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Colombian Customs at Medellin

What type of things I'm I (or whomever) going to have a problem with getting through customs if I get the red light at the gate. I was thinking of bringing down like 2 or 3 playstations and 2 or 3 DVD players. Will I be taxed on these items? Can I say that they are gifts? What about other items that others might be wondering about.

I remember traveling as a kid, my parents would have to pass the agent a $20 or 2 to get pass through customs with all the stuff we would bring down or else they would confiscate it. Has anybody gone through a situation like this lately?

By BigO on Aug 30, 2005, 06:55 in Friendly Talkzone.

utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 07:35:

My kids went through Medellin this past summer hauling two new computers, a videocamera and a digital camera. They did get some grief with customs until my brother-in-law, who was waiting outside for them, was able to come in and intervene. Then all was well.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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viewpoint says on Aug 30, 2005, 07:45:

BIG O Two things spring to my mind. First, your playstations in Medellin are worthless until you have someone install the special chip that will allow you (or someone else) to pay the counterfit games (costing US$2.50 each) and second, bringing a DVD from the USA that only supports zone (region) one (USA) will be a wasted exercise. If you bring a DVD make sure it support Zone (region) one and four.

My sons were able to get their playstations converted and bought over seventy of the counterfit games. They thought they died and went to heaven. I did not see them leave their room for three days except for something a eat or drink leaving then only to buy some more games. Maybe you already know this but if not wait and buy the stuff in Colombia.

Three equal of any electronic item(s) is really pushing it and you will have a better chance if they are out of the box appearing used. Carry invoice copies with you in case they decide to tax you.

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spigrimace says on Aug 30, 2005, 12:02:

I always get the red light Because when you always come down with 4 big suitcases and overstuffed caryy on they want to see what you have.

I had albeit well used Stereo equipment, computer software, tools, small appliances and the only thing they worried about were:

Costco size box full of 1000 envelopes. I swear they checked every envelope for money.

The 50 little button Batteries I brought for the multi color lighted pens my employees use as part of their waiter´s uniform.

Go figure.

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DianaMa says on Aug 30, 2005, 15:03:

Don't Bring Anything... You can get all that stuff here in Colombia and tailored for the Colombian market, plus it all has warrenties (if you buy from a reputable locale). I really think you are going to have to do alot of explaining about why you have repeated items in your luggage, they'll assume you want to sell it and that means duty charges.

As for the red light, I have no idea if it really is random but I never get stopped in Bogota and I always get stopped in Medellin. Usually they unzip the bags, poke around and chat me up, very annoying. ;)
Cheers
Diana

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utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 15:12:

How about a photo? They must be chatting you up for a reason.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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DianaMa says on Aug 30, 2005, 19:20:

Well..... ...I haven't had any complaints yet :) I'm just a normal run of the mill Colombian woman. (We are all beautiful, inside and out).

Cheers

Diana

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utopiacowboy says on Aug 30, 2005, 21:29:

I bet you haven't had any complaints. Except from PBH posters who'd like to see your photo! If you're a normal run of the mill Colombian woman, then I have no doubt you're beautiful.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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BigO says on Aug 31, 2005, 08:15:

Thanx for all your comments guys. I knew about the Playstation piracy, but last I checked they're cheaper here in the states ($150) then like $100K (Col) to have the chip placed. DVD players are so cheap here as well, I saw one in target for ~$40, that I just think they would be great gifts. I doubt I can beat those prices down in Medallo. Great tip on taking the stuff unpackaged I think I'll use that one. And about the regions I'm not sure I can get a DVD player here in the states that'll play other Region's DVDs.

Hey Diana, don't be so modest, I'm sure those customs guys are chatting you up for a reason. C'mon how about that picture.

Yo! Spig, can't wait to catch a football game at your place. If not a Sunday there is always the traditional Monday night game. End of September, Medallo here I come.

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boomer says on Aug 31, 2005, 09:08:

BigO Re: DVD players
Check out Ebay. You can buy DVD players that are not region specific at very reasonable prices.

orgullo_de_colombia

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Eclipse says on Aug 31, 2005, 14:47:

Region Free DVD Players BigO,

You can purchase Region Fee DVD players in the states. Go to yahoo or google and type in 'Region Free DVD Players'. You many not get many brand name models like you would at Circuit City or Best Buy, but you can get them here. Here is some information regarding Regions: http://zonefreedvd.com/codefreedvd/regionfreedvdfaq.html

Good Luck!

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