The import and purchase of vehicles, Costa Rica
Punters options, answers and information first
Recently, a letter to the editor in the Tico Times advising people to "learn from our mistakes in sending the car" (Beedle, 2008). If travel is stressful, and then find their feet in a foreign country can be alienated. But it is not necessary. Your choices are as good as the information you have. If you plan on shipping a car overseas or buy one in Costa Rica you need to know and consider the following.
Basics
What kind of car you want to buy / import? The best parts are available here for maintenance and repair? Is it the right car for the roads of Costa Rica, which are often land, full of potholes and damage during the green season? Do you want need a 4×4? Only you know your individual needs. Their meeting is the next step.
His conduct in Costa Car Rica
Obviously it's an option and an adventurer. If you are driving from the United States pass through Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. He is not in the scope of this article go into detail all these steps, but there are a lot of information that you need to know if has chosen not to. A good starting point for your research is: www.costaricareisen.com / sign / Autohandel / info_eng.htm.
The back and before
Even if you are adrift in an envelope enough without commitment, it is better to know the laws in place to find Hard Way. To renew your visa, you must leave the country every 90 days during the three days. This is not the same for your car – the car must remain outside the 90 days before they can return. He must also submit their import documents original and a visa when driving a vehicle registered in the U.S. Costa Rica (Beedle, 2008). Some people think they can leave the country for 72 hours and then do the same the car back with a different dish for new licenses. But this is illegal. If you are caught doing this, your vehicle may be confiscated and you may be imprisoned, deported and prohibited from Costa Rica for a number of years (Carlos Zeller, shiptocostarica@racsa.co.cr, Personal communication December 24, 2008). Your car is allowed in Costa Rica during six months before having to pay taxes. There is no doubt that the car is the country ', just put an extra stamp in your passport for your car. However, since 1 January 2009, Costa Rica celebrate CAFTA, then maybe this rule will change (Marielos Lawyer@CostaRicaLawyer.com Melendez, personal communication, December 27, 2008).
Navigation
There are many shipping companies to choose, it is certainly worth checking options for finding the best deal. You can start fishing around the awards online at sites like:
www.omegashipping.com / carshipping.asp
international-movers.com www.compare
www.autocarshippers.com
www.abc-movers.com
www.rexcargo.com
www.jetbox.com
Remember to take into account costs such as storage, shipping, insurance, documentation, handling, customs controls, stay (subsidies that have to pay if there is a delay in loading or unloading), etc. to provide any vehicle you want to send in Costa Rica also must pass a smog test by the EPA, approved by the local consulate of the country of export. It is important to know what your quote includes the cost and this will be exceptional. To read a case example of what can cause the reading of the article quotes Nicolas Ruggia "carries her baby four-wheel" The Tico Times, May 23, 2008. For more information, contact Carlos Zeller by e-mail or by phone at shiptocostarica@racsa.co.cr (U.S. & Canada toll free) or 1-866-245-6923 (506) 2258 to 8.747.
For more information and tips on how to avoid scams Port: www.autocarshippers.com / Carshippingscam.aspx.
Freight costs
U.S. cars are sent to Puerto Limon. If you drive your car in Costa Rica, or for any reason you do not have transportation bill (bill of lading), and the burden is estimated at 7% of the market value of your vehicle. Be careful, because this calculation could produce cost more than the actual load can be. If you do not have freight insurance, customs figures for multiplying the sum of the value freight and 110%, then multiply that number by 1.5% (Howard, 2008).
The Black Book
To set a value for the export drive, you must submit a commercial invoice with the purchase price. If you are not a commercial invoice, you must declare the value. You can not try to be masked by a single value or less, such as customs officials with a guide – The black (or blue) book. Unless its declared value is approximately 3% of what they have created, will be rejected. The guide lists prices for new and used cars (cars used are defined as a car belonging / title). For examples of Canada and the U.S. ratings, you can visit www.blackbookguides.com.
Also www.crautos.com visit. The site is in Spanish, but not discouraged. Click the tab "Blue Book" at the top of the page, then click "Enter a" ("Access"). This leads to a form where you can enter specifications for a quote. The estimate is derived from a database used cars in Costa Rica.
