Bringing a TV from USA to Brazil

Keep your US receipt; if it is less than US$500 then there's no import duty; well, to be clear -- all of the goods that are not personal items and that are new must add up to a value less than US$500. If you unpack the TV and repack it in a suitcase, then there's unlikely to be any duty. If it is in the original box, keep your US receipt that shows it was less than US$500 and don't bring too much else.

@mjs30170 Good idea, just wonder what the airline fee would be for an oversized item.

Edit, I just checked with Delta, and it appears the excess charge on a 55inch TV would be about $300.

Appreciate the advice.  The TV will be over $500 and it's an odd size not sold in Brazil

The duty-free allowance is US$1,000, not US$500 as mentioned above. It was raised in 2019.

FYI. Make sure it is a Brazilian TV that you are bringing into Brazil or the discrepancy in voltage can literally blow up your tv.  My Dell Laptop has a "N' power convertor, but my Dell P.C. is Brazilian made. The more power needed the more likelihood it will blow.

Roddie in Retirement

    FYI. Make sure it is a Brazilian TV that you are bringing into Brazil or the discrepancy in voltage can literally blow up your tv.  My Dell Laptop has a "N' power convertor, but my Dell P.C. is Brazilian made. The more power needed the more likelihood it will blow.
Roddie in Retirement-@roddiesho

I was just thinking of the same thing.  Apart from the voltage (220V and type of connector), you may want to bring a power surge suppressor and power line filter.  If you are bringing the very expensive OLED TV, you may want to protect it from damage from voltage spikes in the power lines.

    The duty-free allowance is US$1,000, not US$500 as mentioned above. It was raised in 2019.
   

    -@jonesio

What is the allowance for shipments to Brazil? It was $50 years ago.

Alan

@alan279 Here you go:  https://www.gov.br/receitafederal/pt-br … -duty-free

    @alan279 Here you go:  https://www.gov.br/receitafederal/pt-br … -duty-free-@mikehunter

Mike, the link refers to accompanied baggage 

I am wondering about the customs costs and limits of shipments to Brazil via Correios.

Thanks 

Alan

@alan279 Here is what USPS says: https://pe.usps.com/IMM_Archive/HTML/IM … b_028.html

    @alan279 Here is what USPS says: https://pe.usps.com/IMM_Archive/HTML/IM … b_028.html-@mikehunter

Mike,

Do you have any recent experience in receiving goods shipped from another country to Brazil?

Thanks.

Alan

Before shipping any electrical items to any country check out the following

https://www.generatorsource.com/Voltage … untry.aspx

As long as your television meets the specifications, you are looking at an import issue not a technical one

@alan279 Hey Alan, I've only mailed documents - but if you are indeed talking about receiving by Correios, that to me would imply you are shipping via a country's mailing service... which in the US is USPS.  The site has all the regulations, limitations, etc., which reflect the agreements with Correios.  If you're interested in import fees, seems like if the value is over $50, you're going to be charged.  The payment in Brazil would have to be paid at Correios before the package is released.

For me, even if it was duty free bringing into the country as baggage, the fee of $300 (approximately R$1500) doesn't seem like it's worth the hassle.  Mailing I would think would be even more expensive, plus the duty tax.

Hello - do American TV sets  work in Brazil?  (voltage apart : I mean, from a technical broadcasting point of view, pardon the pun).

    Hello - do American TV sets  work in Brazil?  (voltage apart : I mean, from a technical broadcasting point of view, pardon the pun).
   

    -@sawflypine3730

That all depends on where in Brazil. As far as I know, ALL of Brasil is 60 hz like the USA, but you can find 110 volt or 220 volts in most of the country, in any combination. The difficult part is a lot of the homes that are 220, are not labeled as such, so be careful there. I spend a fair share of my time along the coast of SP and a lot of the places have both 110 and 220, often in the same duplex receptacle having one of each. Hopefully, they are marked, but never, ever count on that.

Thanks!  But voltage and Hz frequency apart, do American TV sets work in Brazil? I mean, can you just plug them in (assuming that the right voltage and frequency are used ) and the TV image & sound are there?

Yes. There is your answer.

