What Can I Bring to Ecuador?
If you are planning on moving to Ecuador you know it can get pretty complicated. Packing is always one of the last minute things that doesn’t get much thought – until the few days before you leave. At least that’s how it was with us – and is one of those things we wish we did differently. After reviewing this customs document, packing might move up your list of important things to consider. Here are a few pointers to help you prepare for your Ecuador relocation.
Last week as we returned to Ecuador from a trip to Canada, we were given the standard customs form on the plane to fill out. The list is long about what is allowable. The rules aren’t crazy or extreme, but there are two sections that you should be aware of: Pets and Electronics.
Please note: Text in italics is quote directly from Customs document, which explains the grammar/spelling errors – see image below.
Limits on Bringing Pets to Ecuador
The rule states a maximum of 2 pets can be imported (subject to sanitary regulations).Limits on Bringing Electronics to Ecuador
Travelers or head of household may enter up to two (2) additional units, one (1) new and one (1) used, of the following portable articles:- Photographic camera, video camera, mobile telephone, electronic agenda, portable or non portable video game, electronic calculator, portable computer and its accessories (mouse, headphone, keyboard and other).
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Portable image reproducer, sound or video player, portable television up to 21 inches.
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Desktop and its accessories (mouse, headphones, camera, keyboard and other).
- Prismatic equipment, projector, monitor up to 21 inches and telephone, printer or fax.
The Bottom Line: Watch the amount of electronics you bring. While its unlikely that you’ll have a problem, if you are just bringing it for personal use, the law is in place that they could charge taxes and duties on everything in excess of these limits. I think everyone travels with more than 2 electronic devices: phone, camera, laptop, smart phone.
If you are bringing pets to Ecuador, this is a whole other issue. The Marshalls from Canada wrote a great post about bringing their dog to Ecuador.
Everything else is pretty standard. Personal use clothes, books, medicines, medical items, musical instruments and camping gear are all allowed.
Penalty and Fines for Bringing Excess into Ecuador
Should the traveler bring goods in excess of the limits mentioned above, these will be considered taxable items and should pay customs duties. In case of underage entering taxable items. parents or a representing would have to be responsible of paying the taxes. Additionally, would be considered as personal effects: goods (set or kit) which are not specified in the above mentioned, which don’t have restrictions whether is for volume, quantity or size, and its value not over US$500.So the worst that would happen, it seems, is you could get a big bill for the items you are over limit on. Its worth checking with your lawyer in Ecuador before you depart, if you are concerned about the volume or type of things you want to bring.
What can I bring back from Ecuador? Well that’s a whole other question.
I’ve been searching around for info on bringing a desktop computer to Ecuador (Cuenca), and I can’t find any specifics. Did you carry one with you? Is it cost-prohibitive to order one and have it shipped? I have a laptop, too, but living without my desktop would be tough…
Thanks for your insights!
We brought laptops with us. Since we arrived we bought a desktop computer. A friend left his case in Canada and brought all the components (motherboard, hard drive, video cards) and bought a case and power supply here.
I brought my desktop with me, but considered it a piece of checked luggage. The box size worked good for that. I bought 2 heavy duty vinyl straps to ensure it couldn’t be broken apart. I wrote fragil all over the box. It got here intact and I had no problems. But, I likely would not do it again due to the potential risk of having it damaged. I would bring the components and then have them built into a system here as you can easily get cases and power supplies.
Oh, WOW. My husband and I would love to make Ecuador our home. But it seems that the move could be quite problematic. I think my main concern would be my dog. She is a 95lb American Bulldog. Is there any restrictions on the size of the pet? She is a huge part of my family and I can not leave her behind. Any info would be so appreciated.
Does anyone use any online grocery stores to import food stuffs for personal use? My son is craving salt and vinegar crisps and Penguins (from the UK). There is an online store (http://www.britishcornershop.co.uk/) that will do the job (and get me some peshwari naans). They send the package via UPS, and I’m wondering if this would be subject to the same astronomical charges for importing packages that the Ecuadorian Post Office charges. Does anyone have any experience of this?
can i bring one box of Arm & Hammer baking soda into ecuadore?
We brought baking soda for friends. It’s a good idea to bring it – because we have yet to find baking soda in Ecuador.
Baking powder is sold in Ecuador though not easy to find. We’ve been buying it a local tienda here in Vilcabamba that brings it in bulk and repackages for retail sale.
Baking powder can be found in any supermarket in Ecuador – I forget what it’s called but it’s something horno – and in a white plastic can with a red top. I’ll check when I get home and add the name here.
