Ship Car To San Jose Costa Rica

Car Shipping San Jose

How to Ship Your Vehicle from the United States to San Jose, Costa Rica.

Cost & Time For Shipments

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

*Save the ground cost by delivering 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 haul internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*Using 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.

Whether you are in the research phases of transitioning to Costa Rica, either temporary or permanent, it is clear that there can be a lot of confusion and lack of empathy for the stresses that can be endured when relocating to another country. The most cost-effective tool you can equip yourself with is accurate, and current information to avoid costly mistakes. The following information is provided, to accomplish relocating in the very best way possible.

The very first thing is to determine if you will need to have your auto for over 90 days, or longer. This will determine what type of permission you are requesting for the allowance into the country. The second is to contact a company that provides quality moving from the U.S., to San Jose, Costa Rica. Once you have done this step, you should find that the agent can assist you and make the process much easier. The companies that provide this service are usually pretty knowledgeable. The reputable companies routinely need to abide by current laws, regulations, and security. This typically provides a much greater sense of relief with less stress and time involved.

Temporary Entry Permit- This permit is valid for (90) days. It is possible to apply for an extension if necessary, however, it is highly recommended this permission is requested before the expiration of your (90) day permit by contacting the Costa Rica customs authorities. This permit allows for the avoidance of taxes and importation fees. The following is needed for this type of permit.....

Required Documents:

1) Vehicle Registration Papers

2) U.S Drivers License

3) Valid Passport

IMPORTATION - This is the option that you would choose, should you decide on a time period longer than 90 days. This option meets the requirements of Costa Rica for importing your car into the country with more permanent intentions.

Required Documents:

1) Proof of Ownership

2) Document showing proof of the VIN

3) Original Purchase Invoice

4) Current Emissions test certificate

Once it has arrived in Costa Rica, it is the responsibility of the owner to retrieve it from the point of entry in San Jose, Costa Rica for the customs clearing process. If this is something you would like to avoid, it is recommended to use a broker or clearing agent to take care of the clearing of your auto through the customs process for you. This gives the assurance that all taxes, duties, and requirements are met quickly and correctly. You can simply obtain a Clearing agent / Broker by requesting one when making arrangements through your agent of choice.

Import Taxes.

Yes, unfortunately, there are multiple Import taxes due when you choose to import. However, having your vehicle can eliminate many other things that can outweigh the expenses of the alternatives. The Ministry of Finance is the collector of taxes for all autos imported into the country. The taxes vary greatly, depending on many factors. Age of vehicle, Value, cost & insurance, are all considered in determining the import taxes due. The Ministry of Finance has provided a valuable calculation tool to help you, and them, determine what will be required for the taxes on it. This tool and calculation, unfortunately, is not to the benefit of the importer and is very much manipulative proof in any attempt to minimize the value, hence the import taxes that will be due.

*The only avoidance of taxes, is the importation of an Electric powered auto. This exception is granted through the Ministry of Environment, Energy, & Telecommunications

Registering & Insuring.

Once you have cleared customs, the next step is to Insure with the minimum liability insurance required. Proof of this insurance is necessary to register in the country. You can visit www.ins-cr.com for all insurance information and options for a policy that suits you, along with a calculation of fees and costs to obtain your policy. To begin this process, you must provide the following.

Required Documents:

• Proof of Import ( this shows you have met the clearing requirements by customs)

• Passport

Note- The RTV needs to be renewed every year if your auto is over 5 years of age, and every 2 years if it is under 5 years of age.

Once you have Registered & Insured your Vehicle.

The last and final step once you have completed obtaining your registration and obtaining insurance, is to pay what is called your "Marchamo". The "Marchamo", is an added annual road tax that is implemented by Costa Rica and is to be renewed/paid on an annual basis. The proof of your payment of this tax is a sticker that should be placed and visible on your front windshield. Failure to have this current sticker is illegal, and unfortunately not taken lightly. In most cases, impounding with substantial fines will be implemented until the taxes are paid.

Driving Laws & Regulations.

Congratulations, you should at this point be in legal, lawful possession to drive in the country. You are permitted to use the valid driver's license of your original country. However, it is of course highly recommended that you familiarize yourself in advance, with the specific rules/laws, signs, customary practices ( lawful & unlawful), and road etiquette you may encounter in your travels.

Drive Safe & Pura Vida!!