Computer prices in Colombia

fzrdan says on Jan 5, 2005, 09:29:

gib I was thinking that might be the case. I used to have a Brazilian girlfriend and she made a killing buying computers and computer parts in the US and selling them in Brazil. Computers were very expensive there (at the time anyway).

Also, I asked my novia about it and she said a computer would cost around $800 usd or more. I can get one from Dell, or a lot of other places, for much less than $800. I wasn't sure if she really knew the price though, that is why I asked.

Gomezman5 says on Jan 5, 2005, 10:14:

fzrdan---buy it here in US---No question about it This is a no brainer. Colombia is much more $$$.. Right now,computer here are cheaper than ever. In fact, allow me to give you a good suggestion. By a refurbished one from Dell, or HP/Compaq. They are like new. You will save 20% off a new one. They only come with 90 day warranties...but believe me, they are new. But, only buy one from the company web site. Why a refurbushed? Good reason for it.
Here come the lawyer in me. Most factory warranties of products are NOT covered in a foreign country. In other words, if you buy it new and bring it there, you might have to bring it back here for service.
HOWEVER, you can call in advance and see if the will cover it in another country---tell them the country and make sure there is a factory authorized service center there. If there is no coverage, then don't spend the money on a new one, because part of that price indludes 1 year warranty which is of no use to you if it is not covered out of the US

Also like GIB said...By the monitor in COl. They are cheap and readily available. It's not worthe the problem of bringing it here.

Finally, Brazil is not a good comparison....Brazil their customs laws may be more lax. Or she may be telling (customs officials) that she is bringing them for personal use--hence no customs. In this case, you are bringing the computer for your girlfriend in Col. You will have to pay a tax at customs. You can't say it's for you unless you live there....Col is really a pain in the ass when it comes to customs. And if you tell them you are bringing it as a gift for your girl....you will almost assuredly pay a tax....They do this for 2 reasons, 1. They know you can pay....and you will or you can't ring it in. 2. They want to protect Col business. Hell, these idiots in customs taxed me for a new book and a box of candy.

ARMacleod says on Jan 5, 2005, 10:34:

Jings y Crivins!! (a Scottish exclamation) Thanks Gomezman

(It means anything that the reader needs it to mean). You have just buggered all my plans about taking certain items to Colombia on my next trip.

I had the intention of taking my laptop and leaving it there for the use of my intended (her own runs on a mixture of steam and prayer) I may as well leave it here along with the other one for one of my own brats.

I have various other things that I find hard to get in Colombia without making my bank manager cry. Mostly these were presents, like silver EPNS cutlery and similar.

Do I have to leave everything here (in England) or is there anything that would be worth carrying and hang the expense?

Thanks in advance.
JVH
Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions. ¡El diablo me hizo lo hago! But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

Gomezman5 says on Jan 5, 2005, 10:49:

JamesVH---sorry I did not mean to bust your bubble but these are the facts. Colombia like all countries does this to protect their industry to some extent.
The problem is, that Colombian customs tend to be arbitrary. It depends on the inspector.

Look, you need to do a price/savings comparison. In other word, You have to decide how much the item costs in col, if it's avialable, versus what it will cost you in Scotland. Consider the cost and bother of bringing the item there, and what % the tax will be. You are talking about cutlery, silver, and related, I don't think customs will even know what the value of these items are. After all, this is not the every day items are looking to bring into Col. Computers, TV's and alike, they can get an idea of the market valuse. But they would not know Waterford crystal from cheap carved glass. Just take it out of the Waterford box....Understand my point?

Now here is a good question for you. With all the security problems and alike, why the hell would you even want to travel with knives??? I presume that is what you mean by cutlerey. Is it really worth the bother? They might even confiscate these items from you at the airport. You are traveling man...don't you want things to go as smooth
as possible?? Reconsider that idea.

Mario says on Jan 5, 2005, 10:53:

Gifts taxed I'm planning on bringing several gifts with me Friday from Houston to Bogota, packed away in my suitcase. Will I have to pay taxes on those?

fzrdan says on Jan 5, 2005, 10:57:

Gomezman5, I wouldn't say the customs laws in brazil are lax. This was a legit business she was running and the computers and parts were shipped via common carriers to Brazil. She did not normally hand carry anything with her. This means everything went through customs and she paid the appropriate fees (and bribes when she had troubles). Even after dealing with shipping and customs, she still cleared nearly six figures running this from her house.

Anyway, getting back to my question. You do bring up a good point of the refurbished computers. I was just at Dell's website, and the really good deals for even brand new PC's (the cheapest PC's on their site) only had a 90 day warranty anyway. I will look at the refurbished deals later.

JamesVH, if you are bringing a laptop, why say it is for anything other than personal use while you are in Colombia? You tell them you are staying in a place (hotel or house) that provides internet access and you will use it for that. Seems simple enough, although I have not tried it yet. Might be more difficult to convince customs if it is a desktop though! "Yes sir, this is my portable computer. I carry it with me everywhere." I don't think they would believe that.

