The Overland Embassy | Vehicle Shipping
Panama
Details
- Verified:
- 23 days ago
- GPS:
- 9.01439, -79.48662
- Altitude:
- 8.7 masl
- Website:
- Www.overlandembassy.com
- Contributor:
-
vibesofpanama_
Amenities
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Description
I'm Alejandro from @vibesofpanama_ and we've created this space in our warehouse to help / support fellow travelers while in Panama.
We work on shipping logistics, restorations, mechanic and paint jobs, modifications, documents, vehicle storage, etc. Also we can share routes, places to visit and more.
We have space inside for all types of vehicles (including "big rigs"), wifi, restrooms and tools/woodshop if needed. The place is secured with cameras.
Feel free to call anytime @ +507 67800065 or message.
Safe travels!
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Latest Check-Ins
We shipped our Revel to Cartagena using Overland Embassy. Our van was too tall for a container so it went RORO, my sense is that this complicates the process and drags out the timeframe as there are far fewer (like a couple a month) RORO ships coming through. If you arrive at the wrong time be prepared to wait. The good news is that we found OE to be helpful and responsive. We stored our van with them for a month and it was perfect. Nice team and good facilities. We did not compare their prices to other shippers as we wanted full service….my initial expectation (based on the shocking cost) was that we would drop the van at OE and the next time we saw it was when it was delivered to our hotel in Cartagena, detailed, by a guy in a tuxedo and white gloves. It doesn’t work like that - frankly the process is painful even with OE help. The arrival date of the ship moves all the time (it was a week later than we were told initially) and you have to be around to do a couple of things prior to port drop-off. So you’re stuck in Panama City, a place that has little to recommend it, waiting. There is a mandatory police inspection that has to be done some days before port drop-off, we were well informed by OE about what to expect but still the most bureaucratic time-wasting experience of our trip so far. Then you wait for ship info. At some point you’re told to go to the port and drop-off, a painless experience that OE did an excellent job of managing. The Panamanian Customs guys will look through every nook and cranny of the van but it’s friendly - just don’t do anything foolish about what you bring. Once that’s done you can leave Panama - but again you don’t know exactly when the ship will be there or get to Cartagena. We ended up waiting in Cartagena for two weeks before we could pick up. Add that to the time we wasted in Panama and it took almost a month (and this does not include storage time, this is based on when the ship was supposed to leave) staying in hotels and airbnbs, so expect that cost as well. Pick up in Colombia was pretty easy, the guys at this end are not as smooth as OE but they are good enough. So - conclusion - the experience sucks but you have no choice and I would use OE to make it as smooth as possible. However they have zero control over dates and timing of ships so expect delays and to feel like you are stuck sitting.
Report Check-InToday we arrived in Colombia. We used The Overland Embassy for the shipment of the motorcycles and everything went incredibly smooth. I can only say, if you need to ship a car or motorcycle contact them. Thank you for the great job ! Shipping in this way is almost fun to do 😉.
Report Check-Inwe had issues with our expired TIP and Alejandro gave us here all kind of help & direct contact- also he has a delivery address in the USA for quick shipping for missing parts awesome! no we did not shipped (yet) so no info but anything else „über“ OK (:
ᕙʕಠᴥಠʔᕗ
Report Check-InOverland Embassy shipped our two Motos from Bogotá to Panama City. Their price generally matches competitors and their service was good. That said, if going South to North, you may need to show an onward flight ticket OUT of Panama (or you will not be allowed to leave Colombia). We didn’t know this and so panic ensued. If you are leaving Colombia to Panama you may want to buy a fake flight ticket (https://dummyticket247.com) to avoid problems!
Report Check-InOverland Embassy helped us to ship our van from Panama to Columbia. We had a great experience with them. They measure the vehicle, provided a ladder so we could take of the roof windows, allowed us to wash our van in their yard for free, did a little repair for us…. All in all great service. The shipping was carried out very professionally and reliably. We would definitely ship with them again.
