Colombia Expat Forum

onthemove44
Joined 2014
Posts: 2

10 years ago

Duties and Customs in Colombia

10 years ago

Hello To All,
This is my very first post to the Expat Exchange and I am in dire need of some information. I am planning a move to Medellin in May of this year, or no later than June. I have been reading a lot about the country, culture, banking, visa requirements, etc. I have run into what seems to possibly be a major roadblock however. I have sold all my furniture, appliances (large) art and so forth, so it would be an easier move. My problem however is my wardrobe, (personal clothes and accessories) as I have approx. 10 fairly large boxes weighing right at 100 pounds each. Eighty five to ninety percent is clothing, and I do not want to part with any of it. The remaining ten to fifteen percent is household items, including a $2500.00 coffee machine and a $500.00 blender that I purchased last September, but never unpacked or used them as I knew it would be easier to wait until my move to Colombia to use them. I have been trying for almost a week now to find out how I will be taxed when the shipment arrives and goes through customs. These are all my personal items and nothing is for resale. The rest of the contents are things like sheets, towels, a set of dishware, kitchen utensils, silverware, etc. I have contacted a local international shipping company here on the west coast of the USA, and have been quoted a shipping by ocean freight cost of about $1500.00. My question to any of you who can help is, will the Customs in Colombia tax me on my used clothing, and if so, how do they arrive at any kind of dollar amount? I am coming on a retirement visa, and the shipment, if at all, will come after I have arrived. Please, anyone with knowledge respond.

Warmest Regards,
on themove44

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Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.