Argentina - Anyone carried on LCD TV on carry on?

It's been a while since I've carried any electronics to Argentina. Has anyone carried on an LCD TV on their carry on bag before? Is it allowed through security? If not, I know people have brought LCD TV's in checked luggage. I talked to some people in the past that brought in 32' LCD TV's that were $300 or less and showed the receipts to the customs agents to avoid extra taxes.

Has anyone done this recently?

I've only ever bought an LCD in checked baggage. I declared it at aduana at EZE without a problem (it was less than US$300). Something as big as a 32" even in checked baggage is probably going to be oversize considering the protective packing that will be necessary.

I can't see any problem with having one as carryon baggage at security in the US, but you won't be able to transport a screen onto the plane that exceeds carryon dimensions.

Thanks for taking the time to post Soflyon. Just out of curiosity, how big was the LCD TV you checked in? I was just worried about possible damage even packing it well if I checked it in.

Thanks for taking the time to post Soflyon. Just out of curiosity, how big was the LCD TV you checked in? I was just worried about possible damage even packing it well if I checked it in.Mine was only 24", which I removed from the original box. I kept the expanded polystyrene corners on and protected the front/back with thin plywood.

I picked up a used soft-sided piece of luggage at Goodwill (at the maximum size for checked baggage without oversize fees). I filled the remaining spaces with foam so the LCD was essentially floating inside. I could probably have gone to perhaps 28", but not as big as 32". Soft sided luggage has the advantage in that the corners are only slightly contoured.

It's much easier if you get an LCD which has a detachable stand so it doesn't take up so much space. You can get a reasonable estimate of the packed size of course by measuring the box size it comes packed in - before you order it online. :D

Please remember to have your purchase receipt handy... this will get attention from EZE Customs and you may have to pay duty if you are over US$400 limit.

If you are prepared to pay oversize fees, you can bring in a 55" as checked baggage, as detailed here:
http://www.argentinepost.com/2010/06/the-gigantic-55-hdtv-i-brought-to-argentina.html

The customs agents have a good idea of what stuff like this costs in the US, so as Alex mentions above, have your receipt handy!

If you are prepared to pay oversize fees, you can bring in a 55" as checked baggage, as detailed here:
http://www.argentinepost.com/2010/06/the-gigantic-55-hdtv-i-brought-to-argentina.html

The customs agents have a good idea of what stuff like this costs in the US, so as Alex mentions above, have your receipt handy!

I wonder if it would be smart to get supplemental insurance for one of these...? What does a 55-60 inch LED cost in the USA these days..???

What does a 55-60 inch LED cost in the USA these days..???Starting at about 1K, more for 3D of course. Hey don't get any ideas! :D

I wonder if it would be smart to get supplemental insurance for one of these...? What does a 55-60 inch LED cost in the USA these days..???

You could take a day trip to SCL - Paris and Falabella have 50"+ LEDs in the $700.000 range.

I wonder if it would be smart to get supplemental insurance for one of these...? What does a 55-60 inch LED cost in the USA these days..???

We were looking at them in Costco in Vancouver.

An LG seemed to cost about 2/3 of what they cost here. Not worth the hassle to be honest.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I used to live in Buenos Aires for many years and I'd carry in laptops all the time and other electronics but never LCD TV's. But the price difference is pretty obscene with all the taxes. A new 32' LCD TV down in Buenos Aires is still around $900 US and you can get these in the USA in some sales for $250 or less.

I recently moved out of Buenos Aires and loving the cheap electronics in the USA. How I missed that living in Buenos Aires. Thanks again!

You could take a day trip to SCL - Paris and Falabella have 50"+ LEDs in the $700.000 range.

Interesting.... can you get Samsung Series 9 LED units in Santiago...??

Interesting.... can you get Samsung Series 9 LED units in Santiago...??

I have no idea. All I know is how disturbing it was to see the same crappy refrigerator in Chile for 1/3 to 1/2 less than I paid in Argentina. Same with other items.

I bought 2 LCD/HDTV (as checked baggage), one 37" on Dic 2007 for my mom and one 32" on June 2010 for my cousin.
The first time I had to paid $150 (oversize baggage charge) + $200 in fees (Aduana). Last year I measured every single 32" HDTV box that I found on BrandsMartUSA and BestBuy :D, I didn't want to pay another $150 for oversize fees, I found a Sony Bravia with just 64" (62" linear is the limit).
When I wen to the airport, the didn't measure the box :eek: :p (maybe because I have gold status?) but I'm sure they now that a 32" LCD is just 62~70"

I always use the original box, put some clothes inside and pay for the baggage wrap protection from the airport, add your name and few FRAGILE/FRAGIL stickers and that's all, if I have a problem, just complain to the airline/securewrap/Amex ;)

If you want to buy a 26" HDTV (IMO the perfect size for a bedroom) get 2, most boxes are 27x21x7 (55" linear), two boxes will be 27x21x14 ^ .

