How to Arrange for Burial in South America

Arranging for a burial in South America can be a task. Emotional and financial issues as well as a plethora of governmental regulations complicate such funeral arrangements. What follows are some simple guidelines to follow when arranging for a burial in South America.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look in the American Blue Book of Funeral Directors. This handy resource (found at your local library) lists contact information for funeral homes across the world. In addition, consulate and embassy information as well as shipping procedures are explained in detail.
2. Check out the American Association of Mortuary Shippers. This group provides a comprehensive list of funeral homes who specialize in the shipping of human remains. See the resource section below for a link to their website.
3. Call local funeral homes and inquire about their general shipping and price options. In addition, ask whether they are well versed in the international regulations and rules required for your shipment to South America. Since there are dozens of details to consider (securing proper permits, death certificates, notarizing government documents, embalming of the body, locating a shipping crate, air tray and casket) allow them to handle the details regarding your shipment.
4. Contact the funeral home who will be receiving the body in South America. Since the burial will take place outside of the United States, all of the arrangements regarding interment must take place through the South American mortuary. In addition, the foreign director should be well versed in the regulations of his government and serve as a valuable resource regarding shipment options.
5. Arrange for a local funeral service. If the deceased had local friends or family, consider a simple service to celebrate their life before the body is shipped. This will allow closure for loved ones who will be unable to attend the burial. Contact your local mortician for details.
6. Pay for the funeral services. In most cases, all costs must be paid up front before the body can be shipped to a foreign country.