Hunter says on Jan 5, 2005, 11:05:

JamesVH Bring your laptop and leave it, you can bring things into the Country like that, if (I have never been stoped yet on entry to Colombia) they do stop you and search your bags, tell them it is for your personnel use to communicate with your company back home, while you are in Colombia, or something along those lines.

I can't imagine there being a problem with your cutlery as long as it isn't in your hand luggage.

If you bring two laptops then the questions will start to be asked and probable taxs, IF you are stopped.

Hunter

ARMacleod says on Jan 5, 2005, 11:09:

Thank you gentlemen. The (non computer) type things mostly have sentimental value (I surgically removed most of them from my previous wife) having had them for many years.

I shall have further looks into the conundrum and if I find out anything of value to anyone I shall post it.

Gracias.

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions. ¡El diablo me hizo lo hago! But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

Gomezman5 says on Jan 5, 2005, 11:22:

JamesVH & FZRdan I agree---laptop....no problem They can't tax items that you are bringing in for your personal use.
I mean, be practical. Just say its yours, that you are bringing it in and when you go home, you are bringing it back with you. It's not like they inventory every item that you are bringing and they check it out when you go home. In other words......be a little creative when you are explaining your intentions

Fzrdan....I was just speculating about the Brazilian girl. The main issue is for you to buy PC here, and carry it over there. In fact, they still might tax it. But, if you open the box.....maybe put it in another box so it does not look like new...it will probably look look used and may not get taxed at the same rate....

Lionheart says on Jan 5, 2005, 14:42:

refurbished PCs I have bought many refurbished Dell PCs and laptops from this source in Austin:

www.used-pcs.com

When I lived in Austin I noticed the Dell factory outlet for used PCs closed, because this is the company that refurbishes them. I have bought excellent laptops from them for $300-400, I still have one that is 4 years old and it is running just fine. I would only buy Dell there, although they have some other offers. I bought various towers from small to large for $200-400 as well, not one had problems. If required, I bought extras there as well and let them assemble, like memory, additional drives, etc, never a problem.

adela says on Jan 5, 2005, 14:48:

my pc
One year ago I paid 2millions of pesos(USD 800)for my pc

CaliCalor

juanalejo says on Jan 5, 2005, 17:16:

check prices Check prices at www.virtualexito.com or www.ktronix.com.co or at the Dell site and choose Colombia as your country. They also have a very good service here. Delivery can be very quickly and the guarantee covers you here. Divide the price by 2.315 if you plan to pay with a credit card or by 2.200 if you plan to pay cash. Sometimes it may not be worth the trouble.

gunn44 says on Jan 5, 2005, 17:18:

I got a... ...new HP laptop for my honey, plus a PlayStation II for her brother and carried it in my luggage with no problems. Equivalent in Bogota qas US$400 more for th laptop...US$50 more for the PSII.

I think the "don't ask/don't tell" protocol works here. -Gunner

juanalejo says on Jan 5, 2005, 17:22:

Laptops and Customs Laptops have absolutelly no problem coming in through customs if you carry it as a personal item, nobody will even ask. A brand new PC in a box might be different story.

Gomezman5 says on Jan 5, 2005, 17:31:

Juanalejo is correct Obviously you have to put the PC in a box when you bring it there. Just take it of the factory one, mark it up a little. Get rid of the factory look and plastic, warranty papers instruction manual---carry it separately --just so it does NOT look like you are bringing it in as a gift. You still might get hit for a tax...but not as much $$

santiBOG says on Jan 5, 2005, 17:40:

I would not buy a Laptop in Colombia Even though the computer industry in Colombia is known for being a 'lavanderia', brand-name laptops are not cheaper than in the U.S. I wouldn't do business with anyone in Unilago either.

I would buy the computer in the U.S. and put it in my carry-on lugagge. When you arrive, don't say that it's new. You won't have to pay any taxes.

goosekirk says on Jan 5, 2005, 17:58:

Depends If it's a laptop, bring it from outside Colombia. No one will make you pay customs for it. It's cheaper and you're bound to get a better model, anyway. End o' story.

If it's a desktop, ehh. They're so cheap either way, I wouldn't bother to quibble over a few bucks. Is it worth an extra $30-40 not to pack it in a suitcase and lug it around, versus buying it here? Maybe if you already have the PC anyway, but I wouldn't bother. That said, I did bring my desktop PC (and printer and accessories), and it was heavy and a pain in the ass, but I brought with me exactly what I wanted and already had, and no one said a word at customs. One thing: remove the hard drive and carry it with you! If it's a newer PC and has a large heatsink/fan unit over the CPU, it may be safer to remove that as well (mine was damaged after the trip, due to it being large and heavy), but it can go in your checked bag. Again, I did it, but I wouldn't recommend it. I'd say it's better to buy a generic PC from a local, trustworthy store in Colombia. Do I know of any stores like that... well no, but they must be out there!

santiBOG, where do you go for computer gear? I only know Unilago, and I haven't had any trouble so far.

santiBOG says on Jan 5, 2005, 19:09:

Goose I would buy the desktop from K-Tronik, Exito or a reputable store like that.

