Household Goods Confiscated

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Member since 17 April 2018

klafavor47Member04 February 2019 19:27:48

Does anyone know a way to get our household goods out of customs that was confiscated for some reason. We had it shipped from Honduras to Esterillos last March by a supposedly friend who said he could do it cheaper. Well, guess what, we got half of it. The other half no one will gives us an answer as to what happened. Now we are told it was confiscated. We have a lot of things that were passed down to us by our parents before they passed away along with photos. This wrong. We were planning on retiring there, but not anymore. Can anyone help?

Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert04 February 2019 19:47:24

28590

I gather you didn't use a professional mover and you failed to make a full declaration of the contents (your posting history).
Time to talk very nicely to customs and, if that fails, try to find a lawyer to assist.
However, false declarations on customs documents are always going to be a problem, regardless of how they came to be.

GinnyP Active member

Member since 13 May 2017

GinnyPActive member04 February 2019 20:21:43

I too would find a lawyer to find out why and what you can do to TRY to get at least some if not all of it back! But with being so long ago, I’d bet it might all be gone...... But at least try!

samramon ViP

Member since 11 January 2011

samramonViP04 February 2019 20:22:02

1338

No idea. Good luck! I think Fred's advice and info above is good.

kohlerias ViP

Member since 05 September 2013

kohleriasViP04 February 2019 20:51:33

1572

Sorry for the predicament you are now in. It is usually suggested that you use a company with a base of operations in Costa Rica, then there will be someone to deal with customs on your behalf that will speak with them 'face to face.'

MauroN Serial expat

Member since 08 July 2015

MauroNSerial expat05 February 2019 03:24:13

211

Tough predicament. I hate Customs people, you never know how to take them, if they just want a bribe or what. One thing you have to consider is the time your stuff has been detained since customs charges storage fees after a certain number of days, making the fee more expensive than the articles, and hoping your belongings have not been vandalized/stolen. Do you have a reference number from Customs, do you speak Spanish to call customs and get a sound response to the status of your belongings? the stuff can be in San Jose, Puntarenas or Limon. If I can help you with anything, let me know; no charge, though.

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