Shipping Your Household Goods to Costa Rica

As previously stated, the old pensionado program allowed retirees to import household items including an automobile virtually duty-free. Since most of these privileges have been rescinded, you may well have second thoughts about importing anything.

Keep in mind that most imported used items are also taxed. Taxes range from 40 to 90 percent or more of the value of the article plus your shipping costs. Taxes can be raised on a whim of the Costa Rican government. For most things you’ll want there is a similar product available in Costa Rica, but will cost more than in the U.S. because they are imported. You can, however, save money at the duty-free zone or depósito libre in the southern city of Golfito.

The duty-free zone was designed in 1990 for Costa Ricans and residents. Most popular goods sold there are domestic electrical appliances ranging from refrigerators, freezers and stoves to sound systems and television sets. Many brand names are available in a variety of models. Although you may find many of them cheaper in the U.S., they are big bargains compared to San José’s prices—up to 50% on some large appliances. When you add shipping costs from the U.S., taxes and possible headaches, it is more practical to buy your appliances at the free port. Some restrictions and paper work may irk you, but this will be easier for you than importing things from the U.S. You can only purchase $500.00 worth of items every six months. The first period of the year ends on June 30th and the second begins on July first. You are limited to $500.00 during the first six months. You cannot can carry it over to the second period of the year and buy $1000.00 worth of merchandise. You can, however, combine your card with a family member and buy $1000.00 per period. You must furnish proof that the person you do this with is really a family member.

You may pick up your Purchase Authorization Card or “TAC” (Tarjeta de Autorización de Compra), as it more commonly called, at the booth in the duty free zone in Golfito. You must be over 18 years old and have a Costa Rican ID or passport to do so.

To find out information about shopping contact ACODELCO in San José at Tel: 232-1198, Fax: 232-2692 and in Golfito at 775-0717, Fax: 775-1940.

For small items, many foreign residents go to the town of David, Panama, near the Panamanian border. Prices on everything including household goods are nearly as low as in the U.S. However, because of taxes you will have to pay on large electronic goods and appliances, it is better to shop at the duty-free depósito across the border in Golfito. Nevertheless, foreign residents living in Costa Rica on a 90- day visa can go to David for 72 hours to renew their papers for another three months.

After taking high shipping costs into consideration, you may be reluctant to ship any household items from the U.S. This is a matter of personal choice. Most foreign residents and even Costa Ricans prefer U.S. products because of their higher quality. However, many retirees live comfortably and happily without luxuries and expensive appliances.

You can rent a furnished apartment. If you choose, you can furnish an apartment, excluding stove and refrigerator, for a few hundred dollars. Wooden furniture is inexpensive in Costa Rica. You can also purchase good used furniture and appliances from expats and others who are moving out of the country. Check the local English newspapers. What you need to import depends on your personal preference and budget.

Make an effort to get rid of “clutter” and bulky items and don’t ship what can be easily or cheaply replaced in Costa Rica. Try to leave large appliances and furniture at home. You pay more for these items in Costa Rica, but in the long run they turn out to be less expensive when you take shipping costs and taxes into consideration. Talk to other foreign residents and retirees to see what they think is absolutely necessary to bring to Costa Rica.

If you still want to import your U.S. belongings and household goods you’ll want to save time and money, purchase and ship them from Los Angeles, Houston, New Orleans or preferably Miami. The latter is the U.S. port nearest to Costa Rica and shipping costs are lower. Look in the yellow pages of the Miami phone book for a shipping company or call the company listed at the end of this section.