shipping to columbia

[timdais]

Hi all
We're shipping 2 bikes from uk to cartagena in november through james cargo at a cost of about £700 per bike inclusive of packing, freight, fuel surcharges, documentation, handling and export clearance. We think they have an agent there that can help with formalities but not 100% on that (going to check at uk meet). We'd like to know (if anyone's shipped there recently) what custom/import or local charges there may be? and if we need an agent, if anyone knows of one?
Thanks Tim
Ps Spanish not good but getting there!!!!

[kaiserkyhl]

Originally Posted by timdais

Hi all
We're shipping 2 bikes from uk to cartagena in november through james cargo at a cost of about £700 per bike inclusive of packing, freight, fuel surcharges, documentation, handling and export clearance. We think they have an agent there that can help with formalities but not 100% on that (going to check at uk meet). We'd like to know (if anyone's shipped there recently) what custom/import or local charges there may be? and if we need an agent, if anyone knows of one?
Thanks Tim
Ps Spanish not good but getting there!!!!

All you need to do is go to customs called DIAN in Cartagena and arrange for an inspector to come check the bikes. Should have an office right close to the harbor. If the paper work = bikes they issue a temporary import permit good for 2 or 3 month. This is all free of charge.

Maybe the shipping contact in Cartagena charge for some handling or storage in the port, so sort this out with your own shipping agent first.

Before you hit the road, you go buy SOAT (Liability insurance) should cost approx. 40 USD for 3 month and you're good to go. Many places they only want to sell one year because Colombians are forced to buy a year at the time according to the law, but to vehicles with temporary import permit they are allowed to sell insurance for less month.

[timdais]

Originally Posted by kaiserkyhl

All you need to do is go to customs called DIAN in Cartagena and arrange for an inspector to come check the bikes. Should have an office right close to the harbor. If the paper work = bikes they issue a temporary import permit good for 2 or 3 month. This is all free of charge.

Maybe the shipping contact in Cartagena charge for some handling or storage in the port, so sort this out with your own shipping agent first.

Before you hit the road, you go buy SOAT (Liability insurance) should cost approx. 40 USD for 3 month and you're good to go. Many places they only want to sell one year because Colombians are forced to buy a year at the time according to the law, but to vehicles with temporary import permit they are allowed to sell insurance for less month.

cheers mike, the SOAT is that from a general insurance company or are there ones specifically for liability insurance (had problems finding in uk but that was more to do with work tho!)?
Thanks for the info
Tim

[kaiserkyhl]

SOAT can be bought pretty much anywhere. Even gas stations and bike dealers. But not all sales points will/can sell you less than a year. I this case go to an insurance office directly. They are everywhere.

[silentboarder69]

I`ve just left Cartagena, all is easy, but if you feel you`ll really need some help, try emailing Fritz. He sails from Cartagena, I believe his website is fritz-the-cat.com. If it isn`t, use your loaf and google. But I met one of his customers in customs, and Fritz`s agent was doing the paperwork.

Enjoy!

[timdais]

Thanks guys appreciate your help
Tim