Cash / Currency → Costa Rica

Cash / Currency is restricted for travelers entering Costa Rica; declare above the personal allowance.

Details

Cash / Currency requires declaration at customs (and in some cases an import permit) when carried by travelers into Costa Rica. Dirección General de Aduanas applies a personal-allowance threshold per item category; quantities above attract duty + the destination's VAT/GST rate (13%) plus, for select categories, an additional excise tax. Pacific Alliance / Mercosur / CAFTA-DR / USMCA / Andean Community preferential treatment for member-state goods. Travelers should consult Dirección General de Aduanas for the current quantity threshold + documentation requirement before departure.

Leaving with this item

Costa Rica requires declaration when leaving with cash and bearer-form negotiable instruments above USD 10,000 equivalent.

Practical advice

Carry Cash / Currency in carry-on where applicable (medication / lithium battery / valuables). On arrival, walk the Red Channel and declare on the customs form. Dirección General de Aduanas computes duty + VAT at the published rate. Have the purchase receipt + (for medication) the original prescription available.

Customs authority

Dirección General de Aduanas · https://www.hacienda.go.cr/dga/