Despite these guidelines, the Government of Costa Rica is often the last word on the values of cars and assign values higher for cars than what is quoted in the book (www.costarica.com / retirement / cost of living / Auto-free). The market values of Costa Rica "are deployed by the government, basing the values on the selling price of used vehicles in the Czech Republic Year and model of your vehicle, that price may be increased between 0.432 to 0.502 to determine the value of imports. And they can do expensive things. For more information and an example of how these calculations can produce www.1costaricalink.com/elresidente/oo-3-4-2001.htm see high costs.
The costs and calculations
You can be stung with import taxes and duties for importation of a car. The Costa Rica government taxes between 50-80% of the CIF (cost + insurance + freight) or 50-80% of the value determined by the system of Costa Rica Ministry Car Finance-Tica (Ruggie, 2008).
Are taken into account in determining the value not only the car purchase price and the year, but also the model, cubic centimeters, vehicle and any extras. The more the car, the less will be taxed (Old cars are not as well defined 10 years of age or older) (www.vacationcity.com / Costa Rica / information / Import-Export). On January 1, 2009, whether driving his car in Costa Rica or sent there, 2007.2008 and 2009 models will be charged 52.9% of the value of imports from the Treasury. Models 2006 and 2005 have a cost of 63.7% and 79.03% paid nothing (Carlos Zeller, shiptocostarica@racsa.co.cr, personal communication December 23 2008).
To get a clearer idea of what could be charged, see the website of the Government of the Ministry Finance "to www.hacienda.go.cr / autohacienda / autovalor.aspx. On this site you enter the characteristics of their car to come at a cost. Warning: Sometimes sites government Web updates and the best thing you can do is ask an expert or an official. Another way to obtain an estimate of fees is to send fax or email to the Residents Association (arcr@casacanada.net / www.arcr.net) detailing where you want to send the car, make car, model, serial number (VIN), characteristics for example, automatic or manual air conditioning, power windows, and other non-standard materials. You can also send Carlos Zeller (contact details under the title "The delivery of a car") and you can contact the Office national research system by writing to:
2620 Barrett Road,
PO Box 758,
Gainesville, GA 30 503.
Phone (800) 554-1026, fax (770) 532-4792
(Www.vacationcity.com / Costa Rica / info / Import-Export, Howard, 2008).
License Plates and Registration
After a new car was introduced in the country that is supposed to be recorded in the tax office in San Jose two days (www.costaricareisen.com / sign / Autohandel / info_eng.htm). You can get the registration documents of the office. The registration fee depends on the value of his car. First, the documents must be brought to the section of the Public Register of vehicles or public record, then Public Works Department Government (Ministry of Public Works and Transport). Over time you'll be presented with a plaque plates provisional (temporary role) for the public register, which can be see on your windshield. The document will probably fused to attach a copy of the original windshield and keep in the glove compartment. You need to watch the expiration date of the paper plates while waiting for their permanent metal plates that get a ticket (about 10,000 to 20,000 settlers or $ 20 to $ 40) if they run out and not renew it. You can not renew your license on paper until their expiry date. You must return to the Public to have renewed and no charge for this director (2008). Once the metal plates are ready have to go to the National Registry (Registro Nacional), bring with you:
His temporary paper plate
Title (Title Deed)
registration card Yellow Card (Circulation) and …
Your passport or resident ID card (cedula).
Insurance
You can hire someone to care of all these processes for you or your dealer will.
Visit the National Register website (available in English) www.registronacional.com (Howard, 2008, Lytle, 2008a; director, 2008).