Interesting discussion…we’re concerned with bringing in two point ‘n shoot cameras plus hubby’s Go Pro for his scuba diving, three laptops (now talking about updating the two big ones into one newer shared one), 2 Kindle e-readers and 2 Kindle Fires, 2 iPods, 2 iPhones. Seems like we’d be way over the limit, just wondering how often this happens as an issue and do we have to list these on some form when we enter the country.
I haven’t heard of anyone having trouble when bringing personal goods, but it sure looks like you will be over. I met a couple last night that arrived the day before – they only thing they had to pay duties on was their television ($100). And they had multiple computers, cell phones, etc. The problem is that Aduanas can charge taxes/duties, or even confiscate goods, if you bring in more than the allowable quantity. It doesn’t mean they will – but they can…
On the form, you have to note if you have more than the allowable rate. The last time we entered, there wasn’t anywhere for a list – just a checkbox. Then you (might) get to go over everything with an agent if they choose you.
Thanks for all the great info. here. We will be traveling from the U.S. to visit our friend for a week who lives near Loja Ecuador in April. We have had requests for items to bring from the U.S., but I want to make sure we will actually be able to bring them into the country without having them confiscated at the border. I have tried several online searches, but keep getting different answers. One of the requests is for a particular liquor, as well as some wine. One web site said 1 liter p.p. was allowed, somewhere else I saw 2 liters, and on your form above it says 5 liters. Do you know if the 5 liters is accurate for 2013? The other request involves a dried cooking spice and an herb that is unavailable in Ecuador, but readily available here at every grocery store. As long as its dried and sealed, it should be okay, right? If you have any knowledge about this I would appreciate it.
Thank you,
Julie
Hi Julie – I haven’t brought alcohol into Ecuador so the only source I have is the form. We traveled out of Ecuador a few months ago and the form was identical to the one in the post. I am confident that spices in a package, un-opened and labeled will be fine.
Hi Bryan & Dena. A very simple question that I don’t see an answer available. For a 2-3 month holiday to Ecuador can one get by with no Spanish skills. I am kind of old & don’t learn very fast anymore. Is this covered anywhere?
Yes, many expats come and don’t speak any Spanish at first. An English/Spanish dictionary will help – as will having accommodations (at least short term) worked out before you arrive.
I have to give my whole hearted agreement. We even took a couple of trips to Peru via the famed Hauquillas border crossing with only a few words of Spanish. And you will pick up some Spanish without even trying.
Will I be ok bringing a new computer to a friend who lives in Ecuador?
Yes, you should be fine. The rules state: one new and one used.
Hi Bryan. I am slightly Crippled from a car accident years ago. I can walk, but am limited to short distances. I am on medication for pain control, Yes Strong ones. I am not sure if you should post this, but I would appreciate an answer. I will have all the paperwork from my pain Specialist Dr. Is this medicine safe to bring with me ? Am I safe to have it there. Thank You again for your Wonderful Site. What part of Canada are you from. I am in Edmonton. Thanks ! Guy
I’m not sure what you mean about safety. Bringing it with you on your flight is probably fine (if you have the paperwork with you – and it is in personal use quantities) but I wouldn’t walk around town with it. That goes for anything of high value, and is the same as in most cities around the world. If you are concerned about bringing it across borders, you should check before you buy your tickets. I expect an Ecuadorian lawyer can get the specifics for you.
We are from Nova Scotia.
Bryan, when I retired I had 2 specific places in mind where I could live reasonable well on my income: Mexico and Ecuador. I am now living in Mexico and I like it but there are negatives. I was actually more enchanted with Cotacachi, Ecuador until I was told I couldn’t bring my car or my furniture or household goods. I am 68, I sold about 90% of my furniture when I left the USA. The few things I have left I want to keep including my 32 inch flat screen TV, my DVD collection and my 2 computers and my mattress and linens and all of my dishes, pots and pans etc. And of course some personal items that make a house a home. Per the information above I can’t bring anything with me? My lease here expires June 2014 and I want to move on with Ecuador being my first choice. Laws change every day, please tell me that some of the import laws have changed. If not how much money would I need to pay the fees? Thank you for all of your useful information!
This post addresses things that you can bring as personal items on a flight. When you get a residency visa, you get exceptions that allow you to bring greater variety of personal items. You should check with an immigration lawyer to confirm the current rules.
Hi Bryan! Your site and facebook page are becoming my bible it seems, haha. Good job, thank you for taking the time to help others with this exciting transition. Ok…..after reading all of this and people’s comments, I understand the above rules are about entering the country with suitcases. Since you didnt ship belongings maybe you don’t know about those restrictions and one site that did, didnt seam reasonable. Mainly because it said no creams as in toiletries. (Yikes…I bought some expensive stuff in Vegas recently and no way will I use it in time for the move)
Anyway, I am going to contact the lawyer you recommend and will say you sent me. I read you said musical instruments are fine….my husband has a lot of those, at least 10 items for playing and recording. We sure hope that wont be an issue. We also was about to buy a new large screen tv. That 21″ idea was just for suitcase entrants I hope. Plus values over 2000.00…not sure I understand that, if it means that is the high value allowed. We have been recording vids to hard dive as you suggested. Thanks for your help. Suzanne
My husband and I are thinking about retiring to Ecuador. Is it possible to bring heavy shop equipment into Ecuador. (Milling machine, 10 foot metal lathe, etc.
