Instuctions

• 1). Get paperwork in order. The two most important documents you will need are the original invoice showing purchase of the car and the registration of the car (Reference 1). If there is a lien on the car, be sure to have a letter from the lien holder stating it is okay to take the car out of the country.
  
  
• 2). Have an emissions test done prior to shipping. Costa Rican laws require that all vehicles driven in the country meet certain emission standards (Reference 1).
  
  
• 3). Choose the type of shipping method. Cars can be shipped either in a container, meaning the car is actually sealed inside a large box during transport, or can be shipped on a "car deck," meaning the car is driven on and off the ship. While the container shipping is a slightly more expensive, this method is recommended because the car is less likely to be damaged (Reference 2).
  
  
• 4). Check insurance coverage. Call your insurance company to find out if additional coverage is needed while out of the country.
  
  
• 5). Prepare the car for shipping by washing the outside and completely clearing the inside of personal items (Reference 3). Lower antennas, remove luggage racks and turn off car alarm (Reference 3). Remove the license plates and bring them with you in your luggage, as they are often stolen (Reference 2). To lower shipping costs, keep the car's fuel level at one-fourth of a tank (Reference 3). Any special fluids such as extra oil, transmission fluid or brake fluid should be stored in the car's trunk (Reference 3).
  
  
• 6). If you are not fluent in Spanish, hire a local customs broker to help with the process of clearing the vehicle through customs (Reference 2). This process can be complicated and time consuming without help.
  
  
• 7). Pick up your car and inspect it for damages. Immediately call the shipping company to report problems.
  
  
• 8). Always keep all documents, including title and customs clearance, in the car; otherwise, officials could compound the car (Reference 2).