New Here... The Great Shipping Debate

Hi Megan,

Are you talking about washer/dryer etc. in regards to appliances? I do know that large appliances can be verrrry expensive here, and used ones are almost impossible to come by, so I assume that smaller ones are as well.

Maybe you can give me a better idea of what you are talking about. But in my opinion, I would say if you are moving here and you have it, then you might as well bring it.

Shannon

Thanks for the reply!  Yes, I am referring to large appliances... Washer/dryer, refrigerator, oven, and possibly microwave.  I don't want to go OVERBOARD... but I might go out with a bang in my american ways and say screw it.  My husband, who'se over there now also said how expensive things like that can be.  He said he took a look at a used refrigerator from the 90's, and the freezer didn't work... the seller was asking $450.  CRAZY, because he's from South America.... I can't even imagine the Gringo price.

I was hoping someone would have some experience in shipping a 20' container from the states to Quito... or even to Cuenca/Guayaquil.  I have a "moving specialist" coming out tomorrow to give me a quote, but they are going to tell me what I WANT to hear... I want to know what I NEED to hear.

Thanks again!

Unfortunately I have no expertise in shipping, I just came with a bag, but good luck!

A new refrigerator, stove, and clothes washer (all a bit smaller than you are used to) will total around $1100 and for $1600 you would have very nice appliances. You may not need a dryer; I definitely don't since drying on a line is the norm. The stoves are all gas and the popular washers are unlike those in the U.S. They are like front loaders that load from the top - weird, but effective. A microwave may not be that useful since you will probably experience a lifestyle change here, but you will definitely need a pressure cooker if you are in the mountains; you can get those here. All the other small appliances are available except maybe a screw-type juicer. The  spinning basket juicer is very common, but they don't do a very good job of extracting juice from greens.

Every person is different, but for me, trying to bring such big items just would not be worth the hassle. I sold everything and bought what I needed here. I don't know for sure, but in the long run, the costs may be similar either way. Probably the most compelling argument for a container is if you have precious or unique items that you treasure and could not replace. But, for the common stuff, the question is more about personal preferences, where actual cost may be a secondary consideration.

We are going through the same question now and are considering LCL (less than container load) shipment of goods we really want to bring down.  This does not include large appliances.  And you have to be in country to accept a shipment.  And you need your cedula to import these duty free.  And on and on ad nauseum....  The rules for how and what change constantly.  Contact me if you have questions that need answering.  I am not a mover or shipper or any one looking to make a buck.

Looking for someone who has open space in their container that wouldnt mind putting a few of our things in theirs that we dont want to fly with.  We would pay a fee of course.  Items include two surfboards, box of books, and some kitchen essentials. If interested please message me back.

Since your hubby isn't Ecuadorain you'll receive no benefits as a national coming home would. Therefore, you'll be hammered on the inbound taxes and tariffs for your 20' containers contents.
Most, no all I know sold everything before coming down. It just doesn't make economic sense to bring all that stuff which in reality is mostly emotional linkage with you. The price for the stuff you can't or won't let go of will go away once you start getting the numbers for the materials you wish to bring.
Do yourself and your husband a favor, have a garage sale, donate the rest and start over with the cash you raise.
One or two exceptions, bring your electronics, up to 200 kilos of clothing. Absolutely linens and bedding. It is a quest to find the quality we're accustomed to on sheets and towels etc. Not to mention expensive.
You can package the electronics and other items I mentioned  behind until you have your investment Visa? Or whatever one you decide to get. Once in hand with your Cedula's ( get them with your Visa's) have the skid picked up and shipped. Allow 6 weeks to arrive. To bad it's going to Quito where any and all reasons for holding it for release will come up. If possible try to ship through Cuenca. You'll get it quicker and without let's say some contributions if you use Quito. Hope that helps, leave it behind.

Tim05713 wrote:

Absolutely linens and bedding. It is a quest to find the quality we're accustomed to on sheets and towels etc. Not to mention expensive.

I believe there is a difference in bed sizes (queen in particular). Is there anyone who can shed light on this?

Megan, we shipped a 20' container with furniture and new kitchen and laundry equipment from Miami to Quito in 2005. It cost twice the estimate (held in GYE for unknown reasons) and took six months door-to-door.

From a hassle standpoint, it is much easier to buy new in Quito. From a cost standpoint, probably a little cheaper to buy new however do not expect the same quality. Also, getting parts and maintenance can be a problem. I suggest you make decision based on how important kitchen and laundry equipment is to you. For most, it is not worth the hassle to ship in. Finally, in 2005 we were not permitted by law to bring in a refrigerator and I do not know if this changed.

For smaller kitchen items such as coffee maker, mixer etc. have you husband bring in his luggage on his visits to Colombia.

Hola,
A lot of retirees have talked about this on the facebook group: facebook.com/groups/EcuadorExpats/?hc_location=stream
You could probably do a search and see some old posts about it.

christine

Thank you to everyone who responded!  All of your answers are very helpful and will guide me in making my decision.  FTMGC... did you use a large company or a small broker?  We are looking into Allied International if that makes any difference.  Again, I appreciate all of the responses! Keep em comin!

Megan, we used one of the many local brokers located in the Miami area.

Megan, regardless what you decide regarding shipping, suggest you include a Breville countertop oven in your equipment. Small enough to ship with luggage, versatile for roasting/ toasting/ broiling/ etc.  and WS has on sale at $200. We use more than $2K double Wolf oven especially for smaller meals. I have seen in Quito at $400+.

