read that some airlines are charging for the second bag check. I think Delta is one of them. Cost was 25 bucks I think. You may want to check this information with the airlines.

You can ask the airlines to put a fragile sticker on it. They have done that for me.

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larryrn says on Feb 28, 2008, 14:34:

Avianca is the best for travelling with LCD TVs.. 46 inch Sony in original packing for $80 Fort Lauderdale to Rionegro..

--- Larry Snyder - http://www.rn.org - Your Source for Online Nursing Education!

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la campiña says on Feb 28, 2008, 16:03:

where are you putting the drugs ha, oh yea youre coming into colombia, normaly its ok , however this is colombia, keep youre reciepts and researh paper work you may need, you only need a pedantic wanna please my boss kind of a kid at customs and without the correct documents it can become a circus, you know the red tape nonsense here, so be on guard.

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analyzethis1 says on Feb 28, 2008, 17:46:

I must be missing something...nothing got stolen during the trip? Upon arrival? Yet, we're cautioned to lock our luggage and/or hand carry any electronics, etc. Especially when contents are in original packaging. Please reassure how all this can be done...anyone. Thx!

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

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GregYohn says on Feb 28, 2008, 18:39:

Hola!

In January with Avianca, I brought in my oversized 32" LED TV Free with 2 other checked in items, plus I brought a stroller and car seat WITHOUT a baby for no extra charge. I got 3 check-in items, since I travelled business class. I consider I saved $300, since Avianca gave me the business class ticket free.

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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Buongone says on Feb 28, 2008, 20:41:

analyzethis1, I've only been cautioned about that when flying within Colombia. Just get one of those really tiny padlocks. ( made for luggage) . I don't believe you can or need to when flying to Colombia from the US.

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donmia says on Feb 29, 2008, 10:28:

it's a real good idea when flying out of Miami to shrink-wrap and/or lock your luggage. not necessary, but we've got lots of stolen items from luggage here. there was a big story in a local paper about it several years ago. just because it's the u.s. doesn't mean we don't have thieves, or opportunities to steal.

even if it's a domestic US flight.

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analyzethis1 says on Feb 29, 2008, 18:04:

I would like to take as many things with me like everyone above has done but I am so worried especially when connecting a flight bound for Bogota from Toronto. I've learned their airport is notorious for thieves (and most are employees!) I fly Air Canada all the way.

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

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msaucey says on Feb 29, 2008, 23:06:

Analyzethis..... Yes, the airport employees are notorious for getting into a bag if you give them a way.... We always put locks on our luggage, just keep them handy when you reach customs.... My cousin took a duffle bag and he had a lock on it, but it wasn't fully secured, they managed to grab items that were at the top of the duffle bag.... Also, some of the really tiny locks that can be opened with pins are useless, if you're going to put a lock might as well be a real lock....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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Gator says on Mar 1, 2008, 14:16:

Use the plastic ties like the ones used to tie electrical wire together. Cheap and very effective. Big plus if one is cut you know immediately if you have a problem. Since we started using these we have never lost another thing.

You can also run them through the rung or arm of a chair. If the bag walks so does the chair and people WILL notice that.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Papi de Alejo says on Mar 1, 2008, 17:18:

I remember one time I was changing planes in St. John's, Antigua. When I got to St. Kitts, my bag looked fine, but as soon as I had to open it for customs, I discovered that the outside zippered pouch had been opened and cut through to the inside of the bag. Don't remember if I lost anything but I certainly marveled at the ingenuity of people who want to have your stuff more than you want to keep it to yourself.

PdA

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JohnD123 says on Mar 2, 2008, 13:48:

Just to follow up. Made it across - no problems. Cost $125 to bring the oversized box on the plane (AA to Miama, then Avianca to Cartegena etc,...). I called Fed-ex just to check and they quoted me $800, LOL. Colombian customs guy was friendly, enjoyed practicing his English with me. I was friendly back :). He looked through all my stuff. He asked if my PC was new and I said some parts were. He saw the Playstations and I told them they were for the kids. He opened the box with the LCD inside and I just told him straight out it was new. He asked how much it cost. I told him a few hundred dollars and went to show him my receipt but I had misplaced it. He then said everything was ok and let me pass. Kids are playing Ratchet and Clank in Hidef now. :).

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