Our Ship Came In!

The stuff we shipped from Denver arrived on our patio on March 11. We shipped it February 6 from Denver.  It went to Miami and shipped out February 16 arriving Bonaire March 2.  It took another nine days to clear customs, get the invoice paid and delivery to the house.

It cost us about $1,200 to ship from Denver to Miami.  It cost $1,330 to ship by cargo boat to the island. As you recall from a previous blog, we had 19 boxes weighing 790 pounds that fit on two pallets. 

 And once again, the receiver on the island does not take credit cards or cash and wanted a local bank card for payment (which we do not have and is a whole other story to be told later). Once again we went to the bank and gave our money to them after standing in line for 30 minutes, took the paid receipt back to the receiver company to get our stuff released.

Most items shipped onto the island are subject to a duty charge. So retailers, car dealers and other importers pay a price to bring goods to the island. Those of us that move to Bonaire do not have to pay duty on the first shipment as long as the goods are used and will not be sold within 6 months of arrival. However, since we have not become residents yet They charged us $600.  Once we get our residency we can go back to the receiver and they will apply for a refund on our behalf. Geeesh!

The two guys delivering the goods were not happy that they couldn't use their fork lift.  They had to carry it by hand from the street to our patio/living room. It is here and is sort-of good shape.  The boxes were dented and some torn but for the most part everything came through it okay.

It's like Christmas. We tore into each box surprised and delighted with the contents. Rick was especially excited about his tool box. He was not excited about the tools left by the sellers and is glad to have his own stuff.