We've had a bit of an adventure retrieving a package sent from the states. Gifts, requests for some things we've been missing were finally on their way.
I was happy when UPS showed up, but confused when they had me sign for just the paperwork.
We would need to visit customs at the airport to pick up our package.
So off we went to Carrasco Airport, visit customs and take home our little bundle. Not-so-fast, there would be charges to pay; a tariff, taxes, extortion whatever, but that wouldn't be the worst news. We'd need a handler of such things. A licensed guy who deals with customs; a "despayante de aduana". Great let's look for one of those.
We now have an idea that the 'tax' will be at least 100% of the value of the items, plus some arrival at the port, clearing customs bs tax
and whatever fee some handler wants. This can vary we were told.
Back at home we called UPS, their guy could pick it up for around U$200. Huh? This is getting out of control. It was kind of heavy (around 16 kilos), but how much to send it back? They can't say, the sender has to request it.
In the end the best plan was to pay and learn a lesson. My friend has a friend who does this sort or thing. We went to his office by the port, they looked over the paperwork and declared it shouldn't be more than U$400 in total. You know, when you think you're looking at life, 10 to 15 doesn't sound so bad when you hear it after all.
Thanks for the stuff.
Pancakes anyone?
Oh that? It's a 1971 Jensen Interceptor I spotted on the street back in Brooklyn.
