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We’re thinking of driving to Costa Rica from Toronto Canada with a van load of possessions & our 2 Golden Retrievers. Another idea was to drive to Miami, and then put the van on a boat to Limon and then us and our pets flying the rest of the way. We’re hoping to live on the Caribbean coast.
We are wondering if anyone has any input into which way is better?
ThanksHi Beverley:
While I’ve not driven down, I do know people who have. I’m originally from Buffalo, NY and my father had clients who would buy trucks from him and drive them down. They told us it takes about 2 weeks driving at least 8-10 hour days. I’m not saying not to drive, I just know I wouldn’t want to. It may be cheaper for you to drive your things in. If you have the time, go for it, I just think the Florida idea might be better. I am shipping my items from Tampa, FL and it’s not going to cost all that much, plus you’ll save the mileage on your van…Sorry! But this does NOT sound like you have thought this through very well….
If you were to drive from Canada to Costa Rica:
1. Do you know how to handle the importation of your animals through all the different countries before you reach Costa Rica?
2. Do the other countries have a quarantine process? I do not know? I know that the veterinarians can easily help you with your pets when they arrive by plane but I do NOT know how that can be arranged when you drive into Costa Rica.
3. Have you spoken with someone about the immigration requirements? Have you already arranged your Costa Rica residency?
4. Do you know what duties will be applicable on the van when you bring it into Costa Rica?Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comWhile I think driving all the way down from Canada or the States would be an awesome adventure, I have heard more horror stories than praise for the driving trip. Political unrest in several countries, corrupt border officials, lack of available services (car repairs, parts, etc.) can all be issues that can make for a disasterous trip. With the price of gas I don’t know if you would really be saving that much by driving. One thing for sure though, you wouldn’t have the same adventure. In any event, if you do decide to drive, expect to have to pay several bribes along the way either at border crossings or check points along the highways.
Beverly, I have made the trip both ways, shipping a truck, a crate full of stuff in the back, then flying from Miami with my dog and a parrot. It cost me about $500 to send the truck via ship, then another $125 or so for a tourist import visa. The animals need a certificate of health no more than 30 days old when entering Costa Rica. I highly recommend having the certificate translated into Spanich if possible for the multiple crossings. I thought the whole process was interestingly easy. Now, I also drove a van from Florida, cut down the east coast through Tampico, went south til I hit the main hwy west to the Pacific side, then again hugged the coast through Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and into Costa Rica. 6 days from St. Augustine Fla. to my home in the Turrialba area. I hauled butt, and spent about 10 hrs a day on the road. Stay AWAY from Mexico City… Stay AWAY from San Salvador… Stay AWAY from Managua. In short, I avoided the mountains whereever possible, and the large cities whenever possible. I was NOT ONCE EVER stopped by authorities in any country along the way. I had a van full of stuff and a friend along, and was only once checked out for contents at a border. At that, I did not have to take anything out of the vehicle. He peeked in through the open rear door, asked what sort of stuff was in there, and was satisfied. I did NOT have any animals with me on the road trip, but have heard reports it is no problem as long as you have health certificates, and are moving on through. As a matter of fact, people report it helps keep inspection to a minimum if a dog is in the back.
It cost me about $1000 to do the road trip from Fla… much more than a plane ticket… but, “the pleasure is in the trip, not the destination”, as they say.
All border crossings are a royal PAIN. Have a stack of copies of everything needed for crossings in every country… lots of passport copies, registration papers for vehicle, etc. Do NOT forget Mexican car insurance BEFORE you cross the border.
Dealing with car importation once in Costa Rica is yet another topic…. Buena Suerte!!!
Jerrymy father (Costa Rican) has been driving from Texas to Costa Rica for 8 years. The last time two persons from US hire him to guide them in a tour from NY to Costa Rica, Arturo one of them could give you reference and he has properties and rooms available there too. His cell phone is 516 250-3184 and email info@aromalcostarica.com
First, See Scott’s post. Then consider the offer above of a guide.
Folks that have investigated this claim that Mexico is most of the problem but the “Police” in all the countries you are passing through are NOT your friends looking out for you as they do in the US. It is my understanding that petty graft may cost you $1500 to just pass through Mexico. And it is an art to handle.
Everyone will tell you NOT to try to bring a vehicle into Costa Rica. It is much easier to buy one in country. However, if you are driving down and BACK then it is much less of a problem. The dogs could cost you a several week wait at every border.
Paying a professional mover is most economical unless you have multiple container loads of stuff to move. The cost from the port nearest you may be no different than from Miami. Containerized freight does not consider distance as much as other factors (port fees, loading. . ).
How do you think the difference in driving from Michigan down to CR would vary from driving from Michigan to Florida, and then shipping a vehicle(filled with tools and clothes)to CR and then flying down???
Scott asks all the right questions. If you don’t know the answers, don’t do it. I’ve done it, but I can tell you that it’s the kind of thing you only do once.
I can’t address the pet issue, but the duty on your vehicle may be the deal breaker. You won’t need the residency to enter, just to stay. The same is essentially true for the vehicle. I believe you must either pay the import taxes (which can be onerous), or remove it from the country for at least 3 days every six months. If you remove yourself from the country for 3 days every six months as well, you get around the residency issue as well.
BTW, this may be old information – make sure you know the current rules, particularly the vehicle taxes, as these rates change considerably over short periods of time.
Also, if you’re towing another vehicle behind, you’ll either need a second driver with you, or you’ll need to pay for, feed and house a chaperone through México.
What did you ship down, who did you use, and can anyone tell me how much it costs. We will be leaving from Tampa as well.
thanksHi
We haven’t gone yet. I’m still trying to decide what to do. I keep hearing all these stories about corruption but nothing specific. For example at the borders “they will charge you more” (how much?) That you will have to “pay duty on your automobile and used possessions” (how much?).
We still haven’t sold our house here, but hopefully that’ll happen soon & we’ll be on our way before the snow falls.
If we drive it will only be during the day and on the main coastal roads. What are you planning to do in Costa Rica?
Bev
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