Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Nicaragua Expat Forum

Process for bringing goods to donate?

New Topic Newest First
cerF
  7/28/2019 16:56 EST

I figured maybe this forum may be of some help:

I'll be moving to Nicaragua in April of next year. I recently purchased a hostel in the Popoyo/Jiqueliste area in Tola. Last time I was there I noticed many local kids who wanted to surf, but they simply couldn't afford a board and were either using junk equipment or sharing 1 board between them. My plan is to carry ~15 used bodyboards (boogie boards), used swim fins, a handful of used surfboards, and some used wetsuits along with me on my flight down and donate them to the local kids. I've heard that there may be problems with customs at the airport and hefty import fees if you bring too much with you Nica. My extra baggage fees will be high already and I'm hoping to avoid having to pay any more at customs if possible.

Do the import fees apply to items that will be donated to the Nica community also?

I speak Spanish, so I will not have trouble communicating my donation intent to the customs agents, but perhaps there is some paperwork I could complete beforehand so that I may avoid a confrontation with customs at the airport? If so, where to start?

Thanks!

elduendegrande
  7/29/2019 07:52 EST

In the eyes of the law insanity is no excuse! Your effort will be viewed as a commercial enterprise and you will pay the appropriate import duties.

The regime is hurting post coup and needs money. Customs has had a shakedown. Exonerations for expats have been cut substantially.

Surfers may be the one area of tourism that has not crashed. They are a fun bunch and live low on the food chain.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

JustSomeGuy
  7/31/2019 14:02 EST

I would be curious to know how many of the kids still have their gifts 2 weeks after you give them to them.

elduendegrande
  8/1/2019 08:53 EST

Yep, we all go thru that learning curve here. Between what is lost, damaged, given away and stolen you eventually wonder if any of it is worth YOUR effort.

Anyway, my experience walking a caja thru customs was that they valued things very low, much to my relief, and common things like used closes are not taxed. Whether this is true post coup I do not know, the govmint needs money. Keep us advised.

In any case, bring a detailed inventory in Spanish, be patient, and have sufficient cash to pay the duties.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Nicaragua GuideLiving in Nicaragua Guide

Did you know that lots of homes in Nicaragua don't have hot water? Did you know that it's very easy to meet other expats in Nicaragua? Expats share their tips for living in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua Forum Nicaragua Forum
Join our Nicaragua forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Nicaragua.

Contribute to Nicaragua Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua.

Best Places to Live in Nicaragua Best Places to Live in Nicaragua

If you're dreaming about living in Nicaragua, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Nicaragua in 2023.

Healthcare in NicaraguaHealthcare in Nicaragua

Expats living in Nicaragua discuss health insurance and quality of medical care in Nicaragua. Additional topics include health insurance for 65+, in-home nursing care, prescription medicines and more.

Cost of Living in NicaraguaCost of Living in Nicaragua

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Nicaragua.

Moving to NicaraguaMoving to Nicaragua Guide

If you're thinking about moving to Nicaragua, you must read these 13 things to know before moving to Nicaragua. Expats offer realistic and honest advice about cost of living, learning the language, poverty, renting vs.

Real Estate in NicaraguaReal Estate in Nicaragua

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Nicaragua.

Pros Cons of Living in NicaraguaPros & Cons of Living in Nicaragua

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Nicaragua.

Retiring in NicaraguaRetiring in Nicaragua

Advice for people retiring in Nicaragua.

10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua

If you've recently arrived in Nicaragua, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Nicaragua.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Nicaragua Network Contribute
Help others in Nicaragua by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua.

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal