Quick Answer: International moving from the USA to Costa Rica, for a 2-bedroom household in a 20 ft container, with AB Group Shipping costs from $3,360 from Houston (September 2026 quote), with 15 days transit to Moín, or $3,450 from Miami in 17 days. Prices are port to port and exclude import taxes and destination charges.
- Ocean freight from Miami to Moín: $3,450 for a 20ft container (September 2026 rates), 17 days transit
- Residency lets you clear household goods once under Costa Rica's "menaje de casa" procedure, but it is not a tax exemption: most new residents pay import taxes
- Required documents: passport, a sworn itemized inventory in Spanish with values, the bill of lading in your name and proof of your status (residency, permit or lease)
- Air freight costs 4-6x more than ocean but flies from Miami to Juan Santamaría Airport in 1 day, plus customs clearance
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Go to the calculator →Reference prices: moving from the USA to Costa Rica
| Port | Boxes | 2-bed | 3+ bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiamiPort Everglades | $2,212 | $3,450 | $3,900 |
| HoustonCheapest | $4,497 | $3,360 | $3,580 |
| New JerseyPhiladelphia | ≈ $2,212 | $3,650 | $3,990 |
| Los Angeles | $3,370 | ≈ $3,360 | ≈ $3,580 |
Port to port to San Jose or Moin, in USD, quoted with our system on September 28, 2026. Includes freight and US export charges; excludes import taxes and destination charges. Boxes: consolidated, ≈13 m³. 2-bed: 20 ft container. 3+ bed: 40 ft HC container. The calculator on this page gives your exact price, with pickup and delivery. ≈ Approximate price: what our system quotes leaving from another port, or the median of the other ports for that shipment.
Shipping from another state? Which port to read
Each port in the table is the one that cargo from these states usually leaves through. Miami: Florida. Houston: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. New Jersey: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia and West Virginia. Los Angeles: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii. Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama ship through Savannah; Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota ship through Chicago (rail); Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska ship through Seattle / Tacoma: those ports are not in the table yet. We pick up in every state, and the calculator finds the best port from your city.
How Much Does International Moving to Costa Rica Cost in 2026?
Quick Answer: Ocean freight costs $3,450 for a 20ft container from Miami to Moín (September 2026 rates), while air freight runs approx. $6.58 per kilogram from Miami (October 2026 rates). Total moving costs including packing and customs clearance range from $6,500-$12,000 for average households.
International moving costs to Costa Rica vary significantly based on shipping method, container size, and additional services. Ocean freight remains the most economical option for complete household relocations, while air freight serves urgent shipments and smaller volumes.
MiamiUSMIA
MoínCRMOB
- 20ft container: $3,450 from Miami and $3,360 from Houston (September 2026 rates) including THC and BAF surcharges
- 40ft container: $3,900 from Miami for larger households with furniture
- 40ft High Cube: $3,900 from Miami for maximum volume capacity
- LCL consolidation: approx. $173.60 per cubic meter from Miami (October 2026 rates) for partial loads
- Professional packing: $800-$1,500 depending on volume and fragility
- Customs clearance: $400-$650 including broker fees and documentation
- Local delivery in Costa Rica: approx. $200-$400 from port to final destination
- Marine cargo insurance: 0.5-1.2% of declared shipment value
- Storage after the free days: charged by the terminal, the shipping line or the bonded warehouse; ask for the free time and the daily rate in writing before you ship
What Documents Are Required for Moving Household Goods to Costa Rica?
Quick Answer: Costa Rica requires a sworn, itemized household inventory with values, your passport copy, the bill of lading in your name and proof of your status. Residency, or a work or study permit, lets you use the household goods procedure. It does not by itself exempt the shipment from import taxes, and tourists cannot use it at all.
Proper documentation prevents costly delays and ensures smooth customs clearance. Costa Rican customs authorities require specific paperwork submitted in Spanish with detailed item descriptions and declared values.Critical Documentation Requirement
All household inventories must be submitted in Spanish with individual item values. An English-only packing list has to be translated before your customs agent can file, so allow time and a translation fee for it.
