Ship Car to Puerto Limón with Trusted International Transport

Car Shipping Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón is Costa Rica's second-largest city and one of its ports. Limón is also the administrative and commercial center of the Limón province.

If you intend to move there temporarily or plan to stay there for a few years, it might be advantageous to import your vehicle here.

It is difficult to haul your vehicle on your own from the USA to Puerto Limón, but with the assistance of A1 Auto Transport service, the whole process can be completed smoothly. It is essential to know that all vehicles being imported into the country require emission testing, which has to be done at least two months before the shipment. You have the option of choosing a temporary or permanent import option.

Import Taxes and Vehicle Age Restrictions

Costa Rica imposes import taxes on vehicles based on their age and value. For instance, cars under three years old are taxed at approximately 52.29% of their value, those between four and five years old at around 63.91%, and vehicles older than six can face taxes up to 79.03% . Additionally, the country has strict regulations regarding the age of imported cars, often restricting imports to vehicles no older than 10 years to promote environmental standards. It's crucial to verify the current regulations and calculate potential taxes before proceeding with the import.

Temporary vs. Permanent Vehicle Importation

Suppose you're planning a short-term stay in Costa Rica. In that case, you might consider a temporary vehicle importation, which allows you to use your vehicle in the country for up to 90 days, with a possible extension of another 90 days. This option requires a fee and adherence to specific regulations, including the necessity to export the vehicle upon the end of the permitted period. For those intending to reside longer, a permanent importation is advisable, which involves paying the applicable import duties and registering the vehicle locally.

Cost & Time Examples For Delivery

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.

*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Motor vehicle on temporary import

You don’t have to pay customs duty or tax if you import the vehicle for 3 months or less. However, the pertinent documentation has to be complete. You are required to submit:

• Passport and driving license with copies of both sides.
• Vehicle registration documents.
• Clear title deed/authorized letter from the lender if there is a lien to transport it abroad.
• Bill of Lading.

Then you must fill in the forms per the Costa Rica Customs department. Your visa must show the dates for which you need the temporary import status. You are required to submit the originals and copies. If you are a citizen of Costa Rica, you must show proof of residency. You have to pay a fee to get permission to import temporarily.

About permanent import

It is essential to contact the Costa Rican Customs before you permanently import a vehicle. Though the submission of documents remains the same, you need to ensure that you know the taxes and duties that must be paid. It is calculated based on the cost of the vehicle, freight charges, and insurance. As per the import duties:

• If the car is 3 years or less, the tax that you will pay is 52.30%
• If the automobile is 4 to 5 years old, you need to pay 63.90%
• If the car is more than 6 years old, it is taxed at 79.5%

As the taxes in Costa Rica are high, even if you buy a vehicle in Puerto Limon, it will be more expensive than importing your vehicle from the USA. The taxes are higher because customs officials consider the value of the evaluation when calculating taxes. To get the value of your car, you need to know that it is calculated by the Ministry of Finance's Auto Valor. The commercial invoice and other charges are considered when the taxes are calculated.

Navigating Customs and Registration Procedures

Upon arrival at Puerto Limón, your vehicle will undergo customs clearance, including inspections and documentation verification. Essential documents include the vehicle's original title, bill of sale, and a recent emissions test certificate. Engaging a licensed customs broker to facilitate this process and ensure compliance with all requirements is recommended. After clearing customs, the vehicle must be registered with the local authorities, which includes obtaining a Costa Rican license plate and paying any applicable registration fees.

You can relocate your vehicle using a container or Roll-on/Roll-Off methods. It is affordable and safe to ship with us. In case you need more information on the import taxes and regulations, you can contact Embassy of Costa Rica.