Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > TRAVEL Hints and Tips
Do not ship anything to South America! Do not ship anything to South America!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
Do not ship anything to South America!
Hey guys, I am in Cuenca, Ecuador right now waiting on a package that will probably never arrive. A week after my parents shipped it US Air Mail I talked to an American woman who owns a used bookstore here. She informed me that 5 of her last 6 US Air Mail packages have not arrived since November!

Salvador warned me about shipping things to South America when I stayed with him at his house in Nicaragua. Unfortunately, I neglected his advice thinking a month would be enough time.

The postal workers are probably corrupt here! They have to open every package to evaluate the cost of the contents and than decide whether to charge you a hefty tax or sell off the contents to their friends.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
From what I have read on other posts, the solution is to get stuff, such as your timing chain! (reference your other thread), sent to you via a local DHL office. Or any of the other shippers, FedEx etc.
I guess they would use a tracking system and you can keep closer watch on what is happening.

Good luck, and learn some more Spanish!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
From what I have read on other posts, the solution is to get stuff, such as your timing chain! (reference your other thread), sent to you via a local DHL office. Or any of the other shippers, FedEx etc.
I guess they would use a tracking system and you can keep closer watch on what is happening.

Good luck, and learn some more Spanish!
Haha, I will hopefully.

You can use FedEx, DHL, and UPS but I would only do it if it is life and death. It is better to just pack that 30 lbs of extra parts.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
Different experience
I've had books and moto parts shipped to both Venezuela and Colombia from the UK by regular post - no problems. Now Guatemala, that's another matter...
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Jan 2008
lorraine's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Definitely Nomadic
Posts: 523
Had five packages shipped normal mail to Peru, no problems. Ditto a few things in Costa Rica. Ditto Egypt and Kenya over the course of 12 years. HOWEVER, these are books etc. NEVER would I have anything electronic shipped regular mail. Then I use DHL and cringe at the cost of duties/customs etc. But sometimes, it's unavoidable....
Lorraine
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Cayce,South Carolina,USA
Posts: 85
I would never use DHL. Shipped my leathers to the US from Costa Rica for $80. After I paid DHL would not ship them, wanted more money. Fortunately for me someone at DHL goofed and sent the package anyway. When I got home, the box had written on it "Hold, do not ship".
Next time I used DHL to send motor parts from the US to Buenos Aires. Declared value of $147. Promised 2 day shipping. Indeed, the package got to Bs.As. in two days, but not to the mechanic. DHL kept blaming Aduana. For 25 days I made dozens of phone calls and emails. DHL customer service told me for $1000 USD I could have my parts back. The US office refused to give me the email address of the Bs.As. office. Finally customer service said they could not do anything and closed the case. I finally got ahold of Aduana, which said they knew nothing of the situation. Aduana was not pleased to be blamed by DHL and got in contact with the DHL Bs.As. office and made DHL deliver the parts on the 30th day.
I refused to pay for the shipping due to the "failure of sevice" (DHL quote to me) and contacted the President's office with all details. They promised to take care of it. Next contact was a debt collection agency calling, which continues to this day.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Jan 2008
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
A while ago I had some positive experiences with the regular postal service when getting stuff sent to Peru (clothing to Cusco, shock absorber to Lima).

DHL on the other hand... The biggest bunch of hopeless, useless muppets, bar none. Check out the story I wrote then: Chapter 17 The Big Trip

Interestingly DHL blamed Aduana as in Martin's comment. I dealt with Aduana with very little Spanish without any problems.

Good luck,
ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Feb 2008
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
only tracking sistem
Gato
I allways purchase things from ebay around the world.No problems with lost items sent to Argentina! Of course i allways pay for registered airmail.
Now when purchasing from US country you need to estimate 2-3 weeks delivery.Remember homeland security,they are scanning every thing that goes and comes to and from theyr country.
But no problems.
Saludos
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Last edited by BCK_973; 1 Feb 2008 at 01:35. Reason: Ahhh grammer!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Feb 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
After 4.5 weeks I finally received the package. My radiator springing a leak and forcing me to return to Cuenca turned out to be a good thing because my package arrived the next day.

I definitely would not do this again. I think it is only worth waiting on US air mail if it is a part that you absolutely need and is too expensive to ship with FedEx/UPS.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: vallejo, ca
Posts: 42
..Use UPS/DHL/FEDEX and pay the prices... Regular courier simply not are enough reliable... ..
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
South America Motorcycle Adventure Movie: Contest Announceme motorbikewithmike.com Travellers Seeking Travellers 79 12 Dec 2007 22:59
Ship or Ditch in South America? lamorder Trip Transport 5 8 Jul 2007 00:59
Bikes for North & South America WildStallions Which Bike? 30 6 Aug 2006 03:08
South America trip MattCpffay Route Planning 7 26 May 2006 19:11
Easiest place to ship in South America zygut Trip Transport 1 2 Oct 2002 16:05

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:00.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top