Shipping and Moving to Cochabamba, Bolivia
When moving to Bolivia you will likely have to pay some import taxes when you transport your goods or belongings, and it may be a good idea to contract with a Bolivian company. Good, well-established freight forwarding companies usually have contracts with freight forwarders and customs agents in other countries if they don’t have their own offices overseas, to receive cargo and goods, assist with customs clearance, and complete the process for the customer.
Be prepared for long waits to receive your goods. Even if transport is fast (by air, for example) customs clearance can take a long time. If you transport by sea, your belongings will need to clear customs in the port of entry (in Chile or Peru) as Bolivia is landlocked, and will then be trucked to Bolivia, where they may need to clear customs again. Keep detailed lists of each and every item you send and copies of all documentation freight forwarders provide you. You will need these in order to claim your goods once they arrive, or to make an insurance claim if anything arrives damaged or, worse yet, does not arrive at all.
There are many transportation (mostly trucking) companies in Bolivia and most of them transport for businesses and industries. There aren't many Bolivian shipping and moving companies that handle personal belongings for families that are moving to Bolivia or from Bolivia overseas.
Inbolpak is a Bolivian company that does provide moving services in Bolivia. They have strategic alliances with other international freight forwarders in the U.S., Germany, and other countries. They have been certified by an international certifying agency. They also provide general cargo transport, and local moving and packing services. If you already have a freight forwarder in your country of origin, they can contact Inbolpack to arrange for them to receive your belongings and clear them from customs.
Here are three other international companies that provide packing, relocation and other cargo and transportation services if you are considering moving to Bolivia:
http://www.shipping-worldwide.com/bolivia.htm
http://bolivia.shipping-international.com/
To mail letters and small packages to Bolivia, refer to our section on couriers and the national postal system. In most cases you will want to send your package via airmail. You should take your package directly to the post office to confirm the postage and to be sure that you have declared its value and contents on the necessary customs forms.
CUSTOMS SERVICE (ADUANA)
Bolivian Customs laws are very strict because so much contraband is brought into the country. Authorities rigorously inspect any shipments or items to ensure they do not contain weapons, stolen art or antiques, and other smuggled goods. They also may inspect your luggage when you arrive at the airport.
If you are going to bring expensive electronic items (such as laptop computers, digital cameras, or anything of the sort) be sure you have a copy of your receipt to prove you paid for the items. You wouldn’t want anything like that to be confiscated when you arrive. In addition, if you must bring any medications, be sure they are all in their original bottles with a clear prescription and description.
If you bring gifts for friends or family members in Bolivia, it's best not to bring them closed and wrapped. They will most likely be opened when you arrive anyway. Never ever bring a sealed package or envelope for anyone, even family members or close friends, if you do not know what it contains. Even if they have innocently and inadvertently sent something that is considered illegal, the person responsible for bringing it into Bolivia is you!
If you are moving to Bolivia and will be shipping your household and personal items through a shipping company, those items will also be inspected when they arrive. To clear them from customs, you will need a good agent in Bolivia. You should also be aware you will be responsible for any import taxes on the total value of those goods, in some cases even if they are used, such as furniture, household electronics, jewelry, etc.
If you are importing or exporting goods for business reasons you must be especially vigilant and ensure you are completely informed about any certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, or other permits you will need to prove you have paid for those items, they belong to you, and you have paid taxes on them. Customs in the country of destination will require at least that as well.
If you break the law and import or export any illegal substance or item, fines and/or prison time are pretty severe in Bolivia. The items could also be confiscated and you could forfeit all ownership of them. You should be aware that getting your case to court could take a long, long time, during which time you would most likely be detained in a Bolivian jail (not good!) until your court date. If you have broken the law, your country’s Embassy or consulate may not be able to help you out. You are ultimately responsible under Bolivian law while you are here.
You should request information on Bolivian customs requirements and laws by contacting a Bolivian Embassy or consulate in your country before traveling or shipping anything. Or you can check out the official website (in Spanish) Aduana Nacional:
