Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 9/1/2009

Question
I've been living in Brasil since November 08 with my Brazilian girlfriend and our 6 month old 1/2 Brazilian daughter.  I've obtained my CPF and Permanent Visa Protocol.  Now I plan to accomplish what I believe to be the most difficult move of my life - moving my furniture and 97 GMC Yukon GT here (all of which I planned to load into a 40' container in Long Beach).  While I've been able to easily obtain the shipping costs - non of the shipping companies were able to provide an approximate cost of the fee's for the customs inspection and duty.  I've spoke with some friends that made the move some years ago and they said the Yukon's duty would be 110% of the trucks value but I believe the laws may have changed.  I'm not sure if having the CPF and permanent Visa Protocol has any weight or not.  Do you know how I would go about determining these costs (for the furniture and truck) or if it's even possible to bring my Yukon?  Maybe there's an agency here in Brasil that could provide this data?

Answer
ive gotten these types of questions before, wendell, and I have to tell you...just part with the Yukon and buy something similar here. Its just not worth it. You can get a nice import SUV here if you need, and it will cost you 30% more. Depends on the model. also, i know someone who moved furniture...i dont know why you want to go through that headache. Just sell it and buy new furniture down here. You are bringing furniture into a country that might not even match or fit in the apartment or house you are going to move into. Each product has different fees thats why no one can do it and neither can I because I dont have a list of the things youare bringing in. Then Id have to consult the Trade Ministry and go over your items ONE BY ONE. Its a laborous task, which is why I say, and I say this to everyone...keep what is sentimental, sell the sofa and the car. Or if you have a place to keep it in the US, keep it there. Give it to your brother or dad or mom, for example. Arent you goign to move back or travel to the US to visit people? You can drive your Yukon. It will be something to look forward to. Trust me, you dont want a big freakin Yukon in Brazil unless you plan on living on a farm. Youll look like a crazy person driving that thing and you will be a target for criminals. I cant even IMAGINE the insurance you would have to pay on that thing. Youre better off buying a freakin Beamer or a Benz or a Ferrari!

Brazil has great cars and you can buy some nice SUVs, including GMC imports, here.  

Having a perm visa wouldnt change anything.

Now, if you MUST bring all those things in, then you will h ave to find your trading company that is going to ship it and have them come up with the duty for you. They know where to go. Otherwise, your wife, who speaks Portuguese, will have to call the Trade inistry for that and go over each item. As much as I like you , Wendell, no way am I doing that. I did it a few times for Europeans and Americans who were asking about importing classic cars. What a headache. Never again.

Keep what is essential. Travel light.