- Costa Rica International Moving Services
- How Much Does It Cost To Move To Costa Rica?
- The Size Of The Move
- Moving Insurance
- Moving To Costa Rica Cost & Time Examples
- Import Duties Imposed By Costa Rica
- Documents Required By Costa Rica
- Import Duties Imposed On Your Vehicle
- Documents Required To Import Your Vehicle
- Tips On How To Make Your International Move Easier
- Why You Need A Professional Moving Company When Relocating Overseas
- How To Find The Best International Moving Company
- Our Costa Rica International Moving Services
- Why A-1 Auto Transport?
- Talk To Us
Costa Rica International Moving Services
Moving is an arduous undertaking and international relocation is especially complicated. Compared to state-to-state moving, leaving for another country comes with its own set of rules and regulations. The distances covered are also very long which makes the requisite logistics a tough undertaking for a person to tackle alone.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Costa Rica?
The cost of moving internationally to Costa Rica can range anywhere from $2,000-$12,000 depending on various factors such as the size of the move, total distance, route, transportation method, and current market trends.
Costa Rica is a Central American country located between Panama and Nicaragua. Moving your household belongings to this region can thus cost between $4600 and $12,200 for a two-bedroom home and $8000 to $22,000 for a four-bedroom home.
This cost fluctuation demonstrates that several factors influence the cost of relocating to Costa Rica, including:
The Size of the Move
Shipping charges are affected by the overall size of the objects being shipped. Two-bedroom flats or homes, for example, will not be the same price as studio apartments.
Sell or give anything you won't need at your new location before requesting a moving quote. The higher the expense, the greater the volume and weight of the objects being moved. So, before you request a moving quote, make sure your home is free of clutter.
If you don't have much to move, having a Groupage may help you save money.
Moving Insurance
Insurance fees may be included in the first quote or charged separately. This is determined by the company with which you are interacting. Determine whether or not the shipping cost provided by the company you are considering using includes insurance.
Examine the details of the insurance provided by the moving firm. Examine what it covers and does, as well as what it does not.
Remember that your household belongings will be delivered by sea, thus proper insurance is required. Insurance might start at $100, but it can go considerably higher depending on what you're transporting.
Moving to Costa Rica Cost & Time Examples
| To/From | 2BR | 4BR | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville to San Jose | $3,300- $5,500 | $6,200- $10,100 | 3-5 weeks |
| LA to San Jose | $3,300- $5,700 | $6,300- $10,500 | 3-6 weeks |
| Seattle to Alajuela | $3,500- $5,700 | $6,400- $10,500 | 3-6 weeks |
| Detroit to San Jose | $3,500- $5,800 | $6,300- $10,400 | 3-5 weeks |
| Dallas to San Jose | $3,500- $5,900 | $6,400- $10,700 | 3-5 weeks |
| Atlanta to Alajuela | $3,600- $5,900 | $6,500- $10,800 | 3-5 weeks |
| Portland to San Jose | $3,600- $6,000 | $6,800- $11,200 | 3-6 weeks |
| Columbus to San Jose | $3,900- $6,400 | $6,900- $11,600 | 3-5 weeks |
| Las Vegas to San Jose | $4,000- $6,500 | $7,300- $11,900 | 3-6 weeks |
| Chicago to Alajuela | $4,000- $6,700 | $7,300- $12,100 | 3-5 weeks |
*Please note that these estimates do not include taxes, customs fees & duties, insurance & quarantine inspections. They assume easy access to both pick up and drop-off addresses and do not allow for special items such as pianos.
Estimated Weight (based on home size): 1BR=2600 lbs - 3900 lbs 2BR=3900 lbs - 5200 lbs 3BR=6500 lbs - 9100 lbs 4BR=9100 lbs - 14300 lbs 5BR=11700 lbs - 19500 lbs
Import duties imposed by Costa Rica
An international move often comes with import duties - though some countries offer exemptions. Costa Rica does not extend this courtesy to foreigners moving into the country. Your shipment of household goods will incur the standard import duty, which is typically around 37%. This rate is charged on the combined amount of the shipment’s value, and the cost of shipping and insurance (CIF) (1).
Documents required by Costa Rica
In order for your shipment to enter the country, you’ll need to provide customs with the appropriate documentation. This includes your passport and a packing list written in either Spanish or English. Your Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill is also required (2).
