Quick Answer
Cheapest option
EMS
$35.62/kg
3-7 days
Fastest option
EMS
3-7 days
$35.62/kg
Duty-free under
$50
VAT / Sales Tax: 13%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$26.72
EMS
3-7 d
Clothing 2kg
$51.67
EMS
Box 5kg
$89.08
EMS
Heavy 10kg
$149.64
EMS
1 results
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$35.62
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Estimated arrival
May 14 — 20, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMSEMS Express | $35.26 | $35.62 | +1% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-15% (smartphones 0%, laptops 0% under CAFTA-DR, TVs 15%) |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 15% (all garments 15%) |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 15% (all footwear 15%) |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 1-15% (rice 35% but reducing under CAFTA-DR, meat 15%, dairy 15%, processed food 1-15%) |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-5% (industrial machinery 0%, tools 1%) |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 5-15% (perfumes 15%, skincare 5%) |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 5-15% (basic toys 5%, electronic toys 15%) |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA, hacienda.go.cr) under Ministry of Finance. TICA electronic declaration system. CAFTA-DR FTA with US reduces/eliminates many duties, significant preference for US goods. IVA (VAT) at 13% on all imports. Customs broker (agente aduanal) required for commercial shipments. Puerto Limón (Atlantic) and Puerto Caldera (Pacific) main ports.