Import Agent's Charges in Buenos Aires?

[nickc]

I was given a quote to air freight the bike to Buenos Airies and then when I asked what paperwork etc I would need to collect the bike from the airport I got another quote from one of the freight company's agents in BA as follows:

Customs Clearance £140
Customs Fee £110
Terminal Fee £52
Documentation Fee £35
Bank Guarantee £100
Trucking £40
Airport Warehouse £80
TOTAL £557.00

They also said they would need:

1. Copy of passport
2. Details of goods with model and other info
3. Copy of airline ticket

Can anybody tell me if you need an agent at the other end or is this a service I am paying a premium for i.e. would I have to pay all this if I just walked into the cargo warehouse with the airway bill and a carnet?

Thanks in advance.

[nickc]

Having looked at this again I am getting very confused - the air freight quote was on the basis I dealt with 'the customs at the other end'. I am now assuming the costs I've listed above are for the agent to deal with 'the customs at the other end'.

What do you get for air freight only - the bike in a warehouse at BA airport? Is this a normal basis for a quote?

I thought you needed was a copy of the airway bill (which I assumed you got from the freighter) and a Carnet and all you paid was storage charges?

Or am I being a bit naive - this is my first time!!!

[Mick O'Malley]

Nick

A carnet is definitely not necessary.

When I got my bike form Bs As airport this time last year, all I had to do was turn up at the inward cargo terminal with passport and the bit of paper from the freight co. There was about three hours of form filling and hoofing from one office to another before they let me loose to re-assemble the bike. The only unexpected charge was US$75 for one day's storage as it had arrived on the sunday when the customs people have the day off.

There was a very tall girl working there (you'll know who I mean if you see her) whose name escapes me who had good english and was very helpful. Buttonhole her if possible as she likes gringo bikers.

I used an agent called Jardine Logistics. The guy there was very knowledgeable and helpful but, again, I can't remember his name.

Good Luck.

Mick

[This message has been edited by Squidbrain (edited 17 November 2004).]