In conducting the inspection (RITEVE)
The cars require general maintenance and safety inspections to ensure that they are worthy of road. In Costa Rica, known as RTV or RITEVE. In addition, the brake lights, indicators and windscreen wiper controls, exhaust emissions are also discussed. Cars less than 5 years should be checked every two years, while older cars are reviewed annually. Month must go to the inspection depends on the last number of registration, or 1 = January, 2 = February, etc. Tested are numbers ending in October 0 November 1 to 5 vehicle controls. You pay at the hotel ahead of him, can be made by phone or visit the website at www. rtv.co.cr. If you go to Google first, the site can be translated into English for you. Site, you can access information as the location of inspection centers, information, advice on how to pass control, legislation, appointments, appointments etc cost about $ 20 – $ 30 / 25, 000 colones. You can rent a trust Tico take your car to the inspection for you. Once you have passed your test RTV, is obtained an inspection certificate and a sticker on the windshield. forced to pay mark. For more information, see the website of RTV government www.mopt.go.cr / Reglamentos.html. For more information, see www.costarica.com / retirement / cost of living / Auto-loads and Lytle (2008a).
The mark
The marking is enabled, run the car every year. Includes liability insurance. The price, once Also, depending on your car. You can check prices http://portal.ins-cr.com/General/Marchamo Online. All you need do is click on "View Your aqua seal" (see its mark here) and enter the type of vehicle and license plate number.
You must renew every year allowed somewhere between November first and the last day of December, but if you want to avoid headaches, do not wait until the last minute. If you have parking and traffic fines outstanding, you must set the first and also has to prove that you spent the RTV. When you pay you a windshield sticker. If you have not paid for the New Year, you may receive a warning, a ticket or having your vehicle impounded. You can pay MOPT marking banks and in line with the National Bank www.bncr.fi.cr. For more information, see Howard (2008), Lytle (2008a and 2008b), and www.costarica.com / retirement / cost of living / Auto-free).
Advantages of owning / import a car in Costa Rica
• The vehicles retain their value in Costa Rica much longer than in other countries they can. If you make an old car and possibly decide to sell, you can always get a good price to help buy what they spend it here. Note that this also means that if you buy a used car in Costa Rica, the price may be a bit darer which can be used to back home (Lytle, 2008b).
• repair and maintenance of vehicles are generally 10-15% cheaper than what you would pay in the United States. Prices vary depending on location and workshops, so you can turn around (www.costarica.com/Retirement/Cost-of-Living/Auto-Expenses/).
The disadvantages of owning / import a car Costa Rica
• Gasoline can be expensive and can not go around with the prices set by the government. Fuel was selling between $ 4.40-$ 5.20 per gallon, end-2008 (Www.costarica.com/Retirement/Cost-of-Living/Auto-Expenses/).
• Import duties are not only cheap. For example, a used car for $ 20,000, depending of age, can cost $ 10,000 – $ 17,000 functions (Lytle 2008b).
• Costa Rica does not have all the same brands and models are available in other countries. You can import a particular vehicle, but if you will not be able to find a competent mechanic and the right parts for your car, you might have to think twice. (Unless the import of auto parts is not a problem for you).
• If your car has been acquired United States (or elsewhere) the warranty and warranty may not be valid in Costa Rica.
• Runs the risk of being damaged his car transportation.
For more information visit www.vacationcity.com / Costa Rica / info / import and export.
Buy a car
If you are on a budget, rather than importing them, so generally always cheaper to buy a car in Costa Rica. It also operates its advantage, since cars in the country and can be specifically designed to meet the conditions, stating that the proper engine, tires, etc. If you want to buy something new, can be more expensive than abroad due pay import taxes paid by the ship here.
Costa Rica newspapers like La Nacion, La Teja, Diario Extra, and the Tico Times (which is in English) are a good place to start browsing the local prices. You can also visit the Web sites and www.wheelsCR.com www.crautos.com. More than four weeks during the end of 2008, most of the cars advertised for sale in the Tico Times are 4×4 vehicles, especially Toyota Landcruiser. Besides Toyota, other popular brands, including Costa Rica, Nissan, Honda, Suzuki, Hyundai.
If you can not pay for your car and you want the bottom line, you must provide proof of income or a good history Credit in Costa Rica. If you have no fixed income or have not been to Costa Rica for long enough to establish good credit, you can try to find another resident or citizen co-sign with you. Otherwise, you must set interest rates higher (always find a dealer who will finance for you.)
