Expat Community > Nicaragua

the2bearsandme
Joined 2013
Posts: 293

LOL#7: Cargo Shipping Saga

11 years ago

This is for expats 'thinking' about coming to Nicaragua and 'thinking' about what to bring, if anything, besides their clothes, shoes, personal hygiene items and passport. We moved here June 28/29 respectively.

(1) We decided to ship 'small' and had approximately 25 apple size boxes and 5 suitcases and 1 wicker trunk. We declared $8000. value on the load. We shipped from Miami to Nicaragua. A friend drove our stuff from Marietta, Georgia to Miami June 26th, at no cost ... just as a favor / out of kindness. COST OF SHIPPING: $2500. including insurance against damage/loss.

(2) Our load was 'partial' ... not a full container. Sooo, it sat in Miami port from June 27th to Aug 8th, until it could be loaded with another 'partial' load(s).

(3) It finally left Miami August 8th and arrived at the port of Managua August 10th. TransCargo called us and asked us to come in, on a Monday, to discuss our cargo and set date for import tax inspection. We set the date for 2 days later (Thurs). During this meeting, the TransCargo agent 'guestimated' a tax of $1200. The tax assessor was present, and he reviewed the shipping list, using a gigantic reference manual on values of import stuff, and estimated $600 to $650. At this point we were relieved and almost pleased.

(4) Thursday, we 'stood' in an extremely / miserably hot warehouse (SEMMA), with no ventilation, for 3 1/2 hours while each and every box was opened and contents examined thoroughly. Finally, we asked for chairs stating we were abuellas and couldn't stand so long. We got the chairs. Thank You! The same tax assessor that was present at our above meeting was the one assessing our goods. He placed no value on used sheets/towels/blankets/clothing/shoes/picture albums/paperback books. When he got to the second pallet (we had 2 pallets), he explained that electronics were expensive items (i.e., computer, DVD player, modem etc) but he did not tell us the final bill. We had to wait for the inspector to pass his assessment onto his supervisor and then back to TransCargo.

(5) 12 days later .... (NOTE: they took a siesta. LOL) we get a call from TransCargo saying that we owed $1013. USD. Holy Mary, Sweet Mother of God!!!! WHAT!!!???

It turns out that the tax really was only $650. for our cargo. BUT, we now owed SEMMA warehouse for storage of our cargo for the 12 days (August 10th to August 22nd) and for insurance (i.e., in case of fire etc) while this whole tax process (slow / laborious) was taking place. THAT is the "HIDDEN COST" that we read about but didn't understand. Oh boy! Can we say "beans/rice" for breakfast / lunch / dinner? How about an occasional egg or hot dog? Peanut butter! That's Cheap! LOL

Ya gotta love this adventure or you gonna cry baby!!! This whole moving business is LOCO .... Mucho loco!!!

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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

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

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Nicaragua.

Moving 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 Nicaragua

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Nicaragua.

Pros & 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 Nicaragua

Advice for people retiring in Nicaragua.

10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua

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

Additional Information:

Visit our Nicaragua Index for a Full List

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Nicaragua

LOL#7: Cargo Shipping Saga

Login