Report Check-InHighly recommended! Perfect place for overlanders in Panama, no matter if you need help, have questions or have do do maintenance, repairs, storage in Panama and shipping. Fantastic people with overlander blood in their bodies! So helpfull!
And everything at a reasonable pricing!
Highly recommended! Perfect place for overlanders in Panama, no matter if you need help, have questions or have do do maintenance, repairs, storage in Panama and shipping. Fantastic people with overlander blood in their bodies! So helpfull!
And everything at a reasonable pricing!
Very friendly and helpful people, but shipping not recommended! The rate for shipping our Sprinter to Colombia was 519 USD (!) more than IVSS's rate (on the same vessel of course). Additional to that you have to pay in cash or accept a 5% bank rate, if you pay with credit card, whereas IVSS has bank accounts in USA, European Union and GB and no bank fees. In our case booking with IVSS was 725 USD cheaper than Overland Embassy. And the service with IVSS was perfect.
Report Check-InVery friendly and helpful people, but shipping not recommended! The rate for shipping our Sprinter to Colombia was 519 USD (!) more than IVSS's rate (on the same vessel of course). Additional to that you have to pay in cash or accept a 5% bank rate, if you pay with credit card, whereas IVSS has bank accounts in USA, European Union and GB and no bank fees. In our case booking with IVSS was 725 USD cheaper than Overland Embassy. And the service with IVSS was perfect.
Report Check-InVery friendly and helpful people, but shipping not recommended! The rate for shipping our Sprinter to Colombia was 519 USD (!) more than IVSS's rate (on the same vessel of course). Additional to that you have to pay in cash or accept a 5% bank rate, if you pay with credit card, whereas IVSS has bank accounts in USA, European Union and GB and no bank fees. In our case booking with IVSS was 725 USD cheaper than Overland Embassy. And the service with IVSS was perfect.
Report Check-InVery friendly and helpful people, but shipping not recommended! The rate for shipping our Sprinter to Colombia was 519 USD (!) more than IVSS's rate (on the same vessel of course). Additional to that you have to pay in cash or accept a 5% bank rate, if you pay with credit card, whereas IVSS has bank accounts in USA, European Union and GB and no bank fees. In our case booking with IVSS was 725 USD cheaper than Overland Embassy. And the service with IVSS was perfect.
Report Check-InThe Overland Embassy handled my shipment with absolute ease. Alejandro and his team's professionalism, efficiency, and positive attitude made the process stress-free and enjoyable. I highly recommend their reliable and dedicated services. Cheers Mate`s
Report Check-InWe totally disagree with the privious comment of fulltime_vanlife .. yes you pay a little extra for the better service but the price was not a single dollar more than on the offer .. you get a `range` of a possible price and ours was definitely in this area! We shipped with the same boat like fulltime_vanlife and all the communicated dates were true and we also didnt had to pay because of some parking in the port 🤔 The work of Anna Rodriguez could be improved but its also not that bad as mentioned ..
We had a very good time shipping the dar and the service was mostly outstanding! We can only recommend Alejandro and his services!
Report Check-InWe were not satisfied with the service provided by Overland Embassy. The shipment of our vehicle on a flat rack from Panama to Colombia was organized very unprofesionel. The pricing policy is not understandable. The employees are always very friendly. Nevertheless, we can not recommend this company.
Report Check-InWe were not satisfied with the service provided by Overland Embassy. The shipment of our vehicle on a flat rack from Panama to Colombia was organized very unprofesionel. The pricing policy is not understandable. The employees are always very friendly. Nevertheless, we can not recommend this company.
