Sending electronics to Bogota

boomer says on Jun 15, 2005, 07:57:

PC's to Colombia.......Been there, Done that! I sent disassembled w/out case or monitor. It was cheaper! You can buy a case in Colombia cheaply. Monitor is more of a hassle and expense to send than it's worth. Easier to purchase there. You are allowed up to $1500 USD worth of gifts without import tax, but it doesn't always work out that way. Best option is purchase a used laptop on Ebay, put it in a box, ship it as a gift. The money you'll save on shipping will pretty much pay for the laptop.

Also - Scout around for better shipping sources, there are many in Miami. Shipped laptop to Colombia 2 weeks ago, cost $57.00 (that included UPS from Midwest). 3 day delivery! :o)

orgullo_de_colombia

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Rubiazo says on Jun 15, 2005, 08:14:

I can definitely send disassembled But my boy down there who i trust to put this shit together may be leaving as early as the 28th, so I dunno who could guarantee the arrival of everything before that time. Otherwise I have to put it together myself here or pay the local store $60 to do it.

Aren't monitors stupid expensive at unilago and other places? I have a spare 17" monitor here that is doing absolutely NOTHING and maybe worth $30 on the market here, not even worth taking out of my house to sell here!
We're definitely getting the keyboard at unilago because even on pricewatch, Spanish keyboards are still more expensive here!! The case I could also buy there.

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boomer says on Jun 16, 2005, 07:21:

17" Monitor.............. There'in lies the problem!! Your 17" monitor is worth little here, but to box it up and ship to Colombia will cost you 4 times what it's worth. You also run the risk of it getting broken in the process and then your out the money spent to ship it. Better to spend the money there and buy a used monitor. That's why I don't send PC's to Colombia, Only laptops!

Good luck!

orgullo_de_colombia

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Rubiazo says on Jun 16, 2005, 07:43:

I just checked it would cost me at least 400k pesos to buy a monitor comprable to this at Unilago, so it's still worth it to ship it. :( I just have to make sure i spring for insurance I guess.
However I will get the case at unilago, because it costs the same there at it does here.

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Rubiazo says on Jun 16, 2005, 07:45:

What i really wanna know is, if I send it through USPS, what kind of issues might I have with customs? If I pack some documents with it indicating the market value of the goods, will it help? How much stuff ($) can I put in that box before I have to pay duty, or would I pay regardless of amount?

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boomer says on Jun 16, 2005, 10:22:

USPS?????????? USPS will NOT insure anything to Colombia!! If it gets there, If it isn't broken, You'll be lucky!! Ship it through a reputiable shipper. USPS is OK for postcards and letters that are of no value and time is not an issue. Can take weeks or months, if at all?? UPS & FedX are dependable, Insurable, But you won't like the price! Try "Servientrega.com" at $1.70 per lb + 28% import fee. You'll need a complete list of everything in the box, In Spanish. I believe they ship out of NYC and Miami. Probably as good as it gets? It might be cheaper to ship UPS to Miami and then use a Colombian shipper from there. Do a little internet searching for shippers in Miami, there are many.

orgullo_de_colombia

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boomer says on Jun 16, 2005, 10:36:

Earlier post.............. Here's an earlier post on shipping with Servientrega. I believe someone said they have a 40 lb limit per pkg??? Maybe this will help you.

"Miguel has posted this info often, but I will post again.
As mentioned Beatriz speaks basic info. I speak fair-poor Spanish.

Cost: 1-7lbs flat rate $15. 7lbs is $1.80 per lb. Insurance is 5% of declared value (not actual unless they are the same). 28% customs on declared value. I did not pay ins. because I felt it is so secure the chances are slim to none anything would not get there.

I put an inventory sheet inside the box with each item listed and the USED value of each item. Total it all and that is the amount you will pay the 28% on. I mail using usps parcel post about 3-4 days from St. Louis, MO

I write the Cali address on the box, then cover that address with a large envelope addressed to Beatrize at Servientrga. In the envelope I include a copy of the inventory and my name, add, phone, & email. She will call and email when it arrives, then you can pay the onward shipping by cc. Since you pay shipping AND customs with her, the person on the receiving end pays nothing (big advantage for me!).

It was sent on Wed. to cali and arrived Fri morning, up the steps and to the door!! My novio said everything was perfect! I want to know what I send actually gets there, therefore, I will pay a little more for the peace of mind and efficiency.

Address:
2234 NW 82nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33122
Tel: 1-786-331-9001

With the above info, you will have no problems shipping. Speak slowly and Beatriz will understand you."

orgullo_de_colombia

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Rubiazo says on Jun 16, 2005, 11:06:

Thanks for the info I have NO problem with Spanish (I never would have met my novia otherwise). I'm going to check servientrega's site now. I live in NYC so hopefully I won't have to do the dual-shipping thing.

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