Sabor a Selva on Facebook…

pucallpa sunset sabor a selva

 

This is a recent photo I posted on our Sabor a Selva facebook page, it was quite popular.  We post a lot of updates there and are happy to answer questions as well. If you would like to check out our page, here is a link:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sabor-a-Selva/147717248612683

Please like and share, if you enjoy our posts! Thanks for all your support.

Thanks for visiting! Let us know what we can do to improve our site.
Posted in Pucallpa by scoot. No Comments

Sending packages to Peru…

We have received several thousand views of our post on sending and receiving packages to Peru, link HERE. It has also generated a lot of comments. It has been a very constructive dialog and helps me to better understand issues people are facing when receiving mail in Peru.

I have been planning this post for some time, but I needed to wait for a test package to arrive to further investigate and verify a few items in the post.  Recently, I have had two very different experiences with aduanas, the Peruvian Customs agency. Some background: Aduanas is a division of SUNAT (think of a draconian tax collection agency modeled after the IRS in the States) is actually responsible for about 90% of issues with packages being sent into Peru. There are many reasons for this, but first and foremost, their job is to collect duties (taxes) on imported goods. If you look at countries that comprise Latin America, you will notice those that have the lowest or no taxes, make up for it by charging import duties on just about every item brought into the country. Fortunately, Peru is not that bad.  You just need to follow some common sense guidelines to avoid most potential issues.

This information is only for packages sent using your home country’s national mail system to Peru.

First, a clarification. SERPOST and ADUANAS are not the same thing. They are two completely separate government agencies. SERPOST just sends and receives packages. ADUANAS/SUNAT is responsible for most of your packages being delayed and potentially taxed.  All packages arrive in Lima in Callao, through ADUANAS and are then routed along to their destinations by SERPOST after they have cleared customs.

Link to SERPOST

Link to SUNAT/ADUANAS

Potential Red Flags

  • Value: US$100 or less. Over that increases the chances the package will be selected for further inspection.  As cited in my previous post and confirmed my agents of ADUANAS, the limit is NOT US$200. (If I missed a relevant update, please email me at [email protected])
  • Weight: About 5 (five) pounds or 2kg. Anything over that weight needs to be picked up.
  • Size: Big and bulky is more likely to be selected.
  • Item count: Yes, really. If you send a bottle or two of vitamins, not going to be an issue in about 90% of cases.
  • Prohibited Items: Just like any country, Peru does not allow certain imports, used clothing for example.  There are not many items of the list and most of them are industrial, chemical or agriculture related.
  • Customs Declaration: Make sure it is clearly and properly filled. (See model photo below).

serpost saboraselva expat peru

 

 

My package got flagged

What happens? You will receive a notice from SERPOST that you have a package being held for you. They will list the location and time the inspector is available to see you. In Pucallpa, they see 8 people per day between 8am and about noon, Monday and Thursday ONLY.  If you owe tax, you can pay at some SERPOST offices or in Pucallpa, at the ADUANAS office.

  • Good outcome – Package is released locally without issue.
  • Less optimal outcome – Package is held for various reasons.  You may need to pay taxes and/or provide further documentation on items in the package.

Avoiding the less optimal outcome:

  • Try avoid the potential red flags listed above.
  • Use your country’s postal service, not one of the famous overnight delivery services.
  • Make sure you send the item using tracking. It does help.
  • For the sake of saving yourself a lot of money, please make sure receipts are enclosed in the package. If NOT, they use a computer database to determine your tax.
  • With clothing, leave the tags attached to prove they are new, not used. There have been many issues related to this.
  • Make sure the package is sent with the EXACT name on the recipient’s identification: Passport/CE/DNI.
  • Sometimes, no matter what, your package is going to be selected. The law of averages catches up to you eventually.

Handling the less optimal outcome: These people are human. They have a job to do, don’t hate them for it. In customer service, just like life, you usually get a lot further, a lot faster if you are polite.  So,  your package needs some extra attention, big deal, it happens!  They are going to ask you what is in the package, what is it used for, is it a medication, how much did it cost, where is your receipt, they may ask you to demonstrate how something works, etc. They may say we just wanted to confirm what was in the package and send you on your way (OR) they may tell you to jump through several hoops to  finally receive your package.  Ask what your next steps are and collect whatever forms are provided to you. Most offices do not have English speakers, so you might need to speak Spanish or have someone that can translate for you.