Great question. If you import it with your other household goods, it is probably okay. You should check with a lawyer to be sure that it wouldn’t be classed commercial. If it is, you could be looking at significant taxes/duties or even rejection of the shipment.
If I can offer my two cents. Milling machines and large metal lathes seem easily accessible here. It might be worth considering selling prior to leaving and then purchasing new or used here in Ecuador.
Yikes! I am really concerned about my camera equipment. Two Canon DSLR’s, a bunch of lenses, 6 16gb cards, and various other peripherals. When I have traveled to Ecuador, I have carried most of my stuff and had no problems. I also have at least 100 DVDs of images as well as 4 external hard drives of images. Will I be looking at a major problem if I try to bring this stuff with me? Honestly, photography is how I plan to spend a good deal of my time in Ecuador. Thanks Bryan.
Hi Bill – I’m not sure. We traveled with just one dSLR and 2 point-and-shoots, a digital video camera, 3 laptops, 4 external hard drives, 50 dvds. They didn’t even blink. I think the concern is commercial importation. But don’t take my word for it. You should check with a lawyer – you could either pay a large fee (tax) or lose some gear. Not a good situation.
Bryan
Your comment on a 2 pet restriction means 2 pets per person. It you read the Ecuadorian regulation it says that.
Wow, I can’t believe all the restrictions in traveling to Ecuador, especially about the electronics. In today’s world, to me, at least, that seems almost impossible. In the article you quoted their policies about bringing a “computer and its accessories”. Do you know if power adapters are included under that? And what about adapters that are non-computer related, like universal adapters or 90 degree adapters. Are those considered electronics (meaning would they be one of the only 2 items you can bring)?
I really don’t know. What everyone has noted, as has been our experience, is that printed requirements are seldom enforced – but they are occasionally enforced. The emphasis seems to be on # of computers, cameras and cell phones – complete electronic devices.
Bryan, Thanks for the valuable information about what to bring. We are coming in about 6 weeks for 17 days to check out Cuenca and Salinas to see if we will like it as a possible retirement location. In the information, you provided, I did not see anything about appliances.. I have heard that they are verry expensive there. Are we allowed to bring new appliances with us when we/if we move there. I know there could be duties and taxes due on it as well. Lived in Canada for 20+ years and currently living in Kentucky so I know most of the rules about duty and taxes. Let me know when you can. Tom
Hi Tom, the list is in reference to things you would bring with you on your flight. I suppose you could bring a coffee maker or toaster, but anything bigger/heavier could be difficult. We have found large appliances to be very well priced. We bought a Samsung and Whirlpool washer and dryer for less than $1000. Both are large capacity – I know we couldn’t do that in Canada. Our coffee maker – very simple with a little clock cost over $50 – which seemed very high compared to Canada. I think it would have been just $20.
If you are thinking about shipping appliances, you should talk with a lawyer about this. In my opinion, you are better of just buying it here.
Tom, I couldn’t help but notice that a fellow Kentuckian was coming to Cuenca. My husband and I have been here for 4 1/2 months. We would love to visit with you when you come. Please email me at suewoods5946@gmail.com so we can make some plans when you come. Hasta luego, Sue Woods
After talking about some of the difficult experiences in bringing things or pet’s to Ecuador I should mention, we love Ecuador and it’s people. It’s a great place to live if you can get past the details of getting and staying here.
[...] Gringos Abroad – Preparing for your relocation to Ecuador takes planning. There are restrictions on how many pets and electronics that can be brought into the country. Failure to follow the rules could result in a big tax at customs. [...]
Hi Bryant,
I’m moving to Cuenca in a couple of weeks and like to thank you for the update on bringing in electronic items. I’m still not clear on the quantities. I have a total of 3 computers. I have two laptop computers. One is a 15″ that I’ll be using as a desktop. The other is a 10.1″ netbook to be used for travel. I have a third desktop, an old MacMini that I was planning to use as a backup desktop. The two desktops will be using the same mice,keyboard and led monitor. Is that one computer too many?
An oversight on my part cost us about 60-70 CDs, music and movies. Or they were stolen from our suitcase. Somehow they didn’t arrive here with us. We did get here with our 2 cats but that was dicey at times, in both Miami and Quito. I’ll never attempt it again if I don’t have to. When it comes to detailed rules like traveling with pets, the airlines proved themselves quite incompetent. I’m not making that statement to be cynical, they really were incompetent so be prepared for an ordeal if bringing pet’s from Canada.
