Sending a parcel to Costa Rica
Prices, delivery times, customs rules and the best carriers for shipping a parcel to Costa Rica. Independent comparison updated 2026.
toc Page contents expand_more
Summary
At a glance
A parcel to Costa Rica arrives in 15–25 days (standard) or 5–9 days (DHL/FedEx Express) (express). Non-EU country — VAT from 480 €, customs duty from 480 €. Best carriers: dhl-express, fedex, ups.
Quick facts
Sending a parcel to Costa Rica
schedule Updated
Summary
A parcel to Costa Rica arrives in 15–25 days (standard) or 5–9 days (DHL/FedEx Express) (express). Non-EU country — VAT from 480 €, customs duty from 480 €. Best carriers: dhl-express, fedex, ups.
- Region
- latin america
- EU
- No
- Currency
- CRC
- Standard delivery
- 15–25 days
- Express delivery
- 5–9 days (DHL/FedEx Express)
- Customs duty from
- 480 €
- VAT
- from 480 €
- CN23 required
- Yes
Carrier comparison
Carriers for Costa Rica
| Carrier | Business days from carrier pickup. Does not include weekends or public holidays. | Indicative price for a 10 kg parcel. Calculated from average market rates — varies by season, volume and fuel surcharges. | Key strengths | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 DHL Express Carrier — own fleet and branch network. Picks up and delivers directly. | 1–2 days | 230 € | Fastest for non-EU destinations · Door-to-door in 72h worldwide | Detailsarrow_forward |
 FedEx Carrier — own fleet and branch network. Picks up and delivers directly. | 1–3 days | 212 € | Strong USA and Asia network · Fast intercontinental delivery (2–4 days) | Detailsarrow_forward |
 UPS Carrier — own fleet and branch network. Picks up and delivers directly. | 1–3 days | 202 € | Worldwide coverage in 220+ countries · UPS Saver express service (1–3 days outside EU) | Detailsarrow_forward |
 Česká pošta Carrier — own fleet and branch network. Picks up and delivers directly. | 3–5 days | 83 € | Pokrývá celý svět · Nejlevnější pro zásilky nad 2 kg mimo EU | Detailsarrow_forward |
Price by weight
Price by weight
Price curve for a parcel to Costa Rica
Values are averages of the cheapest standard and fastest express service. Actual price depends on the carrier.
Prices by weight
Indicative prices and delivery time
| Weight | Standard shipping — balanced choice. Parcel typically arrives in 2–5 business days. Includes tracking. | Express shipping — priority handling and delivery in 1–2 business days. Surcharge is typically 50–150 % over standard. |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | 34 € | 76 € |
| 5 kg | 55 € | 122 € |
| 10 kg | 92 € | 205 € |
Prices are indicative, the actual amount depends on the carrier, exchange rate and seasonal surcharges. See the carrier comparison table below for exact numbers.
Customs
Costa Rica has one of the highest de minimis thresholds in Latin America — 500 USD (~480 €) for courier shipments. Shipments up to 500 USD are exempt from duty and IVA. Above 500 USD, IVA 13% and duty per HS code apply. Costa Rica is a stable democracy with a modern customs system (TICA) — clearance takes 2–5 days. Popular ecotourism destination.
Required documents
- CN22 is a simplified customs declaration for parcels up to 2 kg and €270 in value. Completed at the post office or generated by the carrier. Without CN22, the parcel may be held at customs.
- Commercial invoice
- Accurate description of contents and value
Prohibited items
These items cannot be shipped to Costa Rica.
- Drugs and controlled substances
- Weapons and ammunition (without permit)
- Endangered species (CITES)
- Counterfeit goods
- Pesticides and prohibited chemicals
Free tool
How much will you pay when importing from Costa Rica?
Enter the goods value, select a category, and get an exact cost breakdown including customs duty and VAT.
Data accuracy
Indicative information — verify at source
Shipping prices, delivery times and customs limits change over time and may differ by carrier, volume and season. Values on this page are indicative — they help you decide which carrier to pick, not to calculate a binding price. Before shipping, always verify current rates and conditions with the chosen carrier and the customs authority of Costa Rica.
Last revised
event
Report error: Found an inaccuracy? Let us know — we fix within 24 h. info@parcel-guide.eu
link Sources & methodologyFAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the customs threshold for shipments to Costa Rica?
Courier shipments up to 500 USD (~480 €) are exempt from duty and IVA — one of the highest thresholds in the region. Above 500 USD, IVA 13% and duty apply.
No questions match your search.
Similar destinations
Similar destinations
Other countries in the same region