Tim05713 wrote:

Since your hubby isn't Ecuadorain you'll receive no benefits as a national coming home would. Therefore, you'll be hammered on the inbound taxes and tariffs for your 20' containers contents.

From what I have noticed other expats saying, this is not true. You are allowed 60 days to import your goods tax free.

Joseph,
I just bought a new queen sized bed with a  pillow topped mattress. The sheets I bought here are very tight, and the contour sheet has a tendency to pull out. But, if you get the sheets from the states, that are made for a pillow top, they work fine. I think if mine were not a pillow top, the sheets here would be fine.

As far as a reply to the appliance issue Megan: I just bought a very nice refrigerator < LG> microwave < Panosonic > large capacity dryer and washer < LG > for a total of 3 thousand dollars.
I can't see how you could ever come out ahead shipping used appliances. The cost of shipping, and then they are used? Brand new with full warranty, free delivery and hook up?
I think your dollar will go further buying here.
Best Wishes,
Neil

My experience in shipping containers (commercially to other places) is that it ALWAYS takes longer and involves more issues than you originally expect.

My research into shipping to Ecuador is that the costs of a 20 ft. shipping container to Ecuador are about $8,000, and a 40 ft. about $12,000.  This includes ground transportation inside the US to the closest port city (mileage costs may vary), loading onto a ship, off-loading, and delivery to a customs house for customs inspection. These are typically located in Guayaquil, but if the paperwork is precisely correct, you can sometimes have the container inspected in your destination city (a big plus). In any event, having incorrect or improper paperwork will throw a BIG monkey wrench in the process, and could end up being quite expensive to correct.  For example, there may be some rules requiring that you state, not just the value, but how much you paid for items, and how much you intend to sell them for, even though you don't intend to sell them at all, or have had them for many years. Any problems or situations that the customs officers don't like, and your shipment could be held up for a lengthy period (think weeks or even months), while you struggle to appease the officials and/or correct the paperwork, which of course is in Spanish, and immediately calls for increased scrutiny.  Storage charges accumulate, and you still have to pay for local (in-country) delivery once you finally get your belongings cleared.

That being said, LTL (Less Than Container Load) is NOT the way to go, because that REQUIRES customs inspection at the port of entry (Guayaquil), and you want to avoid that if you can, unless you plan on living in the port city (Guayaquil).

BTW - you own the container, so you need to figure out what to do with it after it arrives at your final destination. They are quite useful as (ugly) out-buildings if you happen to own land, or perhaps you could sell or give it away - but its YOUR problem, so be prepared to deal with it.

There is computer software available that will "cube out" a shipping container.  I highly recommend this approach, because a shipping container can experience a VERY rough ride, which is also subject to temperature extremes.  The container needs to be packed so that no motion of its contents is possible, even if it's tipped on end or dropped several feet. Contents need to be adequately packed and padded to protect them inside the container.  If you've ever moved long distance with a domestic mover in a cushioned, air-ride moving van and experienced dings, scratches, scrapes and other damage to your household goods, double or triple that potential at a minimum for a shipping container.

Automobiles that meet the import requirements are also shipped this way, but they MUST travel in their own container, and cannot be intermixed with your household goods - so add that cost as well, if you plan to bring one.

All this being said, you can take advantage of a one-time waiver on import duties if you meet certain new resident requirements, so if you plan on bringing your stuff, the right time is when you  are granted residency.  But first, you need to figure out if what you own is so vitally important to you that it's worth the premium in $$$ and time and trouble it will cost. If your all-in costs are around $10,000 for a 20 ft. container, I would start by asking what you could sell your stuff for in the US, add that $10,000 to it, and then research what you could purchase in Ecuador for that amount or less, or even a little more if time and trouble equal dollars to you. In my own travels to many places around the world, including "developing" and "third world" locations, I find that I can get by on much less than I'm used to in the US, particularly if the weather is as favorable as it is in Ecuador. I tend to go with locally available items and ways of life. For a quick example, in Asia I've never owned a refrigerator because I bought fresh (or sometimes living) food every day. You may be different - that's your choice.

Very good info, and well presented.
Thank you for the effort. I saw shipping as out of the question when I saw the costs, and possible hassles that could arise. But, I know others that have gone the shipping route, and were satisfied, or horrified.
This is a good primer.
Take Care,
Neil

Thanks for all the great info. I've pretty much decided that we don't want to bring most of our household with us, but there are some personal things that are so "precious" to us - art work, a few antiques/family items, etc.

So wondering about possible options for sending small loads. But Buckoff brings up the very good point that things shipped to Ecuador - whatever the size of the container - could be in for a rough ride. So, how to ensure that those most "precious" items make it to us.

This is a dilemma - I really don't want to live without certain special things as being part of my life, but I also don't want them destroyed by getting them to me.

I assume that shipping by plane is outrageously out of the question? Does anyone know who much "extra" can be brought along on a plane when we come, if we're willing to pay extra?

okay, we had the same questions,, but when we arrived we found a site called Mercado Libre, and it is sorta like a craigs list in America, bought the largest size microwave 90.00, an electrolux floor vac that sold for 370.00 for 70.00 bought a sewing machine new in the box lists for 1300.00 for 300.00 a 50 inch flat screen smart tv for 1000.00 so,, believe you me,, it is much cheaper to buy here.  There are all the things you need here, don't bother with a container.  And it is fun exploring the city when you go to meet the person or pick up your bargain!!