@Fred, I'll save you the trouble. Bringing any electronic device from the USA to Brazil will be a problem. I am still fighting with Dell Brazil because I misplaced my Brazilian Power cord and I have not been able to get a replacement. I have my American Power Cord but that does not work in Brazil.

Tv's are the easiest and cheapest electronics to buy. There is no way an American TV with import or travel expense will make sense financially. Will it fit in Carryon?

Roddie in Retirement

I shipped a lot of appliances from the States to Brazil, but when I discovered that TVs were comparably priced in Brazil, I chose to buy my Samsung TVs in Brazil rather that deal with the challenges of shipping and possible fees and damage en route. You may want to compare the price of TVs sold in Brazil to see if shipping is worth it. Boa sorte!

    @Fred, I'll save you the trouble. Bringing any electronic device from the USA to Brazil will be a problem. I am still fighting with Dell Brazil because I misplaced my Brazilian Power cord and I have not been able to get a replacement. I have my American Power Cord but that does not work in Brazil.Roddie in Retirement-@roddiesho

If you are referring to the power cord that goes from the back of a desktop computer or from a notebook power brick to a receptacle, these are standardized at the computer end. You can buy what you need with the standard computer end (different for desktops and notebooks) and with a Brasil plug on MercadoLivre, probably Amazon Brasil and in many computer stores or office supply stores such as Kalunga. Or buy a U.S.-to-Brasil adaptor for the plug end of the American cord. They are available just about anywhere that sells electrical supplies. There are also power bars with combo U.S.-Brasil plugs, although I recommend avoiding the cheap ones.

@sawflypine3730 Everyone has their preferences but i have Dual 24" computer monitors in my studio and subscriptions to the American Netflix, Hulu+, Disney+, ESPN+ Apple+, Amazon Prime and Paramount+ via Amazon. I also have NFL Sunday Ticket. Everything I want to see, including sports events is streaming.

I am not sure what I would do with a TV. I was in a hospital, and they had one on in the waiting room.

Roddie in Retirement

@jonesio Without going into detail, I have been back in Brazil for over a month and have an advanced Dell Warranty on my laptop and I am still working on getting the right one from Dell Brazil. (Don't let them fool you into getting an International Power Cord. Brazil has a unique socket type, which is more of a circular plug than the American plug which is flat.

There is no easy peasy answer to this. You can't just pop in somewhere and get a replacement My younger brother who travels across the world keyed me into this. If you get it wrong it will blow up your device. I can't warn you enough, but if you can afford a replacement computer or large electronic device go ahead.

Roddie in Retirement

@jonesio

When traveling abroad, there are two important things to consider regarding your electronics. First, different countries have varying plug shapes, so you’ll likely need a travel adapter to fit your plug into foreign sockets. Second, the voltage differs between countries. For instance, the USA and Canada use 120V electricity, while European destinations typically have 220V electricity. Here’s the breakdown:

Voltage: Your electronics should match the voltage of the country where you bought them. If you plug a 120V device into a 220V socket (or vice versa), it could damage your device. Hair tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners consume a lot of electricity, so it’s crucial to use them with the correct voltage.

    @jonesio Without going into detail, I have been back in Brazil for over a month and have an advanced Dell Warranty on my laptop and I am still working on getting the right one from Dell Brazil. (Don't let them fool you into getting an International Power Cord. Brazil has a unique socket type, which is more of a circular plug than the American plug which is flat.  There is no easy peasy answer to this. You can't just pop in somewhere and get a replacement My younger brother who travels across the world keyed me into this. If you get it wrong it will blow up your device. I can't warn you enough, but if you can afford a replacement computer or large electronic device go ahead.Roddie in Retirement-@roddiesho

I've lived in Brasil for 24 years and use both desktops and laptops daily. All my laptops in that time have been purchased in North America (a few of them Dells), and some have also travelled the world with me. I just change the cord as I described in my earlier post or use a plug adapter. Perhaps you're talking about the power brick/charger, which is a much different situation and must output the correct voltage and polarity to the laptop. For incoming voltage most these days accept 100v to 240v (but it's wise to check first).

@jonesio If Dell Brazil could get me the original adapter, I would not need a voltage regulator.

