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Moving to Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica or for that matter any country can become difficult-unless you make yourself aware of the customs regulation details in that country. After all, you do not want your belongings to be stranded in some port in the country. In some countries especially, customs regulations can be very stringent-and you may suddenly find yourself in a puddle. So, do your homework!

The customs regulations information listed on our website have been collected from several sources including information made-available-by embassies and government websites.

Customs Regulations applicable while shipping to Costa Rica

In addition to securing the services of an international moving company to handle your shipment, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary and are subject to change.

Whatever your reasons for relocating to Costa Rica--employment, family or just a change of scenery, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs.

Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Costa Rica from the United States:

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

Anyone entering Costa Rica through customs will have to present officials with documents required to gain entry. These should be packed separately from the rest of your moving shipment and kept on you at all times during the move.

Here are the documents you'll need to clear customs in Costa Rica upon your arrival:
  • Passport (must be original)
  • Original Bill of Lading or Original Air WayBill
  • Complete valued inventory (must be in English or Spanish, signed by customer and detail all items in the shipment--including make, model and serial number of all appliances and electronics, all shipping documents stating the weight and volume of the shipment, and complete delivery details)
  • All new items require the original invoice or receipt of purchase
  • Proof of insurance coverage
  • Authorization letter granting permission to the Destination Agent to clear the shipment on behalf of the customer

SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Bringing your belongings overseas means that you'll have to follow the country's guidelines and regulations to monitor international shipments. Before you pack up your goods and send them to your new home, find out the the shipping and customs regulations in Costa Rica:
  • All household goods and personal effects must be inspected by customs and unloaded in a bonded warehouse
  • Used household goods and personal effects are subject to taxes and duties based on 45 percent of the CIF value
  • The number of boxes noted on the original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill must match exactly with the number of boxes in the shipment or else the shipment is subject to fines and a delay in clearance

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following items are prohibited from being imported into Costa Rica through customs and may be seized by border authorities upon arrival:
  • All narcotics and illegal drugs of any kind
  • Weapons, explosives and ammunition
  • Used tires
  • Pornographic material
  • Any and all animal or agricultural products

RESTRICTED ITEMS

Restricted items are limited to certain quantities and may require additional duties, taxes or fees before they can be cleared by customs officials. Here are the items that are restricted and dutiable by the government of the Costa Rica:
  • Large appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines (limited to only one of each item per shipment)
  • Firearms (for personal use only, must be accompanied by the original invoice and registration documents from the origin location, require a firearm permit with the Firearm and Explosives Department upon arrival in Costa Rica, and are subject to an import tax of up to 141 percent)
  • Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and food products (prohibited in large quantities, require special permits if attempting to import more than the designated amount, subject to taxes of up to 110 percent)
  • All new items (subject to a tax of up to 35 percent and require receipts or proof of purchase)
  • Computers (must be accompanied by the original purchase invoice and instruction manual)

MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS

When moving overseas, you may want to transport your vehicle as well. Each country has different regulations for shipping a motor vehicle, so make sure that your vehicle fits the criteria and is permitted:
  • All vehicles shipped to Costa Rica are subject to high import taxes and duties, depending on the value, model, year, total volume and accessories of the vehicle (average tax ranges from 52 to 126 percent for automobiles and 31 to 65 percent for motorcycles)
  • All vehicles must receive an EPA smog test from the origin country
  • The original certificate of title, original vehicle registration and the original commercial/purchase invoice are required for customs clearance

PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS

Of course you'll be bringing your pets with you on your overseas move--after all ,they are a part of the family. Here are the guidelines for bringing your pet with you to Costa Rica:
  • Quarantine of pets is not required when importing them into Costa Rica, unless the animal appears to be ill or unhealthy when examined by a customs officer upon arrival
  • If your pet needs to be quarantined, it will be kenneled in a government facility for up to 30 days
  • A Health Certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian no more than 30 days prior to arrival is required
  • Must possess a Certificate of Vaccination from a licensed veterinarian
  • Customer must obtain authorization from the Costa Rican Health Ministry at the origin location from the consulate or embassy
  • Pet must be accompanied by purchase invoice detailing the value of the pet
To you prepare for your move and ease you into your transition, we've provided you with a few helpful links to learn more about the complicated international moving process:
Costa Rica

NOTE - Customs regulations of Costa Rica are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to Costa Rica (this destination )and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, Movers.com cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate before you make your move to Costa Rica.

Major Citie(s) in Costa Rica

  • Alajuela
  • Cartago
  • Heredia
  • Limon

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