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Relocating to Peru

Relocating to Peru
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Updated byAnne-Lise Mtyon 09 May 2018

If you're relocating to Peru as an expat, you might have a lot of belongings that you want to bring with you – more than will fit into a couple suitcases. It is therefore advisable to hire a professional removal company to assist, both with the physical relocation of your belongings and the logistics and paperwork that goes with it. Here are some tips to get you started with the process.

Choosing a removal company

If you've decided to relocate to Peru, choosing a relocation company is something you should take your time with and consider all the options, as you're trusting them with all your belongings. You should also do this well in advance as the whole process takes time.

You can search for removal companies online - you can even get a free quote if you can give them accurate information. Start by thinking about what you want to take with you, and what will be left behind. Make a list of any special items ' breakables that require special care, valuable items like pieces of art, etc. You also need to specify to the mover what you will do yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes etc.).

Check with the removal company if there are any restrictions on what they will transport. For instance, many will not transport food or alcohol.

Regarding the estimate, several key points that will determine the cost include:

  • Origin address: where removers will pack and load your belongings
  • Destination address in Peru: where removers will unload your belongings
  • Volume and weight of your stuff
  • Types of transportation (by air, train, truck, ship) ' you might have a preference based on how quickly you need things to arrive
  • Nature of the services (terms and conditions, insurance damage)

Usually, removal companies unload your belongings directly to the destination address. However, some removal companies unload your belongings in warehouses and you have to pick them up yourself afterwards, implying additional costs. Check your moving contract carefully.

Making a list

Make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings so as to establish a value statement. The value statement is an important document that sets the compensation amount you could receive in case of loss or damage to your belongings.

Complete the declaration of value yourself by stating the overall value of your property and the value of certain particular precious items. Read the terms and conditions of your contract carefully to find out more about transportation and handling of precious objects. This statement is particularly important because, without it, an estimate cannot be established, which will affect your relocation and your organization.

Damage insurance

Accordingly, a damage insurance will be proposed by the carrier. This insurance automatically covers non-predictable damage associated with the transportation of your belongings up to the value indicated in the declaration of value. The cost of the insurance depends on the overall value of your belongings. The removal company must issue a certificate of insurance in any case.

Waybill

Finally, you must sign the waybill before loading and after delivery of your belongings. The waybill is a document that specifies the terms and conditions of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the removal company, and the name and address of both the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you definitely agree to these terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to go ahead.

Regarding removal payment plans, a deposit is usually to be paid before loading and the balance must be paid upon delivery. A payment plan must be arranged with the removal company in any case.

Important:

Most carriers do not have an office and staff in Peru, so work with third-party agents to handle the arrival and delivery of your goods. Ask about who will be in charge of this, and check that they will be working on the same terms and conditions. In general, carriers (or their agents) handle customs paperwork for you (customs clearance, etc.) For more security, opt for a carrier affiliated with the FIDI (International Federation of International Movers).

Good to know:

Contact the Peru consulate or embassy for more information about relocation in the country, customs, prohibited items, etc.

Useful links:

FEDEMAC ' Federation of European Movers
FIDI ' International Federation of International Removers

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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