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help me... iam in big delima....

hi to all

well i am in big delima, actually wat happened is -- on 1 sep 08 i sent laptop ($ 628 USD) to colombia through Fedex( Fedex charges $ 234 AUD) australia sydney bondi. now my frnd talked to colombia fedex outlet to pic up the laptop but she told me that fedex has been asking for TAX on it which is 150 $, something like

(16% del valor que registrastes)(es un pco alto por la declaracion del valor que escribistes)

is it true about what she is saying?
and i dont understand spanish
i tried to consult fedex in australia but dont have any clue about this.

or if any one would be more generous to give a call to this particular FEDEX in colombia and ask them about this matter, it would be very appreciated. i will be always helpfull and obliged.
FEDEX
CALLE 30, numero 1-25
boo 4
barranquilla colombia
zip code 99993

Thanks Alot

By sunnyhanda on Sep 5, 2008, 01:26 in Friendly Talkzone.

viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 5, 2008, 01:31:

Computers pay 16% VAT on import, and probably a 20% duty is applicable too. It is most certainly true.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

mail@bjorndeboeck.com says on Sep 5, 2008, 04:45:

a way to possibly get around charges like this is making them think it is a personal item and used. I flew in with a brand new 34" flatscreen and told them just that. I came in without paying anything...

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larryrn says on Sep 5, 2008, 04:52:

when it is used you can't ship it in the original boxes, it has to be different packing so you can argue your case to the DAN people. It helps too if you have some scratches or dust on the products as well.. I have been there and it is a hassle. They actually look up the model numbers and check the going retail prices at Amazon and on the internet at DAN before releasing anything without the 16% tax. Larry

Larry Snyder, www.rn.org

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Cerealkiller says on Sep 5, 2008, 04:52:

If the laptop has never been used you have to pay IVA which is 16%...

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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mail@bjorndeboeck.com says on Sep 5, 2008, 05:01:

i concur

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dwmte7 says on Sep 5, 2008, 06:02:

it's DIAN (dept. de impuestos y aduanas national) and arguing with them can be a toughie.

bring you tv's and computers on the plane with you. they wont hassle you. we've brought in 3 large flat panels and numerous computers and never paid a dime. however, when you bring in your personal belongings through the ports (in container)...bend over.

dwmte

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 5, 2008, 06:28:

wait, computer up to a value of $1.800.000 COP or aprox $900 USD do not have to pay any VAT. I don't know how this applies to computers that you import yourself, but it does apply to laptops purchased from dell.com/co which are manufactured and then imported. Double check why they are charging IVA and when they should charge it.

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jonas says on Sep 5, 2008, 07:11:

and viajero123 has the point. Go argue with them. I keep my fingers crossed.

Mi alma se la dejo al diablo

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LORE says on Sep 5, 2008, 14:07:

It is true and you do have to pay IVA no matter if it new or used. You should have declareded the value of the laptop for USD100 or less. That way the IVA would have been lower.

Check if you declared a value for the computer or for insurance otherwise argue the value is very low.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Sep 5, 2008, 14:26:

Next time just print up a fake receipt and take it out of the original box.

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panthdave says on Sep 6, 2008, 07:54:

Your allowed up to 1500.00 Dollars....So maybe they are setting a value over the amount to collect...and they are billing Fedex for Duty...I send many times items for tradeshows to Canada thru Fedex and then two weeks later I get a Duty invoice from Fedex they billed on account..which Canada charged them.. Well this is what your allowed to bring in thru the airport I guess there is a different amount for cargo import..

panthdave Miami

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