Aside from that, the one thing we left ourselves short on was warm clothing. We are living at 9400 feet which really isn’t working for us. Cuenca is at about 8200-8300 feet and it is noticeably warmer when we go down into the city. It doesn’t help that the house we are renting is all concrete, lots of ceiling height glass and no heater. I’d say warm clothing and really good shoes should be at the top of the priority list.
Thanks Brian for the info. I’m sorry i never got to have a little talk with you.I have been under the weather all summer. Maybe you Dad told you. listen to this strange tale, i actually had a funny dream about Drew last night. it was rather funny. TTYL PS give our love to wife and daughter.
We had decided to move to Ecuador a couple Months ago and I could not
answer all my questions what I could and could not bring and in the case of Money and Precious Metal I found as many as 3 conflicting answers. I also noted that a Lawyer is necessary to open a Bank account,,,,RED FLAG ! Also had difficulties determining what these people do for their Money and how much their Charges are. I just don’t like to be in a vulnerable position nor surprises. So we just decided to stay put for now and look some more maybe…..G
We had decide to move to Ecuador a couple Months ago and I could not
answer all my questions what I could and could not bring and in the case of Money and Precious Metal I fould as many as 3 conflicting answers. I also noted
that a Lawyer is necessary to open a Bank account,,,,RED FLAG ! To handle
a Visa…..RED FLAG, among other things…..A
Sounds like you had unhelpful lawyers. It is not necessary to have a lawyer to open a bank account. I’ve done it. It is not uncommon to hire a lawyer to assist with the visa process – regardless of what country you are in. If you are fluent in Spanish and the local laws, I expect you could submit your own application. I know of at least on foreigner who has done it on her own.
Sorry you had such a hard time. Ecuador isn’t usually as difficult as you experienced. Its a good idea to get all the info before making a move.
The Marshalls post above about bringing your pet to Ecuador is very good information. But it leaves me wondering how we got our cat’s here. Maybe the airline “incompetence” I spoke of in my other reply was a good thing. We simply went to our local vet who is licensed by government, treat and inspect the cats and then provide us is with basic documents certifying the cat’s health and this is what the airlines told us we needed. What saved us was the stamped pet collar tag with the vet’s license number.
You make a good point. Just because the laws are in effect doesn’t mean they will be enforced. Especially here in Ecuador, for example, we’ve seen police turn a blind eye to things that a person would be ticketed for in Canada. Glad you got your cats through okay – I’ve heard similar stories. And others about people who had a nightmare, because they didn’t have all their papers in order.
Welcome back, hope you all enjoyed your visit back home. Great article..I see that I have to eleminate some items on my to-go list. I was going to bring more than 10 cd’s with us. Wondering if that includes dvds. Looks like some of our musical instruments will have to left behind also. This list must be fairly new, didn’t see a custom list like this on our trip down in 2009. Well, we have to contact our lawyer this month so thanks to your article I have additional important questions to ask. Thanks for the heads up
Hi John and Mary – we ripped all our cds and dvds to a hard drive and brought that with us. We have hundreds of movies and albums but without all the physical disks. Might be an idea. Your lawyer will be able to clarify this for sure.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks ! For some reason I didn’t think of doing that. Again keep up the excellent posts, you really cover a lot of subjects that other site fail to do.
Thanks John and Mary – really appreciate your feedback.
Do you mind me asking which hard drive you used… all the ones I’ve checked out have negative feedback, more bad than good. Hate to buy one, take the time to burn everything then have it crash and burn after using iy a couple of times..thanks
Hi Mary and John, I have 5 of a few different brands. I would recommend buying two identical drives and mirrroring them. That way, if one fails, you have a back up. I have also copied all of my digital files (video, photo and music) onto my desktop computer (which I bought here). For brands, I recommend Western Digital and LaCie – just check the specific models for reliability. I haven’t had any trouble with them.
I have been emailing two dif lawyers in Cuenca, one being Grace from this page. They all said the musical instruments are fine and we have a lot of those. They also said the 20 solar panels are fine if we prove they are part of our household goods, such as having the other parts I suppose. The size of the tv does not seem to matter and the fact we use monitors that are also tv flat screens does not matter either. Ours are big. So thats cool. The only disc item that didnt matter how many you have is video games…prob because they cant be duplicated. We are recording all movies and music discs to hard drive and our itunes acct. We are going to use Ecuador Relocation Service. Once a deposit is made, they provide you with a wealth of information and take care of everything once you properly pack your belongings. We are not at that point yet but they answer emails that match up to what Grace has said.