Recent less than spectacular experience: A few months ago a friend sent a package to us. It contained supplements, vitamins and a bunch of other stuff. It was just supposed to be a few items, but ended up being about 15 pounds worth of randomness.  Guess what happened… I got the dreaded notice from my mailman. What could have been a huge hassle turned out to be relatively minor. The ADUANAS inspector was not super helpful at first, gave us some forms to fill out and told us to bring them back. We went back a few weeks later because I had a second package. A different inspector was working, they rotate between the airport, port and post office. He was really helpful and told us to come back in the afternoon for the damage (taxes). It turned out we had to pay about 400 soles total, but we got our packages.  The outcome could have been much different, technically they could have made me go to Lima, get a certificate for my vitamins and prescription for them too.  At no time in the process were bribes solicited or offered.

ADUANAS Taxes Paid Saboraselva expat peru

Duties paid 18% of US$605 = US$109.

Recent spectacular experience: On March 17th I ordered something online from the UK called Sugru, a silicone based fix stuff material.  It shipped on the 18th and arrived on April 1st. I paid a whopping US$3.00 for shipping! The total value as you can see in the photos was about US$30. So, I am under $100 bucks, my package is the size of a paperback book, and it weighs in at a whopping  0.08kg. April 1, 2013, the mailman rode up to my house on his motorcycle and delivered the package you see in the photo. A friend also had 2 bottles of vitamins and a separate package arrive during the same time period.  Both were delivered right to his house.  No hassles, no issues.

Will this really help me?  I sure hope so! So far, the comments support our experiences. Placing your trust in a process you know nothing about is never a good thing.

 

 

Pucallpa General Information Update for 2013…

El Chacarero - Pucallpa Peru

El Chacarero – Pucallpa Peru

I figured it was time to update these posts for 2013:  pucallpa-general-information and cost of living.

For the latest exchange rates, always consult (xe.com):  Current Exchange rates.

I post quite often on facebook, different content. Please check it out here: Sabor a Selva on Facebook

UPDATE FOR 2013

About access to products… In the past, this was a major issue.  Now, I can find most things that we would buy in Lima for less. There are some lesser know markets in Pucallpa that carry a great assortment of products. About the only item I can’t find here is an oven thermometer, of all things.

The absolute highlight for 2013? So far, it is the digital revolution here. We have true broadband for about 30% less than the old Movistar Speedy Plans. No more 200/400/600kbs, we now have 2, 4 and 6mbps! We can take online classes, teach them, enjoy better access to information. Also, in spite of a few major outages related to sabotage, service has been incredibly stable. I would rate the service and reliability at 4/5 stars.

  • Taking a Motokar: No price change.  Minimum fare, 1.50 soles.
  • Taking a Tico(shared taxi):  No change 1-1.50 each way.
  • Food prices:  Food prices have gone up about 5% per year between 2011 and 2013. They really only fluctuate when we have an issue like the highway closing for an extended period of time. Only one road to Lima.
  • Eating out:  Expect to pay 9-10 soles for a 1/4 of chicken meal, costs are going up due to rising feed costs. In general prices have gone up about 10% in the last 18 months.
  • Natural Gas & Fuel:  No change.  We pay about 12 soles a gallon for 90 octane fuel and about 31 soles for a bottle of natural gas for cooking. The price of gas and fuel remains about 30% less than Lima.
  • Clothing: No change
  • Medication: 15-25% increase.
  • Housing prices seem to be rising, but at a very modest rate. About 5% per year.
  • Prime real estate has gone up. Locations in downtown are quite expensive.
  • Construction costs have gone up due to demand and regulation.
  • New companies from Lima are finally setting up shop here. Outside downtown.
  • Safety: No major issues. Just exercise normal caution.
  • Security: Over 100 new National Police Officers were trained and deployed.  20 new surveillance cameras are in the process of being deployed in some of the more troublesome parts of Pucallpa.
  • New airline choice: Peruvian Air http://www.peruvian.pe/en
  • New bus choice:  Tepsa http://www.tepsa.com.pe/
  • Renting: Renting a room or a house has gone up quite a bit. You can still find the occasional bargain of 200 soles a month but expect to pay closer to 350-500 for a one bedroom apartment. Houses rent for about US$300 a month and up.
  • Electricity: 5% increase, but much more stable service. Massive improvements to the grid.
  • INDECOPI is now open. They are the Peruvian agency for everything from consumer rights to intellectual property rights.
  • Beer/Wine/Alchohol: No change in prices. More selection.
  • Hotels: 20-300 soles per night. The average is about 100 soles for a place with WIFI and Air.
  • Infrustructure: Substantial improvements.
  • Tourism: Slight increase expected for 2013. New walking and shopping zone from the Plaza de Armas to the Public Clock,  called “The Boulevard” is slated to open for San Juan festivities (June).
  • The Restinga side of Yarinacocha is currently being wired for electricity.
  • A new tourist district is being planned for Yarinacocha. There have been few updates since the announcement.
  • Late 2013-Early 2014: Many big box retailers from Lima are opening for business.