I have used a garment bag to bring a 32" LCD to Argentina, which worked quite well. Just wrapped a bath towel around the unpacked LCD, and folded the garment bag over it. No issues with security or the airline, nor even aduana on arrival. I have also put them in a hard shell suitcase as checked luggage without issue.

The price difference on TV's and computer monitors (pretty much the same thing now) is indeed ridiculous, and is why I have been a mule for 6 of them in just the last 18 months, keeping all the family happy...

The price difference on TV's and computer monitors (pretty much the same thing now) is indeed ridiculous, and is why I have been a mule for 6 of them in just the last 18 months, keeping all the family happy...

The price difference is solely down to supply and demand I imagine. We were going to buy a LG HD one a couple of months ago as one of the banks were offering a deal if using their card. Once the discount came off it wasn't too bad a price actually.
We decided just to wait as the prices will come down eventually. Good idea using the suit carrier. ^

Just FYI, the good folks @ EZE Aduana this morning must have been extra vigilant. The lines were the longest and slowest I've ever seen.

The price difference is solely down to supply and demand I imagine. We were going to buy a LG HD one a couple of months ago as one of the banks were offering a deal if using their card. Once the discount came off it wasn't too bad a price actually.
We decided just to wait as the prices will come down eventually. Good idea using the suit carrier. ^It's not really possible to do a good comparison. The models assembled in Argentina for the local market are different from those sold elsewhere. Generally I've found that comparing TVs with equivalent specs of the same brand are about 2-3X more expensive than the price in the US (assuming you buy from a vendor such as Amazon - and avoid sales tax and get free shipping).

Me too..stuffed a 32 inch samsung in the suitcase. The exact same television goes for US $975.00 in AR, Costco, 375.00. Was a slim, led television and fit in a 30 inch suitcase. Always a risk, but it worked out for me.

Just FYI, the good folks @ EZE Aduana this morning must have been extra vigilant. The lines were the longest and slowest I've ever seen.

:rolleyes: the customs guys at EZE.... que manga de pelotudos... :rolleyes:

The price difference is solely down to supply and demand I imagine.

Not entirely.... in Argentina, the tax structure comes into play, local stuff gets advantages as the import blocks make it possible for the somewhat older technology made here to even have a market.

As an example, the new Samsung displays on the market right now are on average Series 5... I think in the US Samsung is out with the Series 9.

Not entirely.... in Argentina, the tax structure comes into play, local stuff gets advantages as the import blocks make it possible for the somewhat older technology made here to even have a market.

As an example, the new Samsung displays on the market right now are on average Series 5... I think in the US Samsung is out with the Series 9.The only advantage of buying TVs in Argentina is that they will be Trinorma - which is really only important if you watch OTA programming.

Newer models of TVs in the US often offer wired/wireless internet support for video streaming etc., so those models won't necessarily be replicated for the Argentine market. The US market generally has a new generation of models at least yearly, and once the newer models are released, the previous versions are deeply discounted for quick sales. Those older models are often more advanced that the current specs for the Argentine assembled models.

The issue with cutting edge technology in Argentina is not so much a price issue, but also the actual feeds of the content you will display. HD feeds from the cable companies are of mostly poor quality... so at least for now, there is little sense in getting the best TVs out there because the bandwith here is just not there.

The only exception is DVD like media where you can get the latest 3D movies and then maybe you can enjoy the max out of your display..... for the rest, forget it for now.

The issue with cutting edge technology in Argentina is not so much a price issue, but also the actual feeds of the content you will display. HD feeds from the cable companies are of mostly poor quality... so at least for now, there is little sense in getting the best TVs out there because the bandwith here is just not there.

A very good point to consider.

It's a bit like owning a Ferrari on the island of Guernsey where the max speed limit is 30mph.

It's a bit like owning a Ferrari on the island of Guernsey where the max speed limit is 30mph.Or buying your wife expensive jewelery, when she can't parade it around in public. :D

Or buying your wife expensive jewelery,

No chance of me doing such a thing. :D

I bought a digital cordless phone system with three handsets before moving from the UK then found out it's a different system they use here. :mad:

It's a bit like owning a Ferrari on the island of Guernsey where the max speed limit is 30mph.

