Has anyone attempted to take 32" LCD TVs to Brazil as checked baggage? Did you get hit with oversize charges? Did they arrive safely?

You see this at the GRU baggage claim all the time! TVs, blu ray dvd players, etc. Original packaging seems to work best.

Yes.

A 27 flatscreen to Fortaleza, via Sampa. Multi-region 110-240 PAL M model. Please bear in mind that there are 3 electrical current zones in Brasil: 110, 157, and 220-240. A Costco set may not work in Fortaleza, and a Kaufhof set may not work in Rio.

The original shipping case and padding did not look like it would handle the long flight. I took the flatscreen out, and repackaged it. We used spray can foam insulation by covering and sealing the flatscreen with plastic, and then spraying the foam over it. The foam was then covered again in plastic wrap.

The package then fit inside a Rimowa Silver Integral aluminum case. I placed copies of the guide on top of the tv with a sign stating " FRAGIL " before closing the case, assuming it would be opened and examined ( It was ). The remotes (2), cordage, and original invoice and guide went in my hand carry. I then checked the case and held my breath.

POINT ONE: No excess baggage charges, as it was essentially checked baggage.

Note that I have property and Permanent Residency in Brasil. I was also aware the Customs in Brasil is very professional these days, having most electrical appliances costs by model on computer file. This is why you take your invoice copy and keep it honest at all times.

Upon arrival I was asked if I had anything to declare, and figuring that the case contents had already been scanned ( they had ), I declared the actual contents. ALL our cases then went on the conveyor and through the inspectors' x-ray. We were prepared.

The agent looked back at me with raised eyebrows as the machine clearly showed a large flatscreen. " Is this yours ? " I was asked. " Sim Senhor. Propetario " I replied and nodded, pulling out my RNE card.

The agent examined my card, smiled, and welcomed me to Brasil. The case then flew up on a domestic flight, and the flatscreen was undamaged. It continues to work fine. No charge.

POINT TWO: We took the responsibility of packaging the flatscreen. It worked fine.
POINT THREE: There is a limit on items brought to Brasil before duty is required. Around 500 CHF, more or less the same as USD.

One TV carried is quite straight forward. 2 flatscreens, 10 IPAD 2's, and 20 IPhone 4's dangeling from your cargo pockets, on a tourist visa is not very smart. Unless you like the idea of having all your items confiscated, and being the guest of the Brasilian Federal Justice system before being sent home persona non grata. It has happened. Most unwise.

I hope this is helpful. Oh yes, I started breathing again in Fortaleza.

Wow, I guess there is more to it which I should look out for. On my trips (non-resident), I check them in and walk them right out at customs. They take a glance and I'm off. Usually only have 1 item so would fall/near the limit.

Yeah, having 3 macbooks and 5 ipads will certainly not be a good idea!

Thanks for the good information! I am repackaging the TVs so they will withstand the trip. The TVs will be used in the south (110v/127v area). They are not PAL-M but we will be using them with external HDTV receivers, so that is not a problem. The cost of the TVs is around $300 each, so that is well under the $500 per person duty-free limit ($1000 combined) of taking merchandise into Brazil. Plus, my wife is Brazilian and she will have no problem talking with customs if there is any question. I like the spray foam idea.

Be sure of the total dimensions of the box. We took a 27 inch LCD TV as checked luggage. No problem. Your risk, of course. Whether Customs stops you is another question. Have the bill to show it's under $500 (?) value so you don't have to pay duty. As noted, unless the TV is dual voltage you need to be careful of the voltage ofyour destination. And, of course, there's the broadcast system. Costco does not sell PAL-M TVs. We use ours only for satellite TV. Check with your airline in advance to make sure they will accept it. We once ran into a problem with Delta's rule to not take computer and computer screens in checked luggage (we finally put he new PC in our carry-on bag, then when we got to the gate, all large carry-on bgs were put in the checked baggage hold since it was a commuter jet--- exacly where we were at first told the computer couldn't go).

Everything is going digital, so PAL-M compatibility really doesn't matter anymore. All DVD players, etc. are NTSC (not PAL-M.) The only other difference is the type of HD tuner. The US uses ATSC, Brazil uses ISDB. As long as you use an external tuner or digital cable/satellite box, that doesn't matter either. HDMI is the same both places.

"Going digital" (as in "est� chegando") or IS digital now? Last time we shopped for Blu-Ray players in Brazil, were told some were multi-system and some not. Both the type of TV and type of tape need to be considered. If it's all irrelevant now, that's good news.

I think the salespeople don't know what they're talking about. From what I've found, the US and Brazil are in the same BluRay region (Region A) so players/discs should be interchangeable. Both countries use the same 1080/60 HD video standard. The only thing you will run into is having the standard DVD playing capability locked to Region 1 or Region 4 respectively, in which case you would want to make sure there is a region unlock code or firmware hack for whichever model you buy.