Report Check-InUnfortunately, we were not satisfied with Overland Embassy. From the start you had to ask for everything yourself. When we asked if it was possible to fly somewhere else between Panama and Colombia, we were told that this was not possible and that we had to go directly to Colombia to be there at the next day. In the end we sat around unnecessarily in Colombia for more than a week before we actually had to be there. In addition, all the information about the dates were quite contradictory. That makes everything unnecessarily expensive. The Panama side was okay, things worked fine, but the colombian side was really worse. We only found out about all the next steps when we asked for them, sometimes even an hour beforehand. Everything was absolutely inefficient and sometimes we waited for hours in the heat because agreements didn't work. If you ask Overland Embassy "left or right?" you will get the answer "yes". It is really annoying if you have to ask every question 3 times until they answer the right question. This runs through the entire process. Also Ana Rodriguez will send you to wrong locations and from there you have to find your own way to the correct location. In addition, you can add at least €150 to your offer from Overland Embassy on the Colombian side. Dont trust their offer. Be sure to compare the prices and also get offers from the other shipping companies. Don't fall for Overland Embassy's good marketing. Other shipping companies are sometimes €500 cheaper for the same service. Ask at IVSS or OverlanderShipping for an offer and compare everything.
Also, you will have to pay fines for parking your Van in the Harbour in Cartagena because Ana cannot get the car out of the port in time.
Another fail from Overland Embassy: They will sell you an overpriced insurance without asking you. In the end you‘ll get an 6 month insurance for 70$, instead of 20$ for 3 month, even if you are only allowed to be in Colombia for 90 days.
Unfortunately, we were not satisfied with Overland Embassy. From the start you had to ask for everything yourself. When we asked if it was possible to fly somewhere else between Panama and Colombia, we were told that this was not possible and that we had to go directly to Colombia to be there at the next day. In the end we sat around unnecessarily in Colombia for more than a week before we actually had to be there. In addition, all the information about the dates were quite contradictory. That makes everything unnecessarily expensive. The Panama side was okay, things worked fine, but the colombian side was really worse. We only found out about all the next steps when we asked for them, sometimes even an hour beforehand. Everything was absolutely inefficient and sometimes we waited for hours in the heat because agreements didn't work. If you ask Overland Embassy "left or right?" you will get the answer "yes". It is really annoying if you have to ask every question 3 times until they answer the right question. This runs through the entire process. Also Ana Rodriguez will send you to wrong locations and from there you have to find your own way to the correct location. In addition, you can add at least €150 to your offer from Overland Embassy on the Colombian side. Dont trust their offer. Be sure to compare the prices and also get offers from the other shipping companies. Don't fall for Overland Embassy's good marketing. Other shipping companies are sometimes €500 cheaper for the same service. Ask at IVSS or OverlanderShipping for an offer and compare everything.
Also, you will have to pay fines for parking your Van in the Harbour in Cartagena because Ana cannot get the car out of the port in time.
Another fail from Overland Embassy: They will sell you an overpriced insurance without asking you. In the end you‘ll get an 6 month insurance for 70$, instead of 20$ for 3 month, even if you are only allowed to be in Colombia for 90 days.
Alejandro and his team are amazing. They made shipping my motorcycle back to Florida as easy as possible.
Even if you don't need any of their services you should stop by and say hi. Or you can camp at their facility too. Great people and a very well run business.
Report Check-InWonderful Company. young team.
perfect English.
Alejandro, Darwin, Maria. lovely people.
Will complete my review here after we got our Van in Hamburg, Germany, shipped in a container
Google Maps Location is correct, this location here is a little bit wrong!
Report Check-InAlejandro and his team are very friendly and professional. We have chosen them over a cheaper quote and as it turned out it was a good decision as we had some complications and Alejandro was able to sort it out for us.
Everything went smooth and we are very happy with their services.
They also have other means to help overlanders:
-camping
-you can receive packages here
-vehicle build/repair
Thanks to Boris and Alejandro on this side of the passage. They were extremely helpful to get our car out of the harbour and fixing a few things afterwards. Good job!
Report Check-InAlejandro and the staff at overlanding embassy are very welcome and honest people. They made the process of selling our car stress free. We were able to clean our vechile inside and out in preparation for storage in their warehouse.
