Discovering Costa Rica

Page 30

Expenses

In addition to the normal expense of gasoline and maintenance, you will be faced with other

vehicle expenses as well.

Import Duties

If you are importing a vehicle, the cost to do so depends on the value of the car calculated by

the Costa Rican government. The government sets the value of the car for tax purposes, and

the value placed on a vehicle depends on the year, make, model, engine, and accessories. The

formula to calculate the exact value is complicated and may vary from year to year, so it is best

to get a quote from a Costa Rican Customs Agency prior to importing a vehicle.

Marchamo

This is the obligatory liability insurance carried on all vehicles in Costa Rica. It must be renewed

annually between November 1 and December 31. A car without an insurance decal on the

windshield is illegal after the 1st of January. When the marchamo is paid, it is necessary to pay

any parking or traffic tickets that were issued against the car during the year. Also the vehicle

technical inspection sticker needs to be current. The cost of the marchamo depends on the

year, make, and model of the car.

Vehicle Technical Inspection

Each vehicle must have a certificate in the car and a decal on the windshield that proves the

vehicle inspection is current. Inspections are done at one of the Riteve sites around the country.

To find a location near you, and even make your inspection appointment, visit:

The month of the inspection depends on the last digit of your license plate. The vehicles are

tested for emissions, brakes, lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and other safety-related

features. Vehicles without a valid decal on the windshield and document in the car are subject to

a fine if caught by the transit police. It is not possible to get the next marchamo without proof

that the inspection is current. The cost for the inspection may vary year over year.

Auto Repairs

Given the low labor rates in Costa Rica, the cost to repair your car is less than what you may be

used to. The parts, however, may be more expensive but overall the total cost is less compared

to other countries in Latin America.