Would like suggestions for shipping some personal items to Panama from the US

[WILLIAM HILDEBRAND]

Could someone give me some ideas for the best way to ship some personal items to Panama. I will be moving there soon and would like to bring in maybe 10 boxes of personal items. These boxes would be approximately 3ft long, 2 ft wide, 2 ft tall. Weight per box between 40-50 lbs. I can get the boxes to Miami,FL and could ship from there. Is it possible to share containers with someone. Looked at the cost of 20 ft. container and most said about $6000. That is way more than I would spend, could just as well buy everything at that rate but some things are just personal. Any suggestions and pricing even if it is just a ballpark would be appreciated. I thought FedEx might be an option but they were outrageous. Thank you.

Bill

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Bill,

Yes, it is expensive to ship a container or even a partial or shared contained. That’s why most expats here say they wish they hadn’t bothered, though I of course understand sentimental value.

If you plan to move a container-full (or partial container-full) of items, most large U.S. moving companies have international arms that handle relocations to other countries. You may be able to save by using a Panama-based company, though coordinating from afar can be time-consuming. If you’d like to reach out to a relocation/shipping expert here is a Panama-based one:

CARIDAD Y. AGUILAR President, Ptypackers (Panama International Packers) and Carybenha Investment Corp. Albrook Commercial Park, Warehouse D-9, Panama, Republic of Panama Tel. +507 232-7155//232-7154; Dir. +507 230-3092; cell +507 6617-8581 Email: caridad@ptypackers.com Website: http://www.ptypackers.com

Pensionados in Panama are entitled to a one-time exemption from duties on the importation of household goods (up to $10,000) and currently get a break on luxury tax when importing a car.If you’re not a pensionado then you could be liable for duty.

Learn more here on your Panama Insider website: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/moving-to-panama/#goods

Another thought…if you narrowed it down to, say, five suitcases, would probably be a lot cheaper to just bring with you on the plan and pay the extra baggage fees…though you’d have to see what your airline limits are.

Don’t hesitate to post more questions!

Hope this helps.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

PS I am out of office due to International Living’s Ultimate Event, as I am a featured speaker. I have limited access to email this week but will reply to posts as quickly as possible.

[BOB SHAPLAND]

William:

If you haven’t already done so, you might want to check into these shipping options: http://airbox.com.pa/eng/maritime/ or http://www.delvi.com/

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