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Argentina Expat Forum

Questions--Moving there in 1 week

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Cezanne888
10/2/2015 21:32 EST

We are coming to Buenos Aires from the US in a week via Panama--we read that you need proof of onward travel--is this something you have to show at the airport before they let you into the country, or can we buy a ferry ticket to Uruguay when we are already there?

We have already sold our home & gotten rid of almost everything. Between our clothes, personal possessions & cooking tools (I'm a chef), we have 2 rollalongs, 2 suitcases & 4 duffle bags--would it be crazy to come with that many bags--the cost would be $320 baggage fees from Hawaii to Panama, and again $320 from Panama to Argentina--we couldn't find any other way to get them there and I don't know how difficult it would be to replace everything.
Do they have a Mail Boxes etc. there where we could receive packages? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

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TomP
10/3/2015 08:21 EST

Getting mail from abroad and sending mail from Argentina can be problematic, weeks and weeks can go by without a delivery.

I know in Mendoza there is a Culinary Store that has most items a chef would need.

The last thing you want is Argentine Customs arguing that what you have brought with you is in fact "New and thus highly taxable.

I strongly suggest a new start, buy everything in Argentina.

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CarolKiel
10/12/2015 06:28 EST

We have purchased many items to bring to our home in Cafayate and have cleared customs at Jorge Newbery or in Buenos Aires at the Buquebus terminal. We had some receipts for the new items, but were not charged any duty. There was never a question about used items.
We have found that it is sometimes difficult to find items of comparable quality here due to import restrictions, so you might want to consider bringing your professional tools of the trade. I am not familiar with availability in Mendoza, but it sounds like that may be a good solution as well

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TomP
10/12/2015 08:12 EST

Carol Kiel,

Can you clarify a little? Did you bring into Argentina items on a Bus? Or did you bring items in by shipping container?

There is a huge world of difference in bringing little items and items like furniture or a car in a container. Every horror story I have heard, and there are many, wad the BA Customs when a Foreigner shipped in items in a container.

I have NEVER heard of a Foreigner having a pleasant and effective encounter with BA Customs.

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almost1
10/19/2015 10:56 EST

I have lived in Mendoza for almost 7 years up to 2013. Then moved out of Argentina. It is correct that BA customs is a horror story. They kept a box of mine that was mailed to me, supposedly save mail by FedEx. They questioned the contents which was simply some kitchen ware, a sign for my new home and a few pieces of clothing. After 6 months of back and forth I never received my box. All was confiscated and "I was told" dispersed to others.

Mendoza does have a culinary school and places to go to buy wares that are needed. Some are taxed higher depending on where they are imported (if imported) from and that is a narrow list.
You are coming with too much baggage, both for you comfort of carrying with you for awhile and for "questions" at customs when you arrive.
I first moved there in 2006, after studying Panama and Uruguay. We wound up sending a 20 ft. container after we decided to choose AR. for our home. That was also a mistake. We could have purchased all we needed for our 5 bedroom home there and saved a few thousand dollars as well. Especially since we then had to ship much of that home when we moved in 2013.

I am not totally clear on your travel route, expectations, where you will reside, etc. so I can not really give you full answers of my encounters of living there, etc. Be careful of my information and anybody's reply's since individual feelings, which may not be the same as yours, come into play.
I lived and opened a few different businesses while living there so I do have some knowledge of total banking needs, do's and don'ts , etc. but again, they are just my experiences so take all input with a grain of salt.
The postal system is horrible and not to be trusted, this is fact! Customs is worse, this is also fact. You could cruse through or have a horrific experience. Customs is a bit easier (not the best word) coming from the U.S. or Panama to Chile and overland to Mendoza. We would never fly into BA, alway Chile and hop over the Andes to Mendoza. But the geography of where you are putting down roots dictates a bit of planning on that.
Best wishes. AR. is a nice place to live if the area you choose has been studied and sampled first and it fits your requirements. A lot to see and explore. Our area we lived in gave us very close weather to our home in the U.S., a quick hop to Chile (a great country), the wine country (we lived in the middle of) and a short flight to
BA when we wanted.

W T

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todikaios
10/19/2015 16:11 EST

You've already made your decision to make the move...now you will be facing the consequences. Buen suerte!! Be aware that next Sunday, the 25th, will be the elections for a new President, and there will be definite changes forthcoming, not the least of which will be some degree of devaluation (though this may not occur until after the inauguration in December). For me (my personal opinion) Argentina has always been a pleasant experience for visiting different locations and enjoying different cultural aspects, but as far as comfortable, affordable, secure and consistent living, I am not convinced it can compete with many locations in the U.S. or a few other choice spots in the world. There is still a lot of prejudice against extranjeros, which can become irritating. Only people born in Argentina whose parents were born in Argentina are accepted relatively without any questions....anyone with less Argentine heritage is always under scrutiny and questioned as to their motives for living in Argentina. I once had the thought of moving to Argentina, but have decided to simply make some extended visits or one to two months, rather than go through all the hassles and tramites to establish permanent residency in order to gain a national identity card and be able to have a bank account in my own name, etc. etc. etc. Conclusion: Be prepared to make another move in a year or two, if not sooner. In the interim, enjoy the scenic views and cultural fiestas that abound throughout the BIG country of Argentina - with mountains, waterfalls, vast plains, glaciers, and lots of good asados.

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JerryinBA
10/21/2015 21:57 EST

I hereby proposea new name for Argentina......Argenuela.

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iq195
10/23/2015 14:05 EST

Hi,
It should be no problem at all.
The first step when you arrive is passport control, and they typically cannot see how many bags you bring, and won't control your bags, so no problem. Just tell them you are visiting South America and passing thru Argentina. You will get a 3 month visa stamped in your passport. Once you pick-up your luggage, you will go thru customs and they scan your luggage. They may ask you a question or two, but just tell them the same....you are traveling thru South America and passing thru Argentina and need all the luggage for your future travels. Keep it simple and short. Don't be scared and be friendly, and your good to go! My advise! Good luck and have fun!

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