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What is the cheapest way to ship a car from the US to Costa Rica?
My husband’s family lives in Costa Rica. We’d like to ship one of our cars from NJ to Costa Rica. So far, the cheapest we’ve been able to find is $5,000. Please help!
Shipping prices vary depending on size of car and whether or not is is a roll-on (drive it off) or shipped in container and what size of container. Now if you can drive the car to Philadelphia, Miami etc, your cost will be a lot cheaper.
A friend a few years back shipped a Ford Ranger (small pickup) from Miami, and shared a larger container (40 foot long) with another person and his cost was only $625.
However, once the car is in Costa Rica the problems and real expenses start. The car is taxed not by its value and its condition but against it original price. Duties are calculated by taking the higher value between the infamous Costa Rica Black Book (not Blue Book) which is based on the Average Retail Value and the value that the Ministerio de Hacienda puts on it, and God-knows what that is.
And because of this, a lot of cars are abandoned after arrival because of the cost and complexities of getting it out of customs can break you.
Example: Please note, these rates have changed based on the New Year, but it will give you an idea of the additional costs to expect ON TOP of the shipping.
Car models Years 2004-2007 pay 55%
Car models Years 2000-2001 pay about 65%
Car models Years 1999 and older pay about 80%
And these costs can change without notice.
To get an idea go to the below links and they should be able to give you a quote
http://www.autocarshippers.com/
http://www.freight-calculator.com/Car-RO/carocr.asp
http://www.limonagency.com/
I hope this helps
3 Responses to “What is the cheapest way to ship a car from the US to Costa Rica?”
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December 10th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Shipping prices vary depending on size of car and whether or not is is a roll-on (drive it off) or shipped in container and what size of container. Now if you can drive the car to Philadelphia, Miami etc, your cost will be a lot cheaper.
A friend a few years back shipped a Ford Ranger (small pickup) from Miami, and shared a larger container (40 foot long) with another person and his cost was only $625.
However, once the car is in Costa Rica the problems and real expenses start. The car is taxed not by its value and its condition but against it original price. Duties are calculated by taking the higher value between the infamous Costa Rica Black Book (not Blue Book) which is based on the Average Retail Value and the value that the Ministerio de Hacienda puts on it, and God-knows what that is.
And because of this, a lot of cars are abandoned after arrival because of the cost and complexities of getting it out of customs can break you.
Example: Please note, these rates have changed based on the New Year, but it will give you an idea of the additional costs to expect ON TOP of the shipping.
Car models Years 2004-2007 pay 55%
Car models Years 2000-2001 pay about 65%
Car models Years 1999 and older pay about 80%
And these costs can change without notice.
To get an idea go to the below links and they should be able to give you a quote
http://www.autocarshippers.com/
http://www.freight-calculator.com/Car-RO/carocr.asp
http://www.limonagency.com/
I hope this helps
References :
Tico Times Directory – Transportation
http://www.ticotimes.com/costa-rica-transportation/
December 10th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Forget it! While the actual shipping cots is not that bad (Between $500-$900) with a company such as Seaboard, the real horror show begins when you get the car here.
The duties and taxes are rediculous, and the papaerwork a never ending nightmare. You are much better off buying a car here in Costa Rica than shipping or importing one here from the states.If you are giving this car as a gift, you are better off selling it in the states. and sending them the money to buy a car here.
References :
Lived here for years, seen it all, been through it all, and got it all figured out!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:21 am
uh………..DRIVE it !!!
References :