Packages & Mail in Costa Rica
Receiving international packages in Costa Rica requires some planning. Standard international postal mail is slow and unreliable, and many online retailers do not ship directly to Costa Rica. The most practical solution for expats and residents is to use a PO box service that provides a Miami (or US) address, then forwards packages to Costa Rica. Several companies specialize in this, and international couriers also operate locally.
How do I receive packages in Costa Rica?
The most reliable method is to use a package forwarding service like Aerocasillas or Jetbox, which give you a US (Miami) mailing address. You order to that address from US retailers, then the service ships your packages to Costa Rica. International couriers like DHL and FedEx offer direct service for time-sensitive shipments. Standard international mail via USPS/postal routes is slow and unreliable.
Customs Are Unpredictable
Import duties and customs processing in Costa Rica can be unpredictable. Packages over $500 in declared value are subject to customs duties plus 13% IVA. Customs agents have discretion in assessing values, and delays of days to weeks are common. Always factor in potential delays and unexpected fees when ordering important or time-sensitive items.
The Challenge: Why Is Getting Packages Difficult?
Several factors make receiving international packages in Costa Rica more complicated than in North America or Europe:
- Many US and international retailers do not ship directly to Costa Rica.
- Correos de Costa Rica (the national postal service) is slow — weeks to months for international mail — and packages are sometimes lost or damaged.
- Customs processing can be unpredictable; packages can sit in aduana (customs) for days or weeks.
- Costa Rica has no reliable street address system in many areas, making delivery difficult. Directions are often landmark-based.
- Packages may be subject to duties, taxes, and handling fees that significantly increase the final cost.
Understanding PO Box / Forwarding Services
The main solution expats use is a forwarding service that gives you a physical street address in Miami, Florida (or sometimes another US city). Here is how it works:
- 1. Sign up with Aerocasillas, Jetbox, or a similar service. You receive a unique US address (something like 123 Main St, Suite 456-YOUR-ID, Miami, FL 33xxx).
- 2. Shop on US websites (Amazon, B&H, Walmart, etc.) and use your Miami address as the shipping address.
- 3. The forwarding service receives your packages at their Miami warehouse.
- 4. You log in to their website, see what has arrived, and request shipment to Costa Rica.
- 5. They ship your packages to Costa Rica, handling the international freight and customs brokerage.
- 6. You pick up at their Costa Rica branch (or arrange home delivery for an extra fee).
Package Forwarding & Courier Services
Aerocasillas
The most widely used package forwarding service in Costa Rica. You receive a US (Miami) street address. Order anything from US retailers to that address, then Aerocasillas ships the consolidated packages to their Costa Rica offices. You pick up at one of their branches or pay for home delivery.
Pricing: $3–$15+ per lb depending on weight/dimensions; annual membership ~$30–$50
Notes: Has branches in San José, Escazú, Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela, Liberia, and more. Packages over $500 declared value are subject to customs duties. They handle customs clearance for you at a fee. Very reliable for US online shopping.
Jetbox (Correos de Costa Rica)
The official Costa Rican postal service's package forwarding product. Like Aerocasillas, you get a Miami address. Packages are forwarded to any Correos de Costa Rica branch for pickup. Operated by the government postal service.
Pricing: $3–$12 per lb; annual membership ~$25
Notes: Generally cheaper than Aerocasillas but can be slower. Customs handling included. Wide network of pickup points via Correos branches nationwide. Good option for infrequent shippers.
MyUS.com
A US-based international package forwarding service. You get a US address in Sarasota, Florida. MyUS consolidates packages and ships internationally to Costa Rica. Not CR-specific — they serve over 220 countries. You handle customs yourself or they assist.
Pricing: Membership $7–$40/month; shipping rates vary by weight and method
Notes: Good for retailers that won't ship to Miami (some use address verification). Slower transit than CR-specific services. Customs responsibility falls more on the recipient. Best for occasional large orders.
DHL
International express courier with offices throughout Costa Rica. Ships door-to-door internationally. Generally the fastest option for time-sensitive packages. DHL handles customs clearance on your behalf and charges a handling fee.
Pricing: Varies widely by weight, dimensions, and origin; typically $30–$150+ for a small package from the US
Notes: Reliable and fast (2–4 business days from the US). Customs duties and taxes collected on delivery if applicable. Ideal for important documents or high-value items. Has multiple offices in San José and branches countrywide.
FedEx
International express courier with service to Costa Rica. Offers express and economy international shipping options. FedEx handles customs brokerage and will contact you for duties if applicable.
Pricing: Varies; comparable to DHL pricing for most international shipments
Notes: Good tracking and reliable delivery times (2–5 business days from the US). Uses local agents for final delivery in some areas. Authorized service centers in major cities.
UPS
International parcel and freight courier with Costa Rica service. Offers express and standard international options. UPS manages customs clearance and will collect any applicable duties on delivery.
Pricing: Varies; comparable to DHL/FedEx for international parcels
Notes: Less extensive local network than DHL in Costa Rica. Good for business shipments. UPS's Worldwide Saver and Expedited services are the most commonly used for CR deliveries.
Import Duties on Packages
Understanding when and how duties apply will save you from unpleasant surprises.
Under $500 (via postal route)
Packages declared under $500 USD sent via postal/courier routes typically face 13% IVA plus a customs handling fee charged by the forwarding service. The total added cost is usually $15–$60 depending on package value and service.
Over $500 (formal customs)
Packages with declared value over $500 enter formal customs (aduana formal). In addition to 13% IVA, import duties apply based on the goods category. A licensed customs broker fee is added. Total additional costs can be 30–60%+ of the declared value.
Traveler's Duty-Free Allowance
Travelers entering Costa Rica can bring up to $500 worth of goods duty-free per person per trip. This applies to items in your luggage. You cannot aggregate this with other household members traveling on different days.
Amazon Direct Shipping
Amazon ships some items directly to Costa Rica. When available, Amazon calculates estimated duties at checkout and collects them. Delivery is via DHL or similar couriers. Not all Amazon products ship directly to CR — use your Aerocasillas/Jetbox address when direct shipping is unavailable.
Tips for Receiving Packages Successfully
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Consolidate shipments
Most forwarding services charge per shipment. If you have multiple orders arriving around the same time, request consolidation before requesting the shipment to CR. You will pay one shipping fee instead of several.
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Declare accurately
Always declare the true value of items. Under-declaring to avoid duties is fraud and can result in confiscation of the package and fines. Customs officials routinely compare declared values against known retail prices.
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Keep receipts
Save digital receipts for everything you ship. If customs questions the declared value, having an official receipt speeds resolution. Forward service operators need these for packages over $500.
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Factor in total landed cost
Before ordering, calculate the real landed cost: item price + US shipping to Miami + forwarding service fee + CR duties/IVA + handling. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy locally in CR or find an item during a trip abroad.
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Avoid sending restricted items
Certain items cannot be forwarded or face special restrictions: lithium batteries (shipping restrictions), medications without prescriptions, perishables, and items on the prohibited imports list. Check before ordering.
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Use home delivery for convenience
Both Aerocasillas and Jetbox offer home delivery for an additional fee. If you live far from their offices, this can save a significant trip.
Aerocasillas vs. Jetbox: Which to Choose?
Aerocasillas has more branch locations throughout CR and is the most widely used. Most expats default to Aerocasillas. Jetbox (Correos de Costa Rica) is government-operated and slightly cheaper on average, but has fewer locations. Many long-term expats have accounts with both and use whichever is more convenient for a given package.