To Build in Costa Rica

The ins and outs, contacts and considerations.

We are no strangers to importing goods from outside of Costa Rica.

We launched, owned and operated a thriving Surf Shop which is still going, in Playa Grande, Costa Rica- say hi to Drew for us at Frijoles Locos Surf Shop!

We imported all our brand name merchandise, ie. Billabong, Volcom, RipCurl, the works… along with surfboards, Stand Up Paddle boards, and so much more!

The mistakes we made and now share with you could prove valuable, so listen up!

Always, always import via a freight forwarding service that is tried, trusted and tested. Losses will become your biggest costs, and if you aren’t using trusted channels, those losses can be huge.

Case in point: our first order of merchandise from Volcom was in the vicinity of $5000 USD. We were beginners. We ended up losing $1500 worth of merch to thievery, AND we still had to pay the 50-60% of import duties and transport fees on that invoice amount. Don’t do what we did!

There are well established, reputable import agencies, such as CR Box or Mailboxes Etc, and Liberty Express… you pay a premium but your goods make it here in one piece and not in the hands of thieves. Send me an email to tobuildincostarica@gmail.com if you would like some recommendations.

For building here in the southern zone, we are a little lucky to be close to the Panama border and the Deposito at Golfito, where you can get duty-free goods at great prices.

Once your goods arrive at customs, or at your freight forwarder, absolutely use a tried and trusted driver, or pick it up yourself. Some people take the risk of putting their imports on Encomiendas like Tralapa, or Tracopa… which for the most part is likely fine, until it isn’t. If the boxes have labels that are recognizable, or obviously coming in as imports, they will be VERY attractive to the opportunistic thief who earns $3 per hour. You get my drift.

Any doubts, questions, just send me an email, happy to guide you and share some tips and tricks.

Corynne