They are genuine people who share Overlanding and travel stories and passion for restoring Landcruisers. The service great and we camped out in their front yard for three nights. Highly reccomend their services and friendliness and can’t wait for them to come to Australia to return the favor.
Alejandro’s dad also showed me how to polish a vechicle and they showed us around thier work shop. They had clean toilets and showers.
Report Check-InWhat a great place and what a great guy Alejandro is.
We stayed here a couple of days after crossing from Colombia while we made some repairs and improvements in our van. They were overloaded with work at overlander embassy so Alejandro got someone else to help us. Good job and fair price.
There is space to park/sleep, kitchen, bathrooms, wifi, etc. for free and everything else you need to buy/rent for your trip. And if it's not there, Alejandro gets it for you.
Overlander Embassy really feels like its name says. And Alejandro really goes all the way to make you feel at home. He even took us to a party and showed us a bit of the city.
"I really want you get a first good impression of Panama" he said. Mission accomplished!
What else is there to day about the Overlander Embassy? It should be a required stop for anyone traveling the Americas. Whether it’s for shipping logistics, repair/maintenance/upgrade work, or just to camp and meet the overlanding community, this place has everything for you.
We repaired a scratch, applied 3M window film, and had general maintenance work. Pricing was very fair and Alejandro takes great pains to make sure you’re satisfied with the work.
It’s free to camp in the parking lot if you pay for one of their services. So a great place to go if you’re on a budget.
Report Check-InAlejandro helped us with the selling of the truck. He did all the paperwork and helped us with notaria and customs. All the stuff is really friendly and they received us really well. If you need to ship to Colombia or anywhere in the world he helps you with that as well. We needed to clean our camper and get it ready for the sell so he provided us with first quality cleaning material. He is a really trustworthy person, highly recommended.
Report Check-InThe Overland Embassy is a great place to stop when you are in Panama City!
Whether you are looking for a place to stay, for help or tools to fix or clean your vehicle, for help with shipping your vehicle anywhere in the world, for information about Panama or just for great company of fellow travellers to have a coffee/beer together, this is the right place for you.
Alejandro is an awesome humble guy who genuinely enjoys helping fellow travellers in every way he can.
We had a great time with him and all the other guys at the embassy and hope to meet our new friends again soon.
Once we arrived in Panama he took out the extra seats and sold them for us. With his recommendations of stores we traveled the city to get our van ready to live in. Within week of shopping Alejandro and the team did the needed installations and we were ready to move in.
Fy we moved in we stayed at the embassy waiting for the mechanic to receive parts form USA. We had the choice to stay inside the shop at night or in the parking. We felt totally save here and choose to stay outside. He communicated with the mechanic arranging everything for us. He took the time to give us recommendations of places to visit and places to camp within the country.
He himself is a traveler who has a passion to help other traveler’s enjoy his country to the fullest. No request is to much, If he cannot fix or solve it he will find someone that can.
Very nice and efficient service by Alejandro ! Hopefully he was there to help us buy our camper and deal with notaria and douana ! Thanks again
Report Check-InAt The Overland Embassy we can manage worldwide shipping of your vehicle vía RoRo or Container.
Also we can help travelers / motorbikes to get across the Darien via Sailboat to Cartagena.
We provide solutions to fellow travelers based on our own experience while overlanding from Panama to Alaska
Follow us on Instagram:
@overlandembassy
@vibesofpanama_
We were several days with Alejandro and "the Overland embassy". Alejandro has organized for us that we can foil our windows with a protective film (against smashing). This was extremely fast and everything worked very well and uncomplicated.
We were able to stand in the workshop and sleep. It was really great and Alejandro is a super friendly guy with lots of travel tips. He is very helpful and can organize just about anything or help with problems. He takes his time and knows what he is doing.
The garage is big enough for all vehicles including trucks etc. there is a toilet, water and the shower is being worked on!
I recommend it to everyone to stop by "the Overland Embassy" when they are in Panama City!!!
