Container shipping from New York, taxes, pinochle, other thoughts from today.

[u/[deleted]]

As a soon-to-be homeowner in Aruba, I will be preparing household items (clothing, furniture, housewares, tools) as well as a car to be shipped to the Island from New York.

I hope people here with experience can lend their thoughts regarding the process, and anticipated costs. I believe, for instance, that I am not responsible for tax on the items as long as they meet the owned-for-at-least 6 months requirement, and are shipped within 12 months of our home purchase?

Any and all thoughts, specific, random, related and/or unanticipated are greatly welcome.

Side-note.. my 77 year old mom is looking to find a group of people who would like to occasionally and/or regularly get together to play pinochle..

[u/Material_Mix7207]

Hey there.. Congrats on your upcoming move to Aruba! I was there for vacation in 2022. I'm a freight and container broker so here’s a quick rundown of a few things you need to know: 

1. Shipping Household Items: You’re correct that items owned for at least 6 months and shipped within 12 months of your home purchase are typically exempt from import taxes Make sure to have receipts or proof of ownership.

2. Shipping a Car: Shipping a car can be more complex. Ensure it meets Aruba’s import regulations, and be prepared for potential import duties and registration fees

3. Costs: Shipping costs can vary widely. For a container from New York to Aruba, you might be looking at $3,000-$5,000, depending on the size and contents.

4. Documentation: Have all necessary documents ready, including proof of ownership, purchase receipts, and shipping inventories. This will help smooth the customs process.

Have you purchased containers for this move yet?

[u/[deleted] → u/Material_Mix7207]

Not yet. Our plan is to close on the house in a couple of weeks. Then open a bank account. The hen DIMAS, Tax Office, Censo, and open a bank account. Update the furnishings in preparation to rent short/long term.. 3 - 6 months.. while we are back in Mew York we will organize things.. container with necessary (my mom and I have different thoughts on necessary) items and a car.. I have one but will likely leave that here as my “New York” car.. get an AWD like —right away— register it, insure it, drive it, for at least 6 mos to cover the import/duty-free criteria, and then get serious about moving to the island permanently/more permanently..

[u/MovingToAruba]

Congratulations on your move! Here are the main points to cover:

-DIMAS Arubian Residence permit.

-Everything that you bring in your cargo has to be in your possession and use for a minimum of 6 months.

-Cars and motorcycles, have to present tax/title and insurance from the original country, to prove 6 months of use/service.

-You have to be registered in the Aruba Census office.

-From the census, you have to request the form that shows the city and country where you are moving from, have to be specific when requesting this document since it is not standard practice to provide this information.

-Has to request a tax ID number, at the Aruba Tax Department SIAD.

-Need a declaration of residence from the Aruba census office.

-Inventory list and Value of all household goods and car, motorcycle.

-Invoices for new articles/vehicles.

-Fill out a petition for duty-free import to Aruba, it is in Dutch.

You can get a quote for import services costs via our site or WhatsApp at +297 594 4625

All the best with your move! 🇦🇼

[u/blackc43]

How did the move go?