- Detailed household inventory in Spanish with quantities and declared values
- Your signature on that inventory as a sworn declaration (customs does not accept "consolidated" or global invoices)
- Copy of the photo page of your passport, or your cédula if you are Costa Rican
- Bill of lading or air waybill that names you as consignee; your customs agent uses it to file the customs declaration (DUA)
- Packing list with box-by-box contents and room assignments
- Residents: your valid residence card (DIMEX)
- Work or study permit holders: the permit issued by the immigration authority (DGME)
- Home buyers and renters: the property registration certificate, or a lease of at least six months
- Returning Costa Ricans: a consular certification of residence abroad, or a lease or purchase agreement from abroad
- Everyone: a signed sworn statement that you meet the requirements
How Long Does Shipping to Costa Rica Take in 2026?
Quick Answer: Ocean freight from Miami (Port Everglades) to Moín takes 17 days, while air freight from Miami takes 1 day, plus customs clearance in both cases, for which the FIDI and IAM customs guides say to allow about 22 working days. Inland delivery to San José or other Costa Rican cities comes after that.
Transit times depend on shipping method, origin port, and customs processing efficiency. Houston and Miami are the fastest container origins, at 15 and 17 days to Moín.Ocean transit for a full container to Moín on the routes we quote: 15 days from Houston, 17 from Miami (Port Everglades), 19 from Chicago, 20 from Savannah and 21 from Philadelphia. Customs clearance and local delivery come on top.
- Miami (Port Everglades) to Moín: 17 days ocean transit
- Houston to Moín: 15 days
- New York / New Jersey to Moín: 21 days, leaving from Philadelphia
- Los Angeles: consolidated (LCL) cargo reaches San José in 37 days; our container sailings from Los Angeles arrive at Puerto Caldera, on the Pacific
- Miami to San José: 1 day transit + customs clearance
- Los Angeles to San José: 1 day transit + customs clearance
- Houston to San José: 1 day, leaving from Miami
- New York to San José: ask us for the current routing and transit time
Costa Rica Customs Process: What to Expect When Your Shipment Arrives
Quick Answer: A licensed Costa Rican customs agent files your declaration, and you should expect a physical inspection of your household goods. The FIDI and IAM customs guides say to allow about 22 working days for clearance once the shipment reaches the bonded warehouse in San José. Import taxes are assessed item by item from your sworn inventory unless you hold an approved exemption.
Our container sailings from Miami, Houston and the East Coast arrive at Moín, on the Caribbean coast, and those from Los Angeles at Puerto Caldera, on the Pacific. Household goods are then cleared at a bonded warehouse in San José, according to the FIDI and IAM customs guides. Customs Inspection Process The Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) sorts declarations into three channels: red (physical inspection), yellow (document review) and green (no inspection). For household goods, plan on a physical inspection: both movers' guides describe it as mandatory.- Declaration: Your customs agent files the customs declaration (DUA) with your sworn inventory and proof of status
- Risk assessment: The customs system assigns the red, yellow or green channel
- Physical inspection: Officers compare the cargo with the inventory and with the piece count and weight on the bill of lading
- Duty calculation: Officers assess taxes from the declared values, or apply an exemption the Ministry of Finance has already approved
- Release authorization: Final approval for pickup and delivery
Inspection Strategy
Number every box and make sure the piece count and weight on the bill of lading match what was actually loaded. The FIDI guide warns that a mismatch brings a fine and a delay of four to six weeks.
Who Can Import Household Goods to Costa Rica, and Who Pays Import Taxes?
Quick Answer: Residency does not make household goods duty-free in Costa Rica. It lets you clear them once under the "menaje de casa" customs procedure. A tax exemption is separate: Costa Ricans returning after 24 months abroad can apply for one, and the Law 9996 exemption for new pensionado, rentista and investor residents closed to new applicants on July 14, 2026.
