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Car Shipping San Jose
How to Ship Your Vehicle from the United States to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Cost & Time For Shipments
To/From San Jose | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
San Jose to New York, NY | $275 | $2300 | 5+23 days |
City Limits to Los Angeles | $350 | $1900 | 5+14 days |
Local Delivery to Boston, MA | $400 | $2300 | 5+23 days |
Las Vegas, NV, to the Area | $450 | $1900 | 5+14 days |
Local Area to Seattle, WA | $550 | $1900 | 6+14 days |
Delivery to Detroit, MI | $575 | $2300 | 6+23 days |
Chicago, IL, to this City | $675 | $2300 | 6+23 days |
Denver, CO, to the Area | $775 | $1900 | 7+14 days |
Memphis, TN to City Limits | $800 | $2300 | 6+23 days |
Dallas, TX to San Jose | $1,025 | $1900 | 7+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.
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*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.
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.....
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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.
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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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