How much can you take down there??

[JunFan]

My wife is taking a bunch of regalos down to the familia in Colombia...I'm thinking she's taking enough stuff that she may get messed with the local customs guys, as in impuestos of some sort.  

Does anyone remember how much (value of presents) that you are allowed to bring into Colombia??

TIA,
Mike

[Georgina]

... in response to How much can you take down there??, posted by JunFan on Nov 17, 2001

When I go to Peru and take presents for my family. I don't wrap the presents. I removed them from their packages and cut off the labels with the prices. Specially if I am taking clothes or shoes to give. Then when I get there, I wrap them. When my husband sent me presents to Peru. He would send everything nicely wrapped and even if the price was there. Customs charged me with more than the gift cost because they think that if you buy stuff in the States, it costs a lot and you must have a lot of money.

They said you are allow to take $300 in presents but a friend bought a thermos here for 50 bucks and was charge 25 for it.

[H2-Oh]

... in response to How much can you take down there??, posted by JunFan on Nov 17, 2001

My wife and I had a discussion about taking stuff to Colombia. If the relatives up here find that you are going to Colombia they send you all this stuff. It's not worth much but it takes up room in a suitcase and I our case would add an addition suitcase. I think it's better to buy whatever you would bring to Colombia in Colombia. The more you can avoid Colombian inspectors the better.

H2-Oh

[El Diablo]

... in response to Re: How much can you take down there??, posted by H2-Oh on Nov 18, 2001


I agree H2-OH, I've seen people load up their suitcases with a lot of ordinary things that are easily boughten in Colombia.  These items aren't necessarily that much cheaper in the States either.  When I was in Cali, I found all the things I usually buy here at SuperLey or LA 14 and at comprable costs.  

Even electronic things that are a bit out of the ordinary can be found.  If a person wants a computer or laptop for instance, there's a whole mall in Cali called La Pasarela that is more or less devoted to computers and their accesseries.

Russia on the other hand is a different story.  When I was in Saint Petersburg a few years back, American products were much  more scarce.  I've heard of Russian families loading up their suitcases when traveling back and this seems more reasonable.

[Craig]

... in response to How much can you take down there??, posted by JunFan on Nov 17, 2001

I think it's $400.00 in US value. without a duty surcharge.....