Moving to Costa Rica

With loving hugs from the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has been attracting tourists for decades, thanks to rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Here you find amazing beaches that melt into sparkling blue waters, peaceful conservation areas, and outstanding adventure sports.

Get in touch with ancient civilizations and history at the National Museum or carefully approach the edge of a crater at Poás Volcano National Park. Surfers will dig the unparalleled conditions of the Guanacaste province.

 

San Jose, Play Conchal, Tamarindo, El Jobo, Jaco Gulf of Papagayo all are splendid places to visit and explore. 

Trünk offers essential moving services to Costa Rica and moving services from Costa Rica. It is the perfect system for shipping what is essential. If you are only moving a small amount of your valued goods or if you have a larger move via ocean, our micro move solution is a perfect add on to get what's needed there fast.

Moving Used Household Goods and Personal Effects to Costa Rica

Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Rated original bill of lading (OBL) / airway bill (AWB)
• Packing list in English or Spanish

Specific Information

• Customs clearance takes approximately 10 business days from the date of shipment arrival.
• The items on the pack list must match the actual items in the shipment or a fine of 250 USD will be levied and clearance will be delayed.
• All shipments are subject to physical inspection.
• Diplomat shipments are duty free.
• Returning citizens may receive a partial tax exemption if having lived abroad for at least 24 months preceding import; proof from the Costa Rican consulate in the origin country is required and must indicate the number of years of residence lived abroad.
• Liftvans, airvans, wooden crates, and boxes arriving in containers or single shipments must be fumigated per ISPM-15 guidelines and visibly marked on at least two opposite sides of the container in permanent black ink.
• Certain wood packing materials are exempt from ISPM-15 regulations; contact the destination agent for specific information. 

 

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• The following items are subject to taxes:
  • Arms and ammunition (a permit from the Ministry of National Security is required for returning citizens or residents)
  • Dangerous objects (a permit from the Ministry of National Security is required for returning citizens and residents)
  • Plants (a phytosanitary certificate and permit from the Ministry of Agriculture are required prior to import)
  • New household goods / new furniture (an original invoice or a statement under oath of the value of the item is required)
  • Household / electrical appliances (the brand, serial number, and model must be listed on the packing list)
  • Wedding trousseaux, inheritances, gifts and souvenirs
  • Carpets
  • Antiques and works of art
  • Furniture (wooden items / ornaments require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Precious metal objects, such as jewelry, coins, etc. (purchase receipts / invoices are required)
  • Non-motorized vehicles, such as bicycles, watercraft, etc. (duties depend on value, year, model, cubic centimeters, and features)
  • Wine and alcohol (permits from the Ministry of Health /Ministry of Economy are required)
  • Tins and food (a permit from the Ministry of Health are required) (3 copies)

 

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics, drugs and medicines (permits from the College of Pharmacy and Ministry of Health are required)
• Pornographic and subversive materials
• Explosives

 

 

Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook

Wikipedia Entry for Costa Rica