I just change the cord as I described in my earlier post

Yes, that is how the story starts.  I had to go to the USA for my VISA. As I got ready to go I realized the Brazilian one would not work in the USA. At the last minute I ordered the American Dell Adapter from Amazon, before I got on the plane, however when I got back to Brail, I could not find my Brazilian adapter.

It's important when talking about a high-end electronic...to stress the difference if you are advising someone bringing it to another country. Of course, there is always the common expression "OOPS" if it doesn't work as well as you say it does.

Roddie in Retirement

    @jonesio If Dell Brazil could get me the original adapter, I would not need a voltage regulator. I just change the cord as I described in my earlier post Yes, that is how the story starts.  I had to go to the USA for my VISA. As I got ready to go I realized the Brazilian one would not work in the USA. At the last minute I ordered the American Dell Adapter from Amazon, before I got on the plane, however when I got back to Brail, I could not find my Brazilian adapter.It's important when talking about a high-end electronic...to stress the difference if you are advising someone bringing it to another country. Of course, there is always the common expression "OOPS" if it doesn't work as well as you say it does.Roddie in Retirement-@roddiesho

I am confused. First you were talking about cords, now the adapter. Nevertheless, Dell laptops are the same or similar in most countries where they are sold, often with the same model numbers. The  model bought in Brasil will have the same adapter (power supply) as the identical model sold in the U.S. (and vice versa), but the cord will be different. Unless yours is very old, with the right cord or plug adapter your Dell laptop will work anywhere in Brasil (where "official" voltages are typically either  127 or 220) or in North America, where voltages are 110-120. That's because most (if not all these days) laptops come with power supplies that will automatically adjust to anything from 100v to 240v, They certainly do in Brasil because it is one of the few two-voltage countries. Those adapters, and the laptop they power, will also work anywhere in world--with the right plug, of course. The input voltage range is printed on the power supply, whose job it is to transform that AC power into lower-voltage direct current for the laptop--often 19v DC, but it varies.

This isn't theory. It's what I and many others do. I have used my current laptop, which also happens to be a Dell,  with both Brasil voltages, in Canada and the U.S., Spain, Portugal, France, the U.K. and elsewhere. i use a travel multi-plug adapter that lets me connect to wall receptacles just about anywhere (although I carry a suitable cord for  North America because it is easier). There is no need to change the power supply because it is universal. And there is no need for a "voltage regulator".

@roddiesho why doesn't  the power cord work? It's  the same as a cdn one n I just put an adaptor to switch it to the brazilian plug. Just make sure you use a 110 outlet.

@Cserebogar

1st. An American Adapter Cord is created differently than a Brazilian Power Adapter. One is connected by flat slats the other is connected by two or three pins. It is the N adapter

2nd. If the electronic device is big enough you need a voltage converter or you could damage your device.

I apologize for being so sensitive. I live in a very very small village of 2,500 people in Northereasern Brazil where even the police station is 2 hours away and anything next to a big city is at least 6 hours away. Shipping from Amazon is 3x times the price when you include customs. I don't have any room to make a mistake. I am my own Tech Support.  I have to get it right the first time. Hearsay is very, very expensive for me.

Roddie in Retirement

@mikehunter

Wonderful United charged me $150 from SYR-ORD-GRU.  $300 sounds like an extra bag fee + plus an oversized fee.  FYI: My TV is a $369 Costco 55" LG, which is very modest.   I probably didn't have the receipt, but I could have gotten one online if pushed.

Does anyone have any experience with this?  I only have 2 HDMI inputs; one no longer after 2 years doesn't work anymore; the other is VERY loose.  I know they can be swapped out, but I don't have the skills for sodering, etc.  Anyone who had the same thing happen knows of a store in Sao Paulo, where you won't get changed the double gringo surcharge?  Thanks for any advice. 

