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Importing Vehicles

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Wizard1962
  2/11/2019 10:42 EST

Have been doing alot of research on maybe retiring to CR. My wife and I both ride CanAm Spyders and want to continue in retirement. Would be a beautiful place to ride.

But holy crap...

The import taxes and restrictions on vehicles are just crazy expensive in CR.

Blueridgeboy1
  2/11/2019 10:50 EST

A very large majority of road fatalities in CR are motorcycle riders. They make up a small fraction of the vehicles on the road, but account for the vast majority of traffic deaths. Nice bikes, though.

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Wizard1962
  2/11/2019 10:55 EST

Thanks for the post blueridgeboy1

Kinda figured with the less than perfect roads and mountains, the rate might be high.

queenvic
  2/11/2019 11:31 EST

Wow- did not know there were those restrictions, taxes, etc.
Where did you find that info?

1952cajun
  2/11/2019 11:36 EST

Hey Wizard, Costa Rican goal is to be fossil fuel free. Highest price for fuel in Central America, high tax on any vehicle imported. Better go electric.

1952cajun
  2/11/2019 12:16 EST

That info is so easy to find. Search for Costa Rican import tax and restrictions. The restrictions on what can and can not be imported is also on FedEx Costa Rican website.

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Wizard1962
  2/11/2019 12:23 EST

Thanks 1952cajun, I found the information, was just commenting on how high the import tax rate is.

Guess CR doesn't want us bringing our vehicles with us ....lol

beano102
  2/11/2019 13:04 EST

Unfortunately, this is the biggest shocker of all... when expat or potential expats arrive in CR ... and didnt know how expensive it really is in CR. Costa Rica and its government has never been overly good about enforcing its laws or taxes. thus, other methods have been used to ATTEMPT to cover the shortfalls, which has grown almost to the breaking point. You can lump taxes like this along with fuel and most taxes that affect imports, etc are affecting Ticos now as well. Ticos have always avoided paying taxes and have borrowed more and more money in recent years. Look for the average citizen to finally start saying "enough" even though there are now very few alternatives. Tough choices ahead.

beano102
  2/11/2019 13:04 EST

Unfortunately, this is the biggest shocker of all... when expat or potential expats arrive in CR ... and didnt know how expensive it really is in CR. Costa Rica and its government has never been overly good about enforcing its laws or taxes. thus, other methods have been used to ATTEMPT to cover the shortfalls, which has grown almost to the breaking point. You can lump taxes like this along with fuel and most taxes that affect imports, etc are affecting Ticos now as well. Ticos have always avoided paying taxes and have borrowed more and more money in recent years. Look for the average citizen to finally start saying "enough" even though there are now very few alternatives. Tough choices ahead.

Wizard1962
  2/11/2019 13:14 EST

Thanks Beano102, gives me some things to think about. Not ready to give up motorcycle riding yet, but no way to justify the amount of import taxes.

1952cajun
  2/11/2019 14:02 EST

The government does not approve locals having fossil fuel burning anything. Electric cars are the future.

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Wizard1962
  2/11/2019 14:08 EST

Yes, electric cars are the future. But even if I wanted to import an electric vehicle the import taxes would be close to 67% of the vehicles blue book value.

guestuser
  2/11/2019 15:56 EST

I think the new delusional dem platform should include Star Trek like transporters!! I mean with giving all people unwilling to work money they will have lots of time to travel! The very saddest part of the USA delusion on the left is thats what gets grabbed up as reality by naive Costa Ricans looking to the USA as big brother.

Kohl
  2/11/2019 17:05 EST

In 2016, a tax exemption applies to (electric) cars up to one year old and will be in effect for the next five years. Replacement parts and assembly systems of electric cars will have a 10-year tax exemption.
Costa Rican import tax and restrictions


More info here, http://blog.costarican-american-connection.com/electric-cars-costa-rica/

Wizard1962
  2/11/2019 17:14 EST

Great info Kohl ! Thanks for sharing.

beano102
  2/11/2019 17:26 EST

Great job, Kohl... about time someone got it right!

Wizard1962
  2/11/2019 17:31 EST

Guess I need to start looking into an electric motorcycle :-)

queenvic
  2/11/2019 18:21 EST

How do hybrid cars fit into this?

queenvic
  2/11/2019 18:56 EST

Thank you for direction

1952cajun
  2/11/2019 18:57 EST

From what I have read, only total electric qualify for the tax waiver.

queenvic
  2/11/2019 19:04 EST

Oh, that is too bad.

Blueridgeboy1
  2/12/2019 08:53 EST

You are so tiresome, with your constant political rants and the pimping of your development. Give it a break, Gil.

guestuser
  2/12/2019 10:05 EST

When I moved to Costa Rica I was so in love with the differences and the autonomy of it--you have to be blind and stupid not to see the negative aspects that the government of the USA spreads throughout the world especially various countries grabbing hold of the liberal mental delusion, so if I point that out and it bothers you stop reading my posts! Hey now there is an idea---

Wizard1962
  2/12/2019 13:19 EST

Gentlemen, let's please keep this on topic and civil.

Thanks
Bill

Wizard1962
  2/12/2019 13:20 EST

Gentlemen, let's please keep this on topic and civil.

Thanks
Bill

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