What items can I transport? (gifts to Cali)

[genode]

I'm taking some gifts with me to Cali and I was curious about what I can take.  My gifts include clothing, some cooking spices and a bottle of whiskey.  I won't have any problems with these in my suitcase??...they will be checked on NOT carry-on items.

[Pete E]

... in response to What items can I transport? (gifts to Ca..., posted by genode on Jul 9, 2002

When you go in to Colombia they hand you a customs sheet to fill out on the airline.In it they want you to state anything you are bringing in that you will not be taking back out.They also want to know if you are bringing in more than $10,000(Im believe thats the number).
If you say yes  on anything you are bringing in you have to go through a special customs line I believe.I have never done this,but I think they might try to determine the value of the items and  charge a tax.
The practice is,especially if you ask a Colombian,never declare anything.This is what I have done even when  we were taking in things and when the suitcases were opened.Never a question.Also,when you get your baggage off the carisol get one of the guys with a cart to help you.He will wisk you around the station where they open luggage.If you just walk out there looking like where do I go next they will wave you over.My wife recently asked an official at the Colombian counsolate here about taking in a TV.He said just use the cart guys and the bag will never be opened.We are not doing this because it was too heavy and my wifes father got a price there that was as good as here(surprisingly,you usually pay up for electronics.)
Anyone here ever had a problem carrying in things?

[Cali vet]

... in response to What items can I transport? (gifts to Ca..., posted by genode on Jul 9, 2002

You shouldn't have problems with any of those items. You might skip the oregano though. I brought a hummingbird feeder to a friend of mine who lives in the mountains a few trips back. The food (sugar and dye) that comes with it is in the form of a white powder packed in plastic bags. I was going to bring him some extra packages then thought about how my explanation would sound to the agents in Cali "no,no it's hummingbird food" just before they led me away and thought better of it. Lately when I've arrived in Cali customs inspectors there have made me open all my bags both checked and carry-on. On my next trip I'm bringing my fiance a new cordless phone in the box among other things. I hope they don't try to charge me duty on it.

[Villa in Cali]

... in response to Re: What items can I transport? (gifts t..., posted by Cali vet on Jul 9, 2002

The Cali customs inspectors have stepped up their inspections.  I travel every month to Cali and almost everytime they've searched my bags.  I wouldn't worry about the cordless phone.  Just tell them it's for personal use.  As far as using the guys with the push carts.  It doesn't make a difference.  I use it everytime and they still stop me.  I think the inspections work on a lottery system.  Right before you exit with your bags you give the inspector your DIAN form then you push the button on the machine and I think if a certain color comes up then they inspect your bags.  Also I believe they select certain individual based on appearance.  Although it's a hassle these inspectors are ok guys, just follow their instructions and you'll have no problems.  

Pacino

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Re: What items can I transport? (gif..., posted by Villa in Cali on Jul 9, 2002

I agree Pacino but i think the inspection is based not on a lottery but on a "here comes a gringo" system. But it's ok, I don't mind. I've never had any problems either.

[Villa in Cali]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: What items can I transport? ..., posted by Cali vet on Jul 9, 2002

I'm not sure but one of the inspectors told me once that inspections are based on a system that works with the Door you exit through when leaving the baggage claim area.  Did you ever notice the light on the top of the door?  When you push the button to exit that light signals whether you will be inspected or not.  Next time you go through check it out. You are right about "here comes a gringo" system.

Pacino

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: What items can I transpo..., posted by Villa in Cali on Jul 9, 2002

Seems like I missed something here.After you get by all the doors you go to pick up your luggage.There are all these people standing around waiting for luggage.It is chaos.Once you grab yours you either carry it out,(no more doors but a few inspection lines in the middle of the lobby)good chance you will be waved over to open the bags,or get a guy with a cart who will try to take you around the bag inspection and seems to do this most of the time.My wife thinks the cart guy can sort of say to the inspectors this guy(or woman) is OK,if they even question,which they don't seem to,he just walks around them.Thats the way it worked for us last time,no one opened a bag.My wife is taking in all kinds of gifts for the family plus carrying things for 3 other people when she goes soon.We will see if her luck holds up. She also told me a Colombian can carry in $700 worth of things?
One other time however I remember getting our bags and then a guy sent them through x ray.It seemed we got the bags earlier than the last time at the carosol by the exit door?
Did I miss something here?
But,what happens if they do open a bag and find you bringing in things obviously not for your own use?Has anyone ever had to pay a tax or duty on anything?

Pete

[Villa in Cali]

... in response to Did I miss something here?, posted by Pete E on Jul 10, 2002

After you have your luggage you need to give your DIAN form to the custom inspector who is standing in front of a door frame which everyone passes through.  A button is pushed which tiggers a light at the top.  This system has been in place for at least the last 3 years I've been traveling to Cali.  Once you pass that area you either will have your bags searched or they will let you pass through directly to the exit door where the airport employee will check your ticket to make sure the luggage you have is yours.  Then you exit to the mob which is standing outside.  By the way the baggage claim area has been remodeled it looks alot better than it did in the past.

Pacino