Costa Rica treats the right to bring your home with you and the taxes on it as two different things. The customs procedure is called "menaje de casa", and the rules below come from the customs authority's own policy (Dirección General de Aduanas, policy MH-DGA-PRO01-POL-001). Who May Use the Household Goods Procedure- Foreigners who obtain residency, counted from the date it is granted and one time only
- Foreigners with a valid work or study permit
- Foreigners who buy a property or rent a home in Costa Rica for at least six months
- Costa Ricans of legal age returning for good after at least six continuous months abroad
- Permanent residents returning after more than six months abroad for work, study or an official mission
You may be exempt
Returning Costa Ricans: after 24 consecutive months abroad you can apply for the exemption in Law 6986, at the Exemptions Department of the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda).
Law 9996 beneficiaries: pensionado, rentista and investor residents whose one-time exemption was approved keep it. New applications closed on July 14, 2026, and we found no extension published as of October 2026.
You pay import taxes
Everyone else: new residents without an approved exemption, work and study permit holders, and people who bought or rented a home.
How it is calculated: customs taxes each item on your sworn list (import duty, selective consumption tax where it applies, and 13% VAT), so the total depends on what you ship and its declared value.
Confirm your status before you ship
Ask a Costa Rican customs agent to review your inventory and tell you what you will owe before the container leaves. An exemption has to be approved by the Ministry of Finance, and it only covers what qualifies as household goods.
- An itemized list signed under oath: description, brand, model, serial number, new or used, quantity and unit value in US dollars
- Your identification and proof of the status that lets you use the procedure
- The bill of lading or air waybill in your own name (it cannot be endorsed to someone else)
- A sworn statement that you meet the requirements
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Go to the calculator →What Items Are Prohibited or Restricted for Import to Costa Rica?
Quick Answer: Keep narcotics, explosives, firearms and ammunition out of a household shipment. Food, alcohol, medicines, plants and animal products need permits from Costa Rican authorities, and vehicles, machinery, building materials and professional equipment cannot be declared as household goods at all.
Costa Rican customs separates goods that may never enter from goods that need a permit (a "nota técnica") from another authority. A restricted item without its permit will not be released with the rest of your shipment. Do Not Pack These- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Explosives and other dangerous goods
- Firearms, parts and ammunition (customs only accepts them with a special permit)
- Pornographic material
- Wooden ornaments, wooden hangers and wicker or rattan baskets (wicker and rattan furniture is allowed)
Phones and Wireless Devices
We found no rule that requires a telecom approval for each wireless device in a household shipment. SUTEL, the telecom regulator, says a phone bought abroad is not blocked as long as its IMEI is valid and not duplicated.
- Alcohol: not accepted in air or shared-container (LCL) shipments; a full container may carry up to 5 liters, with a Ministry of Health permit and taxes
- Food, medicines, cosmetics and toiletries: Ministry of Health permit
- Plants: phytosanitary certificate and a Ministry of Agriculture permit
- Animal products: import permit from SENASA, the National Animal Health Service
- Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners: the guides list an extra permit, so ask your agent
- Wood crates and pallets: treated and stamped under the ISPM-15 standard
- Not household goods: machinery, machine tools, and instruments or furniture for a laboratory, clinic, workshop or similar business
- Household goods: hand tools, an electric drill or hand saw, and a home computer, printer and desk, in quantities reasonable for your family
Ocean vs Air Freight: Which Option Is Best for Costa Rica Moving?
Quick Answer: Ocean freight costs 70% less than air freight and handles large furniture easily, making it ideal for complete household moves. Air freight works best for urgent items under 500kg or when time matters more than cost.
Choosing between ocean and air freight depends on budget, timeline, and shipment size. Ocean freight dominates household relocations due to cost efficiency and volume capacity.Ocean Freight Advantages
- Cost: $3,450 from Miami for a 20ft container (September 2026 rates)
- Volume: 33 cubic meters capacity
- Weight: No practical weight restrictions
- Furniture: Handles large items easily
Air Freight Advantages
- Speed: 1 day in the air from Miami or Los Angeles, plus customs clearance
- Reliability: Less weather dependent
- Security: Lower theft risk
- Tracking: Real-time shipment monitoring
- Ocean freight: approx. $173.60 per cubic meter for LCL shipments from Miami (October 2026 rates)
- Air freight: approx. $1,100 per cubic meter equivalent weight from Miami ($658 for 100 kg / 0.6 m³)
- Break-even point: Air freight competitive only under 500kg shipments
- Insurance costs: Similar rates for both shipping methods
Hybrid Strategy
Send 2-3 suitcases of immediate necessities by air freight while your container ships by ocean. This gets essentials to you sooner (air cargo still has to clear customs) while saving thousands on furniture and appliances.
