www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Is it expensive in SJ ? I would like to buy a good computer with a flat screen... Does someone have an address ?

You will probably pay close to double what you would pay in the states....would recommend Dell.com and have them deliver it to wherever you are.

Or you can buy a compact model and pack it in a carry on. A laptop would be another alternative!

$$$$ muy caro in the CR, electronics they are!

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GG
"Last time I said no......I misunderstood the question!"

It's a possibility, but some people in SJ told me I had to pay taxes at arrival....

Maybe, if you bring a DESKTOP model and/or it is in its original factory packaging. But if you bring a LAPTOP and carry it like it is just another personal item you should be okay. Do they record who brings in personal laptops or whether they still have them with them when they leave? I seriously doubt it.

There is no problem bringing in a lap top computer. They are so common now that customs just considers them part of your normal baggage.

I know people who have brought in complete desk top setups (CPU, monitor, keyboard, speakers, etc) new in the box without customs raising an eyebrow.

Other have had their passport "stamped". This is a stamp they put in your passport that says you have used your $500.00 exemption and can not bring anything (other than personal belonging normal for a tourist) into the country for 6 months.

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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

This is good stuff, I didn't know this! Could be valuable info someday!

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GG
"Last time I said no......I misunderstood the question!"

This kinda makes me think: "What items have the highest markup over US prices, the most resale value and the most compact size?" The reason I ask is that there are enough of us out there that make at least 1 trip every 6 months that we could start our own bootleg import operation that could really generate some serious colones. If we each brought in enough goods each trip that could clear a couple of hundred dollars in profit, even if we had to split that with a local reseller, that would underwrite at least part of the cost of our trips.

I used to see this when I was travelling the Carribean regularly. Darkskinned local women travelling back and forth between Miami and their home island with HUGE suitcases filled with assorted goods. Evidentally, as "personal items" they were able to somehow skirt the importing laws and make enough money to turn a small profit.

Years ago when large screen (27" & up) TV sets were both very difficult to obtain in CR and very very expensive there was a guy who lived in Ft. Lauderdale who came down twice a year with a new in the box 27" TV. Customs never bothered him maybe because he was a car salesman with a great "gift of gab".

He would buy one when Brands Mart had a sale. If you do not live in South Florida I should explain that you can get great prices there when they have one of there blow out sales. Since he did not need a TV until his next trip he could wait for a good price.

He sold the TV to a Tico or a local business at enough profit that it payed for his airfare for the trip.

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