A Cuban woman, who chose to leave the United States voluntarily and relocate to Ecuador with her family, disclosed the amount she spent to transport all her belongings—a figure that caught many by surprise on social media.
Known on TikTok as Familia Bolagay (@losbolagay), the creator shared that she paid $10,600 to ship a full container with her possessions after deciding to depart the country and begin a new chapter outside the U.S. “I’m Cuban, I left the United States on my own accord and returned to Ecuador. I paid $10,600 to bring a container with all my things, but I didn’t bring a car,” she mentioned in her video.
In response to her followers' queries, she explained that her car was not included because it did not meet the requirements of the 'Return Home' program, which allows goods to be entered without paying taxes. “My car was from 2017 and didn’t qualify because of the vehicle’s year. That’s why I didn’t bring it,” she clarified. She also noted that purchasing a new car just to ship it would have been a poor investment: “It was much more expensive than buying a new one in Ecuador.”
The video sparked a heated debate in the comments. Several users questioned the high shipping cost, stating that with that amount, “you could furnish an entire house in Ecuador.” Conversely, others supported her decision.
“Everyone knows what to do with their life and money. I needed peace and a change,” the Cuban woman expressed in an earlier post. Her story continues to inspire discussions among migrants who, like her, are reevaluating the meaning of success and the cost of stability away from home.
Understanding the Costs of Relocating from the U.S. to Ecuador
Why did the Cuban woman choose not to bring her car to Ecuador?
The car did not qualify for the 'Return Home' program due to its production year, which would have resulted in additional costs, making it more economical to purchase a new car in Ecuador.
What was the public reaction to the cost of shipping her belongings?
The public reaction was mixed; some questioned the high cost, while others understood her personal decision to prioritize tranquility and a fresh start.