Chile Forum

Can anyone help me with a question on importing some handtools?
I want to purchase some specialized woodworking handtools in the USA, and am wondering what is the best/correct way to bring them into Chile. They are not overly large, but more than I want to carry as excess baggage. So what is the appropriate way to bring them into Chile? Thanks in advance for the advice.

I have had Lee Valley in Canada ship me tools by surface mail without a problem, those made in Canada are duty free. I have also had new tools sent by a friend and undervalued them, set of chisels at $60 that cost $250 with no problem. Surface mail from Canada to Chile is 4-6 weeks.

Everything I've needed/wanted, I've brought in in my luggage. This trip, the guy asked me if I had special photographic gear in there? I identified the gear as a belt sander. No problem.
Seems they are only interested in electronic/high tech/high value stuff. Carpentry tools shouldn't raise an eyebrow.
Even if the agent was a "maestro" they'd probably be a mystery to him if my experience with Chilean Maestros is anything to go by.
"Sharpening stone?, what for?"

Yes, I carried my mechanics tools into Chile 2 months ago, without any questions. I wasn't sure how they would react or what they would ask at customs. Fortunately, they said nothing.
The tools I want to bring in from the US are a 3/4 inch drive Milwaukee electric drill, and a fixture to hold a log while cutting a tenon in the end of it. Combined shipping weight is approx. 60 lbs, and a total value of $1200 USD. The dealer in US said they could ship them USPS for ~$175, but I was wondering what happens when they arrive at Chile Correo. If they decide to charge me duty, is that payable on pickup? Is it better to go through a customs broker? Thanks for the imput.

So can you break them up in separate cases to allow you to bring them in your luggage?
This last trip I brought a case of subway tile (about 50 lbs) in my carry on roller bag along with my laptop etc. As long as you can't endanger the plane with it I've found the TSA people understand. Put some stickers or sawdust/paint on the Milwaukee drill to make it "used" (most of my tools were brought in this way).
If it's a "hole hawg" type as opposed to a bench mounted one you should be fine. I've got a Skil 77 in my garage ready for the next trip down.

I want to bring my welding equipment to Chile and don't know if I can get consumables like mig wire, plasma cutting tips, abrasives to fit my hand grinders and bench grinder. I'm not sure about duties from the USA and shipping if it would be worth it to bring these things or to sell and buy new there. I hate to sell my equipment. Anyone have any advice? The biggest piece of equipment is my 250 miller mig welder about 200 pounds maybe and my bench grinder and plasma cutter. The rest I might be able to pack in suitcases.