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Mailed Packages

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georgene
  11/5/2016 19:15 EST

Hola! I mailed some boxes from Denver to myself c/o a hotel in Giones Beach. (I wish I hadn't.) The former hotel owner has received notices that my boxes appear to be in Puntarenas, quite far away. Does anyone know if the local postal service will forward my boxes to the local hotel? Or do I have to go pick them up? I will try calling the post office Mon, but my Spanish isn't the greatest. The former hotel owner seems to be under the impression that I may have to travel to Puntarenas (and possibly pay duties) to retrieve my things. Ugh! Thanks, Georgene (here for a year)

Kohl
  11/5/2016 20:30 EST

Yes, you will have to go to El Roble, Puntarenas to retrieve the parcel. You can pick it up Monday, Wednesday or Friday, between 10-12. They will open it when you are there and they will determine whether taxes are due and/or whether any goods are 'forbidden' so they will then be confiscated.

Be prepared to return in the afternoon if duty/tax is due.

If it is, you MAY also have to pay for a broker.

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georgene
  11/5/2016 20:50 EST

Wow. Thanks for letting me know. I'll see what I can work out for transportation to the port, and I'll hope for the best on settling any debt.

georgene
  12/3/2016 09:35 EST

I picked up my packages at the port today. It wasn't too bad. I was there an hour. But had I known how much the shipping ($60 a box via USPS), taxes etc here, and taxi would add up to, I would have shippped little or nothing. For clothing and household goods, the total cost here was $50 a box for copy paper sized boxes. You are allowed one box free of charge every six months, if I understood correctly. My Spanish is limited.

escapefromnyc004
  12/3/2016 09:40 EST

It's always easier to have things come in with you, your friends, or your family on flights. Keep a list of what you need and ask someone coming to take it with them for you.

linlewhammond
  12/3/2016 12:36 EST

Them saying, or you thinking they said, "one box free every 6 months" sounds like their idea of a joke. I don't think it sounds like the truth. They would never be able to keep track of something like that. More like they are hoping for a big box of Christmas cookies and candy for their Christmas party.

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RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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escapefromnyc004
  12/3/2016 13:34 EST

It's true. They track it by stamping your passport.

shermanwc
  12/3/2016 13:52 EST

I assume the one package free every 6 months is related to the $500 exemption on customs fees every 6 months for items brought into Costa Rica. But I have only heard of that applying to items brought in luggage. I asked about it when we made a larger shipment into CR (via container ship) and they said that I could not use the exemption. Does it apply to mailed packages? Has anyone successfully used the exemption for a package? At the airport, once they stamp your passport, you lose the full $500 exemption even if the value brought in was only $200 - is that also true for packages?

georgene
  12/4/2016 20:10 EST

I think it might fall under the same rule, but my Spanish is limited. What's it like if you decide to go back to the States as far as shipping? A cheap extra suitcase or two seems like the best idea if you only have a few smaller things.

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