How to Choose a Customs Broker in Costa Rica
Quick Answer: Licensed customs brokers in Costa Rica charge $400-$650 for household goods clearance and must be registered with DGA (customs authority). Choose brokers with household goods experience and English-speaking staff for smoother processing.
Professional customs brokerage ensures compliance with Costa Rican import regulations and expedites clearance procedures. Licensed brokers maintain relationships with port authorities and understand current regulatory requirements. Essential Broker Qualifications- Current authorization from the Dirección General de Aduanas (ask for the agent's or agency's authorization number and confirm it with the DGA)
- Household goods specialization and experience
- English-speaking staff for international clients
- Experience clearing at the port and bonded warehouse your shipment will use (Moín for our Miami and Houston sailings)
- Professional liability insurance and bonding
- Standard clearance: $400-$650 for complete household shipments
- Inspection attendance: $125 additional fee when physical exam required
- Document preparation: $75-$150 for Spanish translation services
- Storage coordination: $50-$100 for extended clearance procedures
- Delivery arrangement: $100-$200 for inland transportation coordination
Broker Selection Tips
Interview brokers about their household goods experience and ask for client references. Brokers specializing in commercial cargo may lack familiarity with residential import procedures and duty exemptions.
- Document submission: Send complete paperwork package before arrival
- Power of attorney: Authorize broker to act on your behalf with customs
- Contact information: Provide local phone number for inspection coordination
- Payment arrangement: Establish fee payment method and timing
- Delivery coordination: Arrange final delivery logistics and timing
Insurance Requirements for International Moving to Costa Rica
Quick Answer: Marine cargo insurance is your choice, not a customs requirement: the customs policy for household goods does not list an insurance certificate among its documents. It typically costs 0.5-1.2% of declared value. Full replacement value coverage is recommended over depreciated value for expensive items.
Comprehensive insurance protection safeguards against loss, damage, and theft during international transit. Customs does not ask for proof of insurance in its household goods policy, so the decision is about protecting your belongings, not about clearance. What to Look For in a Policy- A certificate that names you, the shipment and the insured value
- An insured value that matches the values on your inventory
- Warehouse-to-warehouse cover rather than port-to-port
- All-risk cover, which is broader than named-perils or total-loss-only cover
- A clear claims procedure and a claims contact in Costa Rica
Ocean Freight Insurance
Premium: 0.5-0.8% of declared value
Coverage: All-risk warehouse to warehouse
Deductible: $250-$500 per claim
Claims: 30-day reporting window
Air Freight Insurance
Premium: 0.8-1.2% of declared value
Coverage: All-risk airport to airport
Deductible: $100-$250 per claim
Claims: 15-day reporting window
- Cash and monetary instruments: Not covered under standard policies
- Jewelry and precious metals: $2,500 limit without special endorsement
- Artwork and antiques: Require professional appraisal and special coverage
- Electronics over $5,000: May need individual item scheduling
- Business equipment: Often excluded from household goods policies
Packing and Preparation Tips for Costa Rica Moving
Quick Answer: Professional packing costs $800-$1,500 but prevents damage and customs delays. Use detailed labeling in Spanish, avoid prohibited items, and photograph valuable items for insurance purposes.
Proper packing protects belongings during ocean transit and facilitates customs inspection. Professional packing services provide specialized materials and expertise for international shipments. Professional vs DIY Packing Professional packers understand international shipping requirements and use appropriate materials for ocean freight. Professional export packing lowers the risk of damage compared to self-packed shipments.- Professional packing: $800-$1,500 investment prevents $3,000+ damage claims
- Export-grade materials: Moisture barriers and shock-resistant packaging
- Inventory documentation: Detailed packing lists for customs compliance
- Insurance compliance: Professional packing often required for full coverage
- Spanish labeling: Label all boxes in Spanish with detailed contents
- Moisture protection: Use silica gel and moisture barriers for electronics
- Inventory photos: Document valuable items before packing for insurance
- Original packaging: Keep original boxes for electronics and appliances
- Weight distribution: Balance box weights for safe handling
Climate Considerations
Costa Rica's tropical humidity requires special moisture protection for electronics, documents, and clothing. Use moisture-absorbing packets and sealed plastic bags for sensitive items.
