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import taxes on a crappy TV

Hi,

I am thinking of bringing a TV down to Colombia for my fiance. Hers crapped out on her, and I want to bring one down. I know the first thing people will say is to buy one there... But, I have two colour TVs in storage at my Mom's (don't ask) and I always do just carry-on when travelling. I think I can fit a TV into a box of acceptable size and weight for baggage on an airline. I know there will be import taxes, but it will be much cheaper than buying one in Colombia and letting my TV here in Canada collect dust for another year...

How much will the taxes be... The TV is over 14 years old, about 21", but still works like a charm. Do they count depreciaton? (Basically, I couldn't sell it for more than peanuts here). If I can count it as luggage, the tranportaion will be free, I'm just worried Colombian customs will tax me at a rate as if the TV were new... I don't have receipts (in fact, I have no recolection of where I even got the thing...)

Thanks in advance,

Dave

By daver on Aug 3, 2004, 23:30 in Friendly Talkzone.

pointofview says on Aug 4, 2004, 06:59:

Dave Taxes Dear Dave:

My recollection is that you can bring up to US$1500 in electronics without paying any taxes but you must be able to produce invoices if asked. They have only asked me once (in over five years) for the invoices and my bags are always filled with stuff. Last trip they warned me not to travel without invoices. If they see more than three items the same you are in trouble as it appears to be their self imposed limit for person use.

Last time I had 40ea. Cat5 ethernet splice cables in my bag and that caught their attention. Yo no habla espanol, yo habla english solo. That didn't buy any time as they waived the next travler over who was bilingual to interpret and the questions come but in the end they allowed me to pass but said no more of suitcases full of electronics without invoices and I expect to see the same faces next trip.

A 14 year old TV without an invoice won't cause a problem in my opinion. If it does let them have it and buy another for your girlfriend. A 14 year TV in Colombia wouldn't have to much value so you should be just fine.

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vicshere says on Aug 4, 2004, 12:43:

no problem daver every time I travel to Colombia I bring max weight allowed on plane and I brought everything from VCRs stereos to name a few items and have never been stopped or questioned.....you just have to remember to package it good as it will take a beating along the way

listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

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