Is there anybody on Guernsey that drives such vehicles...?

I bought a digital cordless phone system with three handsets before moving from the UK then found out it's a different system they use here. :mad:

Huh....?

Wait a sec... if you have a cordless system with its dedicated base and three handsets, it should work... I mean, you may need a Voltage converter to power up the base system and then you just plug the phone line to the phone jack.... how could there be any compatibility issues...? Unless the base unit is some sort of highly complex digital switboard technology, I dont see how it would not work.

Huh....?

Wait a sec... if you have a cordless system with its dedicated base and three handsets, it should work... I mean, you may need a Voltage converter to power up the base system and then you just plug the phone line to the phone jack.... how could there be any compatibility issues...? Unless the base unit is some sort of highly complex digital switboard technology, I dont see how it would not work.

Not according to the telecom experts here it isn't. All to do with the digital system that's used in the UK and elsewhere I imagine. I tried everything and couldn't get them to work. :mad:

The handsets here seem to be much bulkier than the slimline ones you get in the UK as well. This was over four years ago so they were put back in the box and there they have stayed. So unless something has changed here they still won't work.

Wow.... well then I guess that the phone companies in the UK wire the phone system to a different standard, I thought that all standard phone jacks worked worldwide.

The reason Im surprised is that I guess that your phone system would not work in the US then.... Ive brought over tons of cordless systems bought in the USA and they all work here.

The reason Im surprised is that I guess that your phone system would not work in the US then.....

I guess not, same with the TV's.

Like you I thought it would just be a simple case of exchanging the UK connecting jack for an Argentine one....sadly it wasn't. I know nothing about telecoms so I have no idea what the difference is to be honest. No idea if it's the wiring or the relay system.

This has spurred me on to looking it out again and giving it another try and maybe get the thoughts of a different telecom engineer. I suspect it'll end up with the same result though. I wonder why the UK handsets are so thin compared to the ones you get here.....the answer to that question might contain the reason why mine don't work.

It's been a while since I've carried any electronics to Argentina. Has anyone carried on an LCD TV on their carry on bag before? Is it allowed through security? If not, I know people have brought LCD TV's in checked luggage. I talked to some people in the past that brought in 32' LCD TV's that were $300 or less and showed the receipts to the customs agents to avoid extra taxes.

Has anyone done this recently?

I'd like to know the same thing... we are thinking about bringing two 32" LCD TVs to Brazil as checked luggage. The box size is about 69" each, I am hoping they will make it without being considered oversized. Our initial flight is an American Eagle flight from San Jose to Los Angeles and then the bags get transferred to Korean Air. If this is definitely going to get tagged as oversize, should I strap/shrinkwrap the two boxes together as one large "bag"? (Still under 80") Korean Air apparently has a policy of NO bags over 62" (not even oversize) but since they're being transferred, hopefully that won't be an issue either.

I'd like to know the same thing... we are thinking about bringing two 32" LCD TVs to Brazil as checked luggage. The box size is about 69" each, I am hoping they will make it without being considered oversized. Our initial flight is an American Eagle flight from San Jose to Los Angeles and then the bags get transferred to Korean Air. If this is definitely going to get tagged as oversize, should I strap/shrinkwrap the two boxes together as one large "bag"? (Still under 80") Korean Air apparently has a policy of NO bags over 62" (not even oversize) but since they're being transferred, hopefully that won't be an issue either.

Hmmm.... maybe try your questions on the Brazil and Korean Air forums, instead of Argentina?

Just to clarify: so there's no problem with compatibility with the Cablevision if I bring a new LCD from the US?

I'm assuming the power input is 120/220 so it just needs and adapter, not a transformer?

thanks.

Just to clarify: so there's no problem with compatibility with the Cablevision if I bring a new LCD from the US?

I'm assuming the power input is 120/220 so it just needs and adapter, not a transformer?

thanks.You should be OK with Cablevision or DirectTV. Check the tech specs of the model to make sure it's 120/220 V, 50/60 Hz capable (you should be able to download the manual).

Im sure Direct TV will be OK.... but not so sure about CableVision. John, are you experienced with the CV signal on non Pal monitors...??

Im sure Direct TV will be OK.... but not so sure about CableVision. John, are you experienced with the CV signal on non Pal monitors...??Alex, Cablevision HD is not PAL-N (that's the standard for OTC broadcasts).