- Detailed box contents in Spanish with quantities and conditions
- Room-by-room organization for easy customs verification
- Serial numbers for electronics and appliances
- Invoices or a sworn statement of value for items that are new
- Photographic documentation of pre-existing damage
2026 Regulatory Changes for Costa Rica International Moving
Quick Answer: The change that matters in 2026 is that the five-year window to request Law 9996's one-time tax exemption on household goods, for new pensionado, rentista and investor residents, ended on July 14. Customs declarations are still filed electronically by your customs agent.
Several "new 2026 rules" that circulate online could not be confirmed with Costa Rican authorities, so this section keeps to what is documented as of October 2026. Law 9996 Window Closed Law 9996 gave pensionado, rentista and investor residents a one-time exemption from import taxes on their household goods, but only for requests made during the law's first five years. The law took effect on July 14, 2021, so that window ended on July 14, 2026.- People who obtained the benefits in time keep them for ten years from the date they were granted
- Costa Rica's official legal database showed no amendment extending the window when we checked in October 2026
- Returning Costa Ricans are not affected: their exemption comes from a different law, Law 6986
Get Your Costa Rica Moving Quote: Calculate Costs Instantly
Quick Answer: Use our embedded calculator to get instant quotes for ocean and air freight to Costa Rica. Input your household volume and get real-time pricing for 2026 including all surcharges and customs fees.
Our instant quote calculator provides transparent pricing for all shipping methods to Costa Rica. Real-time rates include all fees and surcharges with no hidden costs or surprise charges.Get instant quotes for FCL, LCL, and air freight options with complete cost breakdowns including customs fees and delivery charges.
- Instant pricing: Real-time quotes for FCL, LCL, and air freight
- Volume calculator: Estimate container size based on room count
- All-inclusive pricing: Origin charges, freight, destination fees included
- Multiple origins: Quotes from Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Houston
- No obligation: Get pricing without email signup or sales calls
- Select origin: Choose your departure city from available options
- Enter volume: Input cubic meters or use room-count estimator
- Choose service: Select ocean freight, air freight, or courier
- View pricing: Compare all-inclusive rates with transit times
- Request booking: Contact our team to confirm and schedule
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The customs policy does not say you must attend the inspection. A licensed Costa Rican customs agent must file the declaration, and you must be the consignee on the bill of lading and prove the status that lets you use the household goods procedure. Stay reachable while the shipment clears: the FIDI and IAM customs guides say to allow about 22 working days.
A vehicle cannot be declared as household goods: Costa Rica's customs policy excludes cars, motorcycles and boats from the "menaje de casa" procedure. Ask your mover whether a car can share the container. Cars require separate import procedures, different documentation, and distinct duty calculations. For current vehicle shipping prices from Miami, see the price table at the top of this page.
Usually yes. Residency lets you clear household goods once under the "menaje de casa" procedure, but it is not a tax exemption. Costa Ricans returning after 24 consecutive months abroad can apply for one under Law 6986, and the Law 9996 exemption for new pensionado, rentista and investor residents closed to new applicants on July 14, 2026. Ask a Costa Rican customs agent what you will owe before you ship.
Storage and container charges start once the free days at the terminal or bonded warehouse run out. They are set by the terminal, the shipping line and the warehouse, so ask for them in writing before you ship. Common causes of delay are an inventory that is incomplete or not translated into Spanish, a piece count or weight that does not match the bill of lading, a missing permit for a restricted item, and missing proof of your status.
Yes, LCL (Less than Container Load) service is available for shipments under 15 cubic meters. For current LCL rates from Miami to San José, see the price table at the top of this page; transit takes about 14 days.
Guides for shipping to Costa Rica