Shipping from United States to Costa Rica: times, customs & tracking
How long parcels take, what customs expects, and how to track every step of the journey.
Typical delivery times
| Service | Working days |
|---|---|
| Air consolidator / casillero (Miami → San José) | 4–8 |
| Postal (USPS → Correos de Costa Rica) | 8–20 |
| Express (UPS, FedEx, DHL) | 3–6 |
| Sea freight | 15–30 |
Customs & duties
Costa Rica charges 13% VAT plus duties by tariff code. Low-value courier imports use a simplified regime; the courier or Correos collects the charges online or on delivery before releasing the parcel.
Tracking tips
Customs time in Costa Rica is often the longest phase; paying taxes online as soon as the notification arrives speeds delivery by days.
FAQs — United States to Costa Rica
How long does shipping from the US to Costa Rica take?
Air consolidators 4–8 days; postal 8–20; express 3–6; sea 15–30.
Do parcels to Costa Rica pay taxes?
Yes: 13% VAT plus duties when applicable; simplified courier regime for low-value personal shipments.
Where does Correos de Costa Rica deliver after customs?
Home delivery or pickup at your local sucursal — the tracking shows the attempt and any notice left.