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Ship Car To San Jose Costa Rica

Published by Joe Webster.

Costa Rica (CRI)

Ship Car To San Jose Costa Rica

Car Shipping San Jose

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New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.

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

Cost & Time For Shipments

To/From San JoseGroundOceanEstimated Time
San Jose to New York, NY$275$23005+23 days
City Limits to Los Angeles$350$19005+14 days
Local Delivery to Boston, MA$400$23005+23 days
Las Vegas, NV, to the Area$450$19005+14 days
Local Area to Seattle, WA$550$19006+14 days
Delivery to Detroit, MI$575$23006+23 days
Chicago, IL, to this City$675$23006+23 days
Denver, CO, to the Area$775$19007+14 days
Memphis, TN to City Limits$800$23006+23 days
Dallas, TX to San Jose$1,025$19007+14 days

*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.

a significant blue and white cargo craft traverses the open sea

*Prices are for one 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.

*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.

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or call us to do it for you:

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 use is accurate, and current information to avoid costly mistakes. The following information is provided to help us relocate in the very best way possible.

The first thing to do is determine if you need to have your auto for over 90 days or longer. This will determine what type of permission you request 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 must routinely 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 be 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.....

a person holds a stack of papers

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 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 arrives in Costa Rica, the owner must 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 that you use a broker or clearing agent to clear your auto through the customs process. This assures that all taxes, duties, and requirements are met quickly and correctly. You can simply request a Clearing agent / Broker when making arrangements through your agent of choice.

Import Taxes.

Unfortunately, multiple Import taxes are 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 collects 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 decide 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 way to avoid taxes is by importing 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 calculating fees and costs to obtain your policy. To begin this process, you must provide the following.

transporting goods across the sea
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 insurance, is to pay your "Marchamo." The "Marchamo" is an added annual road tax implemented by Costa Rica that is to be renewed/paid every year. The proof of your tax payment 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 your original country's valid driver's license. 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!!

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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Rafael Hudkins
Reliable Car Shipping Service to San José
★★★★★

I recently shipped my car to San José, and I was happy with the service! The team was extremely professional, and the entire process was smooth from start to finish. They provided excellent communication and kept me informed throughout the journey. If you need to ship a car to this beautiful city, I highly recommend their services!

William Johnson
Top-Notch Car Shipping to San José Province
★★★★★

I was a bit worried about shipping my car to San José Province, but this service exceeded all my expectations. The staff handled everything efficiently, and the car arrived safely without any issues. San José Province is a wonderful place, and now my car is here, ready for me to explore even more of the area. I definitely trust them for future shipments.

Sadie Farrer
The Capital of Costa Rica Deserves This Service!
★★★★★

Moving to The Chepe San José’s official nickname has been an absolute pleasure with this company. They provided excellent service from start to finish, ensuring all my items were securely packed and transported safely. Their team’s friendliness and professionalism left a lasting impression. If you’re heading to the vibrant capital of Costa Rica, don’t hesitate to hire them!

Kristina McGrath
Great Car Shipping Service to the National Theatre of Costa Rica in San José
★★★★★

I had to ship my car to San José to make sure I could visit the National Theatre of Costa Rica, and the shipping service made it all possible. My car was delivered on time and in perfect condition. The staff was friendly, and the process was easy to follow. I highly recommend this service for anyone planning a trip to explore the great local attractions in San José!

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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