    @Cserebogar1st. An American Adapter Cord is created differently than a Brazilian Power Adapter. One is connected by flat slats the other is connected by two or three pins. It is the N adapter2nd. If the electronic device is big enough you need a voltage converter or you could damage your device.I apologize for being so sensitive. I live in a very very small village of 2,500 people in Northereasern Brazil where even the police station is 2 hours away and anything next to a big city is at least 6 hours away. Shipping from Amazon is 3x times the price when you include customs. I don't have any room to make a mistake. I am my own Tech Support.  I have to get it right the first time. Hearsay is very, very expensive for me.Roddie in Retirement-@roddiesho

You are overthinking this. Further to my earlier comments, there is  nothing you need to import. Check the fine print on your laptop’s adapter/power supply. If it says 100-240 you can use it anywhere (almost all laptop power supplies these days are mukti-voltage). It is the "voltage converter". Otherwise, and unlikely, it should match the voltage of your location in Brasil. The cord you need will be available on MercadoLivre in Brasil and perhaps on Amazon Brasil. If not, buy an adapter for the plug end, which will solve your problem for about R$10.

@jonesio Appreciate the conversation. If i could i would send you a photo of just how remote we are. None of the typical methods are going to work where I am. I absolutely have to get it right the first time. By the way it has been over a year since I ordered from Amazon Brazil. Still waiting for my order. Amazon, Com in the U.S does not sell a Brazilian one, only an "International" one which does not work.

Sorry, but "Oops" is not in my vocabulary. Hate to be so sensitive, but I only have ONE chance to get it right.

Roddie in Retirement

@jonesio Ok, my doctor says I only have one day to live, so I went to the source so I could move on.

Dell says that the Adapter would be up to a 65watt charge. If I were to use a typical travel plug adapter instead of a voltage converter it would only take 45watts from the source and not put it in danger.

I am still a bit nervous, but it is nice to know since I am under Dell Premium Warranty that this is coming from them.

Roddie in Retirement

@californiainbrazil

Simple question is why bring a US TV to Brazil? You will need a voltage adapter to convert to Brazilian voltage. You will also need an adapter to convert the plug to the Brazilian receptacles. Also, the US uses the ATSC standard for digital broadcasts versus the Brazilian ISDB-T standard so you will also need a converter for that if wanting to get over the air broadcasts.

Lastly, TVs in Brazil average the same price as in the US. We bought a 43 inch Brazilian TV 4 years ago at roughly the same price as it would cost in the US (and that was when the real was around 5 reals to the dollar and now is over 6 reals to the dollar). The $15 cheaper difference for a similar US TV would have been negated by duty taxes and buying all those converters and adapters making the US TV cost more than the similar Brazilian TV.

@sawflypine3730

No. The US TVs run on a different broadcast system, ATSC, while Brazil broadcasts on the ISDB-T system. To watch over the air a person would need to buy a converter to convert the systems which are not cheap, $420-$470 US dollars. People will find it is cheaper to buy a Brazilian TV.

  In the past before Brazil and the US went digital, a US TV would work in Brazil. Brazil and Japan together worked on this new digital system (which is far better than the US ATSC digital broadcasting system) which is not compatible to the ATSC broadcasting system.

  Besides US and Brazilian TV prices are quite comparable-and with having to buy all the converters and adapters for the US TV, the Brazilian TVs are actually cheaper in the end.

@Roadtripking What are you watching on TV?

I stream everything here in Brazil and watch the morning news from my old hometown in MD. The Weather, Sports, News etc. I watch the National NBC Nightly News on 1 day delay, and I watch All the NFL Games on HULU, Amazon Prime and NFL Sunday Ticket as well as my favorite sitcoms.

Am I missing something? There is nothing in the USA that I cannot see here without spending hundreds of dollars.

Roddie in Retirement🕵

Roddie

If your TV doesn't have a built in ROKU you can buy one for R$250 and literally get almost everything you want. I also stream a lot of Brasilian TV thru YouTube.

FWIW we bought a NEW 65' LG smart tv with Roku for R$4.100 two months ago........Black Friday deals 2 weeks ago were around R$3.500 for the same thing......heh. That's about $650 USD.......and the OP can't be bothered bringing a TV from the US as mentioned above.

I haven’t watched TV in decades. Am I an old fogey?

@alan279 Yes, but not because of TV. Your life is entertaining enough.

Roddie in Retirement🕵

@kolyaS122HSU I don't have a TV at all. I have dual 24" Dell Monitors to work on my upcoming YouTube Channel. I stream through that. I also have a Dell XPS laptop and an Apple 12., all streaming at much less the price.

My wife keeps up with Globo through her Apple smart phone.

Roddie in Retirement🕵