Santiago wrote:
New poster here; my wife and I are moving from Alaska to Costa Rica in September 2018, and I planned to purchase a new Hobie Pro Angler or an Outback for fishing in the Jaco / Herradura area, and possibly for some freshwater fishing. I have heard of the duty charges for bringing goods in to Costa Rica. Can I bring in a new kayak as personal property (not for resale, in other words), without having to pay duty or taxes on it?
Thanks!
No problem. I brought a used Revolution 11 to Jaco back 2 years ago. Agent asked me if it was new or used. Used of course, waved on bye. If asked value, lie, you get up to $500 duty free, stamp in passport. In all my years I've never been taxed or questioned further.
Southwest Airlines is the only airline I know of that allows passage of any non sea kayak (like super long sit ins) up to 100lbs for a flat rate of $75 if one of your 2 free check ins. Heck of a deal!!!
For wrapping I kept the shipping wrap from the dealer, loaded the hull with a bunch of gear, up to 100lbs. Wraped two tie downs around the hull to secure, allow easy to open for inspection and give handlers an easy handle to grab/move the kayak with.
FYI: You don't need residency (no advantage for some and maybe a disadvantage for others). Tourist visas are 3 months in length. Easy to obtain with a border run the same day.