As far as "multi-system" goes, the only reason you would need a multi-system player is if you want to watch PAL DVDs from Argentina, England or somewhere like that. Brazil DVDs are all recorded in NTSC.

I've read the same thing although I haven't tested it. My BluRay player is in a US laptop. For the DVDs, have a US player and a Brazilian player. Both work fine with the NTSC TV. In a primarily 110v/127v area, but we can also get 220V when needed.

As noted above, a multi-region TV or DVD player is primarily of benefit to the visitor or resident from Europe. Since DVD's are now in the discussion, some helpful information:

DVD:

The technology is evolving and changing. 2001 one could barely find a Flatscreen Plasma for under R$ 15,000 (sometimes much more) from the best stores in Brasil. My wife and I know as we looked in Sampa for weeks. All assembled somewhere out of the country. No LCD, or LED available. DVD players were similarly limited.

Today, Manaus is the electronics assembly point for major electronics domestically. FOXCOMM (Apple ) is starting there. Your IPAD 3 or 4 may be born in Manaus someday.

As stated above, Standard DVD (SD DVD ) in Brasil is a different region than in North America or Europe. Thus if you purchase a SD DVD in Brasil, it may not play in North America, and vice-versa. Until recently, standard definition DVD was the constant in Brasil.

We have a number of multi-region players for guests primarily from Europe. All SD DVD players.

BlueRay, a relatively new recording/playing standard in Brasil, should allow both Brasil and North American BR discs to play on the same player. Much more expensive, but currently the hot item to have.

Solution:
A new laptop, with a BR DVD player can be a simple, quick solution for the traveller. I tried this in May with my wife's Sony Vaio, which is equipped with a BR DVD. It worked very well. Unless you are taking a player as a gift for your relatives or friends, in which case an LCD and a BR DVD player would make you the unquestioned Diplomat for this Year in Brasil.

However, consider the current state of technology. We are actually getting rid of most of our players next year.
Reason ?
1. There is already more than enough " content " available on cable in Brasil, with the exception of a rather disappointing, dubbed, old-school library from Netflix.
2. Same with SAT TV.
3. Movies downloaded onto flashdrives, or memory cards work very well, take up miniscule space, and leave with the guest. My 40g LaCie flashdrive in the shape of a house key, holds many, many of my favourite films- Fernandel to Fellini. Other than a connecting cable to the flatscreen, there is nothing to maintain. Some new flatscreens come with a USB slot.

However this brings up the point of enjoying beautiful Brasil, and to us, this is not acheived sitting 24x7 in front of a screen. My distingushed theory on The Mechanics of Flatscreen Physiology is the larger the screen, the larger the butt, and gut.

So take and install your flatscreen, and then immediately get out and meet people, go to concerts, take fotos, walk, swim, sun, have fun, and recreate. Va embora !

Thanks for sharing the packing technique..... ^

My pleasure.

Please remember that the foam insulation expands, so try it out first as a test patch. I would suggest to do it also in a cold area.

We did this again with a Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1. Despite the looks, the front alu. grille (which also serves as an antennae) is a well made but fragile affair to protect on a Trans-Atlantic flight. It continues to work there today as a stereo, laptop and MP3 amplifier, and Home Theatre sound system, despite it's age.

That unit, 4 additional coloured grilles, Beo 4 remotes, and other items all travelled again to Brasil in the same Rimowa Silver Integral case. It was also x-rayed by Alfandega (Customs) with no tax fees, as it is for personal use by a legal resident.

Just ensure that it is described that way, if asked by an Inspector.

One point that needs to be made is not to travel with an empty alu or polycarbonate case as checked bags. It can actually be stuck or fall in the airport conveyor system, due to the light weight. The Rimowa Silver Integral case therefore returns home full of ballast, also as a service to those loading the aircraft hold area. Ballast usually consisting of well-wrapped Yipioca bottles and Santa Clara Coffee beans as padding.

I decided to use the original box to save money, but I am fortifying it. First of all, I went to Home Depot and found a sheet of unbreakable recycled plastic wall paneling that is really thin, yet flexible and totally puncture-proof. I then cut pieces to line the inside of the cardboard box and glued them to the cardboard with spray adhesive. Next, I glued some additional cardboard to the bottom of the box. I then put the TV back in the box and cut styrofoam sheets to provide 1 1/4" of protection at the back and the front and side, in addition to the existing styrofoam supports on the bottom and top. I then taped all the box edges/seams, and I am going to use spray adhesive to glue additional pieces of cardboard on all sides. Then I will use several black plastic box straps to secure the two TV boxes together, and will shrink-wrap them on top of that. The two screens will be facing each other which will protect them from outside damage. The final package will be about 77 inches and will weigh about 58-59 pounds which will only require one oversize luggage fee. I think I'll be more worried about them getting stolen by baggage handlers than getting damaged.

Good Morning.

Sounds pretty well packaged.

Unlike the thief with the stolen IPAD, your TV would be pretty hard for someone to hide it down the front of his trousers.