Report Check-InRob from UK after his service stop at the embassy! @overlandembassy
Report Check-InAlex booked my big rig roro shipping, paid with visa card. No stress, easy.
Also fabricated in steel and fitted new suspension bush brackets. Difficult job made easy.
Slept in the truck, parked in their massive shed.
This is a family business. Reliable, professional, no nonsense.
After getting lots of great ideas for our itinerary thru Panama from these guys, we finally visited The Overland Embassy in person when we arrived in the city. The gang was AMAZING! We worked with them to design and build a temporary bulkhead wall in our van to protect items from theft during our RORO shipping to Colombia. They made this process so easy. We also had them do a special buff/epoxy treatment to ou paint and remove any starting signs of rust. When we picked up the van, the paint looked like it did when we bought the sprinter new and they repaired any scratches and cleared any rust issues we had! The wall is installed perfectly and is solid and secure. It really put our minds at ease about our van being exposed to theft during the shipping process. And, we saved the best part for last... this is a family-owned business and every one of them are there are will meet you and greet you with enthusiasm! We cannot recommend these guys enough for any type of overlander problem you may have. If they cannot solve it onsite, they will direct you to a place that can! You can reach them on Instagram @overlandembassy --- if you stop by, tell them that Snow and Curt say HELLO!
Report Check-InThank you so much to Alejandro and Ana for the help. Unfortunately, I’m the city we had our window broken (luckily nothing was stolen), and we didn’t know where to spend the night safely. He let us inside so we could be safe, and the next day helped us get a window installed, even helping us negotiate a much better deal. They have the hookup for all things Panama (even amazing vegan food), and have been a great help. They also love chatting with fellow travelers and have done the PanAmerican Highway up to Alaska and back, so have tons of awesome places to suggest.
Report Check-InThese guys are THE BEST! They have suggested amazing place after amazing place for us to visit and camp while headed South from Costa Rica (think... camping on TOP of a giant waterfall!). Every place they have recommended has been spot on! And, when we get to the city, we are excited to work with them to help us secure our vehicle for RORO shipping to Colombia. We will be sure to post an update on how the work on our vehicle goes, but these guys are top-notch, so we know the follow-up review will be great too. Do not hesitate to reach out to them with Panama questions! We look forward to meeting them in person very soon.
Report Check-InThis was our home in Panama city, literally. We spent a lot of time with Alejandro and he’s family, they are all lovely. We end up making with them a new bed for our 82 Jamboree, fixing leakings and lot of stuff, many of them with their tools and knowledge. They work with a great mechanician that fixes anything. The zone is súper practícal to work on your vehicle, can get accesories, materials, tools, parts very close. The street feels really safe, also has a close bakery and a súpermarket. Fresh water supply all the time. The best place to stay and pass the night or stay and fix all you need, higly recommended.
Report Check-InWelcoming Colombian family and starting mechanic work on their motorhome
Report Check-InI'm Alejandro from @vibesofpanama_ and we've created this space in our family's warehouse to help / support fellow travelers while in Panama.
We are able to work on shipping logistics, restorations, mechanic and paint jobs, modifications, documents, vehicle storage, etc. Also we can share routes, places to visit and more.
We have space inside for all types of vehicles (including "big rigs"), wifi, restrooms and tools/woodshop if needed. The place is secured with cameras.
Feel free to call anytime @ +507 67800065 or message. Reach us and give us a follow on instagram @vibesofpanama_
Safe travels!
Report Check-InIndeed Alejandro and Ana are very friendly and helpful fellows. Contacted them via instagram and met in the city. Showed us great spots in the city, gave multiple great recommendations all over the country, provided a secure spot to park and sleep, washed the van inside out, found us stickers for the van, recommended a great mechanic near the shop, etc etc etc. The main reason we stayed so long in the city, which is usually not a habit of ours. HIGHLY recommend you give them a call, even if it’s just to chill with them for a night, they’re a lovely couple of fellow overlanders !!
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