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Does anyone know how to obtain cheap (lower than regular retail) TV’s in Costa Rica?
Someone told me about going to Golfito (near Panama border) and they can be obtained there…anyone know anything? …or any other areas?
I am looking for 4 high end TV’s (2 plasma – 2 back projection).
Thanks
John L
John,
Your choices in Golfito are limited to TVs and other appliances that do not exceed about $1000 in value. So, as to the large plasma flat screen TVs, you won’t find much there. Any indidvidual is allowed a $500 allowance to purchase items tax free. For items over $500 and up to $1000 you would need a spouse or other family member to sign up initially with you to make the actual purchase. Also, a word to the wise is be careful with purchases in Golfito since many times they are defective or mismarked items sent directly from the manufacturer who can’t sell them on the other national markets. Central America is known as a dumping ground for defective merchandise. We have shopped Golfito about 20 times and seem to always run into some defect or another whether you find it during an inspection of the item there or when you get home and really get to use it. Missing parts are not uncommon. To say the least, shopping in Golfito is always “challenging”.
That being said, your best options are the retail outlets in San Jose with 3 in mind.
Importadora Monge has numerous outlets and prices are starting to head downward. The store in Zapote(at the roundabout) named “Play” (also owned by Monge) has a great selection at reasonable prices by Costa Rica standards. Also, Pricesmart offers various flat screen plasmas and we find their prices to be about the same as Monge or Play. As to selection, Play has the best in all types of TVs and appliances. Hope this helps you somewhat
Bob & Ione
DominicalWhy don’t you try looking for used TV’s in Craig’s List for Costa Rica? If you are looking for new sets, then your best bet is to either go to Golfito or Panama.
many people from costa rica are travelling to los pueblos in panama near panama city. I saw a 61″ plasma for 2500.00 new in a major retailer. Costa rica prices are 2 to 3 times usa or panama prices for most everything.
Sir I am shipping supplys and appliances to Costa Rica for my subdivision on the pacific coast. I have experimented with may different brands. Since the US is going digital in 2009 there are going to be many CRT tv’s available. Not let me ask you what type of signal are you going to use? I don’t believe that there are any CR stations that broadcast HD. If you are interested in HD movies stay away from Toshiba HD DVD players. They are giving up production and the standard left will be the Sony Blue Ray. Remember the bet players and the VHS battle , well VHS won. I think that http://www.circuitcity.com does an excellent wirte up on TV’s I am going to import some of the Samsung DLP sets. You must take a look at the quality of the picture and they are light for shipping 65 pounds for a 50 inch set. It is a rear projection only 13 inches deep so you can hang it on the wall. Consumer reports in this months issue has a write up on all tv’s. If you email me your needs, I will scan the issue to you.
Contact me at Stan@banderabeachestates.com
StanEdited on Mar 16, 2008 07:00
I was just in Golfito last month shopping for about the 6th or 7th time. They now have LCD televisions up to 32″. Like you say, every item must be $1000 or less. It’s too bad you haven’t had much luck there. We have never had a problem. Most stores honor the guarantee and all you need to do is take it to one of their stores anywhere in the country. If you are shipping the item, the shippers inspect the item before it even leaves the store because as soon as it does, they are responsible for damage. Use one of the recommended three shipping companies. You will see signs all over indicating which three they are. Delgado is the one we use.
Jon
dehaaij, Could you, please clarify how exactly you purchase appliances in Golfito? Is it true that you save about 30-40% after the delivery expenses? That’s the number I’ve been hearing, but not sure if it’s true or not.
The first 500 (1k with the spouse) are tax-free, on the rest you have to pay regular taxes (13% I think). Did I get it right?
You’ve purchases so many times there, what do you think is the best time to go there? I heard that Nov-Dec (aguinaldo time) prices are the lowest. Is that true?
If possible, could you, please post links to their stores? I really want to do my homework before heading there. It’s quite a drive for us.
Also, is there a hotel(B&B) that you can recommend?
Any other advise is greatly appreciated!
Already tried craiglist several times. There are great deals in Can or US, but everything is overpriced in CR. Did you ever buy in Golfito? Was your experience that bad? Please share.
I have been in to TV’s all my life, repairs, reviews, etc. Now most electronics are throw aways. If you are on the beach I have heard electronics last only 2 years because of the salt water. So you either want an expensive brand and hope it lasts longer buy the extra warranty or buy the cheapest . If it is made in China always pay a low price. I will be importing some for my project. Here are your basic rules.
Made in China, Mexico get the longest warranty
Malaysia, Thiland , Taiwan Better quality
Best Quality JapanBest Brand Sony
Best Value Samsung DLP with the LED NOT THE BULB. Try also getting the 120 MHZ function.
These are the slimmest they will hang on the wall. and they are light for shipping 61 inch is 60 lbs.Stan
I bought a 4 month old DLP 65 inch for $900
More later
StanThank you Stan. I’m planning to go to Golfito next month to do some purchases. I’m planning to use the “buy the cheapest” path. I wouldn’t mind to replace everything anyway in 2-4 years.
Look on craigslist there is a New Sony in the box in Heredia for $1500. Do you know if they have any over the air HDYV signals in CR? I may order some from china. Your limit in Golfito is what? $800 you can buy extra cards from Ticos. email me please
Stan@banderabeachestates.com
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