In general, I don't buy computer gear in Colombia... I just hate doing business with those money-laundering contrabandistas at Unilago and Sanadresito.

I usually buy online and use an encargo service for delivery in Bog.

ACBlessing says on Jan 5, 2005, 19:27:

I seel parts there too I always take compuer parts down there and sell them to a dealer in San Andrecito. I took a laptop to Bogota and left it there for my GF. Computer parts are damned expensive there! Buy here instead.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

Gomezman5 says on Jan 5, 2005, 19:35:

SantiBOG What do you mean by "lavenderias" like San Andrecito--you mean like???
What I think you mean??

goosekirk says on Jan 5, 2005, 19:50:

Monitors Oh, yeah, if you're buying a desktop for Colombia, I wouldn't even think about trying to ship a monitor here. Monitors are definitely more expensive here, and 17" CRTs are the standard, but at least Samsung is popular and they make a good monitor. I can't imagine trying to ship one here.

I thought common parts were roughly the same price here - guess I didn't look too close. I know the selection is limited, and you'll pay through the nose for the good stuff (try finding a quiet power supply!), but I didn't think average desktop parts were so expensive. Laptop gear, yeah. Where and what is San Andrecito? Dang, I should be doing the same thing...

santiBOG, I'm curious as well what you mean about Unilago. What kinds of experiences have you had? And I'd love to buy online and have things shipped, but I figured it was too expensive and risky. How do you do it?

fzrdan says on Jan 6, 2005, 10:58:

Thanks for the tips everyone. It looks like I will probably get a laptop from the Dell outlet store and bring that with me.

ACBlessing says on Jan 6, 2005, 12:00:

Goosekirk I'm trying to remember where in San Andrecito exactly but it's a building along the main section with a bank inside, very clean, three levels...cafe on the second floor, computer shop on the third. I'll ask my GF the name of it. I stocked several parts from a business I have here and just packed them in my suitcase.

Before, I took a laptop to my GF but didn't bring an external keyboard, mouse, etc. (just to make it easier) and was floored by how much things cost there. I took about 10 20 Gig HDDs and 30 MS Optical mice and made enough money for us to go to Melgar (Kualamana) for a week.

As per monitors, I'm taking a 17" Dell flat panel in my carry on case next time...for GF to use that is. When she finally is ready to come here, we're going to donate all of it to soemone who needs it there. I already have more computers than I can maintain here and won't be needing the stuff back.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

YEP says on Jan 6, 2005, 16:48:

You can carry a PC in a lot of ways .........
Just a few examples: http://www.geargrip.com/

Please remember to unmount PCI/other cards mounted to the motherboard.

Stuff the inside with something soft and have the cards in there too ;-)



-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

Lionheart says on Jan 6, 2005, 17:29:

another tip I always take the hard drives out and take them in my carry-on with all important program CDs. If the worst happens I can get a new computer, but still have my programs and data available.

santiBOG says on Jan 6, 2005, 18:34:

Gomezman Yes, they launder narco-money, it's no secret.

orestesdd says on Sep 13, 2007, 13:47:

I am visiting Bogota next year, and I am planning to bring my old Sony PS2 with me to give it out as a gift. Will it too get taxed?

la campiña says on Sep 13, 2007, 15:18:

bought mine 6 months ago here in cali 1.5 milliones ( pc) superb. Use it mainly to write songs, have Logic, cubase and reason music software and thousands of samples also internet good bit of kit

mranderson says on Sep 13, 2007, 16:03:

When I moved to medellin back in february I entered just on my passport and brought with me my laptop and widescreen tv. The widescreen tv was practically new and I packed it all back up in the plastic and original box so it looked brand new. I didn't pay any taxes and nobody even asked me about it. (well I don't think so anyway...I didn't speak any spanish at the time) I walked right through security and right on out the door dragging behind me a suitcase in one hand and a large tv with the other. I wish I didn't forget my playstation though.

jmbone says on Sep 13, 2007, 17:01:

Two yrs. ago, I brought from the states, 3 Samsung 19 in. monitors...all fit nicely in one 3 dollar throw away Kiwanis Thrift Store suitcase. At the airport, I was asked, and I showed them my business card..... www.cartagenainfo.net, and was waved on bye.

Last yr. I brought in a 32 in. LCD TV for personal use-no trouble, and my partner brought in a 40...again no trouble.

We just bought two Dell PC's with LCD monitors from Dell here in Colombia. Everything is working fine.

We have long suspected that certain electronics with lower MTBF...(mean time between failure) numbers get shipped to countries where the people seem to "accept" junk more than countries where the people are "guarantee" oriented?

I was reminded of this just yesterday. I live in an apt. where an outside repairman was "rebuilding" a half dozen of our high energy coiled, screw in light bulbs! I could not believe what I was seeing!

I told him that I just brought in 16 bulbs (to be used in the halls) from the states. He said we would not have any trouble with these because they came from the states.

Which to me, substantiated our belief that a lot of the lower quality crap from China gets shipped to countries where the people accept it, and don't complain.....it's a culture thing that hurts the people!

On the positive side, it does provide employment for thousands of savy Colombians who repair the crap!