Want more information or have something to share? Feel free to email us at [email protected]

US Embassy Consular Services in Pucallpa March 21, 2013

flag

Great news! The embassy will be here next week, on Thursday the 21st of March. You need to pre-register for services:  Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 20 to [email protected] with your full name, date of birth, current passport number, and the type of service desired. They only visit about once every 18 months, so make sure you make an appointment if you need their assistance and can’t travel to Lima.

Time: 11:00 am and 1:30 pm only

Location: Av. Centenario #1679, Pucallpa.

The location is very easy to find. The following services will be offered on site:

Please follow the instructions on the above links and bring your completed application and required documents.

Link to original announcement:

http://lima.usembassy.gov/warden/messages/consular-services-pucallpa-mar-21-2013.html

Where can I get lunch (Menú) in Pucallpa, Peru…

Samples of menú:

We thought it would be a nice idea to share some of our favorite places in Pucallpa, Peru.  First up, places to eat.  Over the next few months we will post an update or two each week based on the theme ‘personal favorites.’

I welcome feedback from guests to add their favorites.  Since food and eating out are probably the most popular activities here, we thought we would start with restaurant experiences, specifically menú.  We love to eat, and my wife and I have accumulated a list of our favorite restaurants.  Included is a brief review of each restaurant followed by price, service, cleanliness and air conditioning, on a five star scale.

For menú(set menu lunch):

For those not familiar with the term menú, it refers to a preset menu offering no substitutions and limited dish choices. It is very quick and cheap. It is the lunch choice for about 75% of pucallpinos.  It is served with a drink, either a glass or pitcher of fresh juice.  Next, a starter, usually soup or salad.  Finally, a main course and at some places, dessert.  Prices range from 3-15 soles here in Pucallpa.  The least expensive places are usually the busiest.  A lot of people say it is dangerous to eat menú  from the cheap places.  In my experience, that is not the case, quite the opposite.  I have only had issues with two places, very nice places and will leave it at that.  There are several hundred places from which to choose, I selected four that give a diverse representation of Pucallpa menú choices.

Hotel America – Jr. Coronel Portillo 357 – The restaurant is located all the way in the back, upstairs.  They offer a delicious and very appetizing menú Monday-Saturday. It consists of soup or salad.  A full pitcher of refresco.  Usually you have a choice of 3 or 4 main dishes.  Dessert is offered occasionally at no extra charge.  The presentation is amazing.  The chef, yeah they have a menú  chef, is very creative and makes some fantastic dishes.  We usually go on Saturday’s.  It is best to go around 12PM as they often run out of food by 2PM.  This is by far and away our favorite menú  place.

Price:  ✰✰✰ – 10 soles per person

Service: ✰✰✰✰✰

Cleanliness: ✰✰✰✰✰

Air:  Yes.

 

Restaurant Kitty – Tarapacá 1062 – A local fixture for over 30 years.  Always great food.  They have grown a lot in the last two years and service can be an issue at times.  The food is always excellent! In addition to menú they have a huge selection of regional cuisine.  They have the best tacu tacu in Pucallpa, hands down.

Price:  ✰✰✰ – 11 soles per person

Service: ✰✰

Cleanliness: ✰✰✰

Air:  No.

 

Unknown  -  Located between to Inkafarma and FISA in downtown Pucallpa this is a budget traveler’s dream.  For only 5 soles, less than $2, you can enjoy a great lunch.  The choices are the most varied of any of the menú restaurants here.  The service and chaos can be annoying, but if you are on a budget, it is worth it.  It is always packed and they offer about 10 dishes every day.

Price:  ✰ – 6 soles per person

Service: ✰

Cleanliness: ✰✰

Air:  No.

 

Last but not least… Your neighbor across the street.  Yes, you read that correctly.  You will find menú  places all over your neighborhood.  They are the cheapest places and usually safest.  Nothing like poisoning your customers to destroy your business.  Some offer a place to sit and eat, but most are take away.  They are the least expensive at  3-5 soles.  Some only make menú  for their customers and you need to order in advance.  This has its advantages.  Some days our menú  lady will ask us what we want her to make, pretty cool.

Price:  ✰ – 3-5 soles per person

Service: ✰✰✰

Cleanliness: ✰

Air:  No.