Two expats have brought HDTVs from the US for use in Argentina with Cablevision HD:
http://www.argentinepost.com/2010/06/the-gigantic-55-hdtv-i-brought-to-argentina.html
http://www.discoverbuenosaires.com/bringing-flat-screen-tv-lcd-led-to-argentina

You'll be wanting the 55" model at least! :D Maybe I can bring you the LEGO version ;)

The HD channels I knew about.... but its the normal non HD content that Im worried about.... remember that most of the signals are still not HD here. Unless you buy a tuner and the special antenna then you can get more signals on HD but that takes additional gear....

If you have Cablevision Digital service, then all you need to do is hook up the HDMI cable to the LCD you brought from the States. You'll get every channel. Mine has been working great for over a year.

Thanks for the info. I don't have Cablevision digtal - just regular. So it may be an issue. Have to look into it.

Thanks for the info. I don't have Cablevision digtal - just regular. So it may be an issue. Have to look into it.You need to have digital cable and a TV with a QAM tuner (most TVs sold in the US since 2006 have an integrated QAM tuner).

The QAM tuner will not work because the digital signal is encrypted. Only the open channel will work.

The analog signal from CV is NTSC but the analog signal from Multicanal (now CV) can be PAL-N, that's why some people have problems in some areas.

If you have a digital box without hdmi, you will have to use the coax cable (ch 3 or 4) or rca cable (audioLR+video) which is analog signal. Few HDTV are NTSC-PAL when you use video input (rca).

If you don't have a digital box and you want to use a HDTV, check with your actual CRT Tv (most old tv are multi-zone PAL-N, PAL-M and NTSC), select NTSC and if you can watch anyprogram, then your analog signal is NTSC :)

Just FYI, the good folks @ EZE Aduana this morning must have been extra vigilant. The lines were the longest and slowest I've ever seen.

I flew into EZE in Sept(10th trip in 2 years) and was amazed at the lines and the hassle I had to go through.
They scanned every piece of luggage and were just looking for laptops and tablets. I had 2 (one for work and one for home) that I did not put on my AFIP paper because I wasn't leaving them there. mistake! I didn't realize that they wanted them listed no matter what.
They told me that I had to bring the laptops back to terminal C and show them that I was actually leaving with them or I would get a bill in the mail for $2500 USD in 2 months. I couldn't get into the terminal to show them when I left.
Still no bill in the mail but does anyone know if they can really bill me? They took the paper that had my passport number on it and put it in the stack of at least 200 other papers.
I wasn't the only one that was caught off gaurd.

argflyer....welcome to the forum.

May I ask if you are an ex-pat Argentine and spoke to them in Spanish?

I always go before my wife and speak to them in English. I never have a problem going through customs at EZE. Sometimes they even let us through without having to put our luggage through the scanner.
The only time we did have a problem was many years ago when my wife went first and of course spoke to them in Spanish....she was also travelling with an Argentine passport at the time.

I speak only English because my Spanish is still horrible.
This was the very first time I have ever had a problem.
They were scanning ALL the suitcases and taking out all the laptops and tablets and checking to see if they were new or used. If they looked at all new then they wanted tax money right then. I just hope I don't get a bill in the mail or they stop me the next time I visit.
Every time I go to Argentina it is a different experience at the airport.

I speak only English because my Spanish is still horrible.
This was the very first time I have ever had a problem.
They were scanning ALL the suitcases and taking out all the laptops and tablets and checking to see if they were new or used. If they looked at all new then they wanted tax money right then. I just hope I don't get a bill in the mail or they stop me the next time I visit.
Every time I go to Argentina it is a different experience at the airport.

Might just be certain flights they target.

We usually come off European originating flights and they don't seem to bother much at all. When we arrived on a TAM flight from GRU in September they did scan our stuff which included a laptop but never said a word to us.

That is possible. I am always on a Continental flight out of Houston and it seems that they are getting tighter with customs each time I come in. This was by far the worst!
This was the first time I had come into Terminal C so maybe that was part of it too.

This was the first time I had come into Terminal C so maybe that was part of it too.

Sounds like it.

I'm not going to be testing it out for a while so let's hope they ease off a bit before I do.

Customs is a lot more picky and thorough with US flights..... for planes coming from SCL or Europe they are far less into the details..... the MIA and NYC flights from the USA are the ones that get the most scrutiny in my experience.