Moving books to CR

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  • #181818
    eehorobec
    Member

    My husband and I are planning to move to CR hopefully before the end of this year. I was wondering if you forum members believe that we should move our books (many are old) or should we donate them here. I seem to remember that duty is not charged on books. When we were in CR it seems like people said we should move our books, but they may just have wanted something different to read. I understand that there are some used book stores where we might trade books or sell them. We do have a few hundred books and it seems like a lot of stuff to move. Any experiences to share?

    #181819
    DavidCMurray
    Participant

    The answer to your question depends, I believe, on what your overall moving plans are. If you are going to send a shipping container full of household belongings, then you will probably have room for your books, and the additional Customs duty will be minimal, if any is assessed. Folks locally would probably appreciate having an infusion of new reading material, so there may be a real benefit. Otherwise, you can, indeed, trade them at a local used book store for credit against other purchases.

    On the other hand, no matter how you ship those books other than in a shipping container, it’s going to be quite expensive. If the books have intrinsic value, as first editions might, then think about bringing them. But if they’re just good reading, I think you’ll be shocked at the cost of transporting them here.

    And if *you* are unlikely to read them again, what’s the real point?

    #181820
    dkt2u
    Member

    agree that unless you bringing a shipping container it is not cost effective to ship individual boxes. Used books can be expensive down here, so that is one thing to consider. The used bookstore in Jaco near us is in the neighborhood of $3 for a used paperback book.

    #181821
    rf2cr
    Participant

    We are asking the same question, just a point to think about, when we lived on isolated properties in Paraguay with no TV, books were vital and we never, never had enough. We do plan to ship, just not sure how or how many. Where are you moving from? We are in Southern California, perhaps if it is of interest to you we could consider sharing a container.

    Ruth

    #181822
    terriewat
    Member

    Given time all books will mold and mildew in the heat in CR. If the books are special or rare….I would not bring them to CR. Books, Photos, CDs…..all will suffer the humid conditions in CR unless in temp controlled areas.(and that is expensive>)

    Good Luck with your move.

    #181823
    davedavid
    Member

    books are always good companions. unfortunately, after you have read them they occupy space and collect dust. books you don’t mind reading again or books that you will refer to from time to time while in CR like cookbooks, travel books, self-improvement and do-it-yourself books i would definitely take. the rest can be donated to the local librarary or cocal organizations that have a book sale once a year.

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