Brazilians making shopping trips to the US has been in the news quite a bit. Prices on certain items in Brazil are so high that many upper class and middle class Brazilians have found it cheaper to buy a flight, hotel rooms, and the item desired than to buy it in Brazil. So, you can imagine that American expats in Brazil get really excited about shopping when they make visits back to the States. My family was surprised by the amount of shopping that we did, and the amount of money that we spent. I'm a notorious cheapskate, coupon clipper and bargain hunter. Prior to moving to Brazil, I was very VERY frugal, and was very careful with our budget and our expenses. I'm still careful, but living in Brazil has made me have to relax. But it's fun to go back to the US with my big shopping list, and hit the stores.
And we've found the best way to bring back all our stuff. My sister shared her travel secret with me, and now I'll share it with you. First, don't bother with buying extra suitcases to bring to Brazil. Go to Target, and buy Rubbermaid 18 Gallon Totes (usually priced between US$7 and US$10).
Don't skimp and buy the Sterilite ones because they tops break too easily. Don't forget that each traveler can bring 2 pieces of luggage, so I'd suggest buying as many of these puppies as you can. These will easily hold between 50 and 70 pounds (50 pounds is the limit for US domestic travel, 70 lbs for travel to Brazil). You probably could buy the 22 Gallon Tubs, but I think they are a little more difficult to maneuver and get in and out of taxis and cars. Also, buy 2 TSA approved locks for each Tote (also found at Target), and "zip ties" or cable ties (see image below):
Then you should drill 4 holes in the top corners WITH THE LID ON. You don't want to drill too close to the edge of the tote/lid, but make sure that your locks are long enough so that the hole you drill doesn't have to be too close to the edge.
Then fill that thing up of all your stuff. Really cram it in there. You can use clothes, socks, feminine hygiene products, etcetera to cushion. But fill it up. If it's tight, it should hold about 50 pounds. Make sure you make a list of everything you put in, and put that list inside the box and keep a copy with you. Also put the address of your final destination inside. Then put 2 locks through two opposite corners, and zip ties through the other corners. Put the address of your final destination on the outside also, and tape all the edges closed with duct tape or packing tape. My sister got a strap, but we've always just used tape:
The beauty of these totes is that they are much cheaper (and in my opinion more durable) than buying luggage. They are great for storing things (we've even kept them outside, and they've kept sealed enough to keep moisture out). Plus, these things are hard to find in Brazil, and from about 5 minutes of research online, they run for R$50 on Mercado Livre. So, even if you don't want to keep them, you can easily sell them.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for posting this! I was about to buy more luggage since we're moving to Brazil at the end of the month. What things do you suggest stocking up on for Brazil? When I lived Asia, I always stocked up on deodorant, tampons, syrup, and taco seasoning :)
ReplyDeleteHi love your blog, if I hear you right, you can bring two of those plastic tubs onto a flight from the US to Brazil completely filled and they won't charge tax even if its electronics? Now those would go under the plane right? So me and my husband can bring 4 total? Or can their be two for children let me know thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Skarlette. I'm not exactly sure how to answer your question. There are several factors. First, I think it depends on your visa status regarding what you can bring in. If you are just visiting, it might make them stop and check you, but if you are moving here, they will probably understand and it won't be a problem. Again, I'm not entirely sure, so it would be good to do some research. Second, you are allowed to bring in $500 worth goods that you bought and you won't be taxed. Of course, you can do things to help, like removing things from their boxes, not having the receipts with you, etcetera. And thirdly, it's the whim of the customs folks. Sometimes they are super strict, sometimes they aren't. We've flown with the plastic tubs 3 times, and never had a problem. We did put our stereo equipment in one of them back in 2010 when we moved here, and some computer stuff.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you can bring 2 totes per adult or per child. So stock up!
Sorry for the delay when you say two totes do you mean the tupperware container in your photo per adult? Meaning $500.00 per adult not to be taxed?
ReplyDeleteHi there. We could bring two pieces of luggage per person (adult or child). So with a family of 5, that meant 10 pieces of luggage, which in our case included suitcases and totes. I'm not sure about the rules regarding USD$500, if it's just for adults or children. I'd suggest doing a little more research if you are concerned. You can look at gringoes.com in the message boards, or you can post a question there. We didn't have to confirm this information because our kind of visa allowed for us to bring whatever we needed for employment, and since my husband is a musician, he could justify all his computer equipment, stereo equipment and Ipod as work related. I'm no expert in this area, so I'd really suggest doing some more research if you have specific questions.
ReplyDelete