A separate inventory with the values for your items is necessary as well. This should list the brand, model and serial number of all electronic goods and appliances included in your shipment. You’ll also need to attach the purchase receipt for any new items. Customs will want to see documents showing you’ve purchased insurance for your shipment as well (3).
Import duties imposed on your vehicle
Consistent with their policy on household goods, duty exemption is also not available for vehicle importation. According to one trustworthy source, you’ll pay between 45% - 70% (5) to bring your vehicle into Costa Rica. However, it goes on to say that you could end up paying more than the vehicle’s total value, just in import duties. How this works isn’t clear - so consult Costa Rican customs to learn more (4).
Documents required to import your vehicle
You must have the necessary paperwork, to bring your vehicle into the country. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and your passport. The vehicle’s title and registration is also required, along with a certified emissions test. A temporary use permit (TVUP) should be submitted as well, and written authorization from the car’s owner (if you don’t own the vehicle). Finally, customs will want to see your Original Bill of Lading (6).
Though the above lists give you a good idea of the regulations you’ll face and the paperwork you must provide - it’s not comprehensive. Other forms and rules will apply, to both your shipments of household goods and vehicle. Speak to Costa Rican customs directly, to learn all the requirements for importing your belongings.
Tips on how to make your international move easier
- Start early: As already pointed out, international moving is not the same as hopping across states. It is therefore important to start your preparations early. Most international moving companies advise their clients to begin preparations about 90 days before the day of moving. This will help you get everything in order and avoid delays with customs.
- Visa and passport: Moving overseas requires both a visa and a passport. Ensure that you have done enough research on what type of visa you require when looking for Costa Rica International Moving Services. Visit the Embassy of Costa Rica’s website for more information. Also, ensure that you make an application for a passport through the US Government.
- Visit: There is nothing as intimidating as going to a new place. Even scarier is relocation to a foreign country. It is therefore, a good idea to visit your chosen destination in Costa Rica just to have a feel of where you will be moving to. Make sure that you engage with the local people to get as much information as possible.
- Save money: Moving overseas is a costly affair. You need to be intentional and careful about your spending. The way to do this is have a budget in place. It will help you keep your spending in check.
A-1 Auto Transport can help you move your household goods internationally. Call 888-241-3110 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote on interstate moving services.
Why you need a professional moving company when relocating overseas
Professional movers have the experience needed for such an undertaking. Certainly, it would be almost impossible if you decided to handle everything by yourself. This is because it is very strenuous and time-consuming. You will also, be at the risk of losing or damaging your belongings.
However, professional movers will help you pack and secure your belongings without any damage incurred. They also have relevant equipment designed to make the process stress-free.
How to find the best international moving company
When looking for Costa Rica international moving services search the internet or ask friends and family for recommendations. Make a list of at least three companies then research on the following:
- Find out if the company you are interested in is duly licensed.
- Read customer reviews on the respective companies’ websites.
- Compare their rates and find a professional mover with the best estimate.
- Ensure that the company you choose has insurance that caters for damage on belongings during transit.
Our Costa Rica international moving services
We offer the following:
- Packing/unpacking: We offer packing services to and from our transport facilities.
- Commercial moving: We offer international moving of offices and businesses. This includes moving office equipment and other assets.
- Apartment moves: We help in relocating between rental apartments.
- Planning and preparation: We offer assistance in getting your household goods in order prior to the day of moving. This includes helping you put your belongings in batches to make it easy come the day of moving.
- Visa and immigration services: We also help in visa application and registration services at the Costa Rica immigration department.
- Housing assistance: We offer help in locating suitable housing.
- Family services: We assist our clients to locate and find suitable providers of basic family services such as schools and health facilities.
- Auto transport: We also handle the international moving of vehicles.
Why A-1 Auto Transport?
We have over 30 years experience in moving services. Indeed, we have helped thousands of people with overseas moving services. Whether you want to retire or just want to relocate abroad, we have you covered. We also have the resources and knowledge to make sure that you have all the information that you need. Indeed, if you have any questions regarding international moving, rest assured that we have the answers.
Talk to us
If you are thinking of moving from the US to Costa Rica, we are the perfect international moving company for you. Talk to us by contacting our experts on our toll-free number 888-241-3110. Please don’t forget that you can also get free estimates of our services by filling-in the form at the top of this page.
SOURCES:
- Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Costa Rica” page.
- http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3617
- Found on Moverscom “Moving to Costa Rica” page.
- http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3617
- Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Costa Rica” page.
- https://www.a1autotransport.com/ship-car-to-costa-rica/
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