www.CostaRicaTicas.com

My wife got one last trip because of a desktop computer we brought in. She is going to CR this week, and she wants to bring a few pairs of new sneakers (for her brothers, not for sale), small computer speakers, and other small items.

Thanks for the info.

You are entitled to a $500.00 exoneration of customs duty every 6 months. When they stamp your passport they are saying you have used that exoneration and are not be entitled to another for 6 months.One of the questions on your customs form is have you used your exoneration in the past six months? Should they question her they will find she is not entitled to bring anything in duty free and charge her duty and fees for those items she is bringing in this trip.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Thanks ID.

However, you are allowed to bring in a "reasonable" amount of items for personal use. The shoes, speakers (portable electronics are okay) and other small items should not get a glance from Customs. Worst case, she has to pay duty on the new shoes for los chicos.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

I am bringing some stainless pots and pans for a buddy living down there. I know for sure it will set off the X-ray machine. I got the receipt. Do I need anything else? Should I just claim it on the entry form? I am not worried about it, just want to know what to expect. I'll let Betty Crocker know there is a limit for 6 months. Plus, Betty has me bringing some vitamins and other Walgreens goods (all over the counter). Claim that too?

Sandals too, now that I am thinking about it.

Dean

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my first wingman sent me this, how true

" most of the girls down here, lie as a self defense mechanism and to not have to face the truth, thinking most men couldn't accept them knowing the whole truth. Simpler, they may just want men to think they are as perfect as they want to appear to them, trying to hide what they consider to be the ugly truth about themselves. And I may be reading more into it than is there, but I do believe they consider the basis of the lies to be justified."

Just say the pots are for you, don't say they are for somebody else.

I've brought pots, pans, a George Forman grill, plates, a DVD player, Kleenex, blender, electric skillet, paper towels, all sorts of kitchen supplies, sheets, blankets & a butt load of other stuff. Questioned once about the new DVD player in my suitcase. I wear my gringo camisa & only speak English in the customs area. Told them it was so I could watch DVDs in my hotel. They waved me on with no issues.

/dddick

BTW - claim nothing.

What about bringing your personal Laptop into CR? Do you have to claim that on customs coming into CR?

Don't claim it unless it's still new in the box.

ty...

There is no reason to declare it even if it is new in the box. As long as it is the only one you have it is for your personal use and will as far as customs knows be leaving the country with you.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Got it, thanks. If they ask me about the pans, I'll lisp my best Spanish. Eth para mi, Thenor (with hand limping).

Dean

_________________
my first wingman sent me this, how true

" most of the girls down here, lie as a self defense mechanism and to not have to face the truth, thinking most men couldn't accept them knowing the whole truth. Simpler, they may just want men to think they are as perfect as they want to appear to them, trying to hide what they consider to be the ugly truth about themselves. And I may be reading more into it than is there, but I do believe they consider the basis of the lies to be justified."

I have been bringing stuff – microwaves, TVs, fans, kitchen and other household items and clothing since the 1980s and have never been asked about anything except . . .

when I came back in April I had put an apple in my computer bag (not an Apple computer but an apple to eat) and forgot it was there. They spotted it and confiscated it.

I have had no problem bringing in TVs but they were 19 to 24 inches and fit inside my luggage. But your TV will be processed as oversized because it is not luggage -- even though it is not oversized. That may draw attention to it.

But likely depends on who is working the X-ray’s that day and how they feel. Enforcment of Costa Rican law depends: it depends on who you are; who you know; what mood the enforcer is in; etc., etc.

It sounds like it will be checked luggage, so be sure it can take a beating...check with the airline baggage policies as well, many have restrictions to Central America. I did know one chap who shipped a big screen plasma in his luggage and it arrived okay without being broken. However, I buy wholesale returned merchandise in the States and the company will not arrange shipping for big screen TV;s