It is essential that before signing the papers, you have the car checked by a good mechanic – and not the mechanism recommended by the seller. In addition, you need to know that the car can pass inspection – especially if you participate in a private sale. After all, does not want the hassle of hidden costs. More information:
www.vacationcity.com / Costa Rica / info / Import-Export
www.therealcostarica.com / Moving_to_costa_rica / bring_buy_car.html
www.costarica.com / retirement / Cost of living / self-Free
www.livecostarica.net/?q=node/74
Auto Insurance
In addition to the liability insurance included in the mark, insurance self is not a requirement in Costa Rica. Consequently, many people choose to remain uninsured by the value of your car does not justify paying the high rates – if the ship is so then would not lead to an accident or you are liable for damages (www.costarica.com / retirement / cost of living / Auto-free).
The Costa Rican government has maintained a 84-year insurance monopoly. This warranty is sold in the offices of the National Insurance (INS) and the insurance only foreigners are generally not are valid. In October, The Tico Times said foreign firms could provide cross-border provision of maritime transport and air transport (TT, July 31 pg 15, "the auto insurance rates can go up to 14%), but as far as auto insurance the Tico Times reported in November that competition in the market auto insurance will not open until 2011 (Tico Times, "the Agency rejects request for auto insurance hike" VI Garnica, 21 November, page 3).
While Therefore, visitors can meet the INS whenever they have a valid driver's license for at least 18 years, and have not exceeded 90 days. If the car has plates foreign registration that damage to one third are covered by the time the car is allowed in the country. If your vehicle has been funded through a dealer, is likely to develop a policy for you and to incorporate a sort of insurance premium on your re-payments (www.costarica.com / retirement / cost of living / Auto-sweet, director, 2008, Lytle, 2008a and 2008b).
Right
All you need to drive legally in Costa Rica is a valid driver's license and a passport. There is a law known as the name of "Empire of the plates, which applies in downtown San Jose. To help keep traffic under control, day Monday to Friday assigned numbers: 1 and 2 on Mondays, Tuesdays 3 and 4, Wednesday, 5 and 6, 7 and 8 on Thursday and Friday 9 to 0. Whatever the day the matches the last number of your motherboard is the day to keep your car on the road (6:00 to 19:00). If you are caught breaking the rule may be fined around $ 10 or 5,000 colones. See a map of the restricted area to www.livecostarica.net/?q=node/183.
Recently, the government punishes violations of the Traffic substantial increase in fines. Even if a judge reserves the right to substitute a prison sentence of community service, new laws could go to jail for drivers up to three years for cars from other races, speeding over 150 km / ph, or for driving with a BAC of 0.75 grams per liter (155 pounds a man could reach that level by drinking three or four beers over an hour). A merit system was introduced, whose drivers were initially 50 points. Points are deducted as crimes occur. If you lose all your points, you may lose your license for two years. The crimes and punishments are listed below (Guilleries, 2008):
Causing a fatal accident eight years six months in prison
Causing a fatal accident while intoxicated 3 -15 years jail
A race against other drivers 1-3 years in jail
Drinking and driving (BAC of 0.75 g / l) 1-3 years imprisonment
drunk driving (BAC of 0.5 g / l) $ 410 fine
Driving over 150 kmh 1-3 years in prison
Driving over 120 km / h fine of $ 410
Driving without valid license fined $ 410
Operations pirate fined $ 410 taxi
Driving at 20 km / h over the speed limit to $ 310 Multan
As soon as the seatbelt $ 310
Holding a cell phone Fined $ 310
ignoring traffic lights or signs $ 310 fine
Recommendations
Obviously above, while the cries of "paperwork." However, it is not as intense, if you hire help during the trip. Moreover, when working with distributors, should be there for anyway. If you believe that the importation of a car is the right option for you, then it is a good idea to get a good runner / Agent on your side. Once the car arrived in the port the agent will do the paperwork for you and for the calculation of taxes. Once you have paid, you can take your car. It usually takes about two days. You also should consider hiring a bilingual lawyer to guide you through the process (eg review e-mail or www.CostaRicaLawyer.com Marielos Melendez – who responded to my questions – Lawyer@CostaRicaLawyer.com.) If you are working with a seller yet need help a customs officer to help plan and prepare … And you need patience (Lytle, 2008b).
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