How much does it cost to import a car part from the US to Costa Rica?
Updated October 25, 2026 · AutoPartes.cr
On top of the part's US price you pay shipping within the US, freight from Miami to Costa Rica by weight, import duties and 13% IVA. A US$100 part that weighs 2 kg comes to about ₡102,000 delivered, everything included.
You found the part at a US store for a good price, but you don't know what it will cost once it's in your hands in Costa Rica. That gap between "the price in dollars" and "what I end up paying" catches many people out. Here is each part of the cost, with an example in colones.
What do you pay when you import a part?
The final price has five pieces:
- The part's price at the US store.
- Shipping within the US to Miami. Many stores ship free; others charge by size.
- Freight from Miami to Costa Rica, charged per kilo.
- Import duties paid at customs. They vary with the type of part.
- 13% IVA (Costa Rica's VAT), charged on the part, the freight and the duties.
If you buy on your own with a mailbox service, you pay each of those separately and at different times. AutoPartes.cr gives you one price in colones that already includes everything, plus our service of finding, buying, checking and importing the part.
Why does weight matter so much?
Because freight is charged per kilo, and for large parts the size of the box counts too. A set of brake pads is light and ships cheaply. A bumper, a hood or a radiator takes up a lot of space even if it isn't heavy, and the freight goes up.
That's why two parts with the same US price can end up with very different prices in Costa Rica. When we quote, we already account for the part's real weight and size.
An example in colones
Say a part costs US$100 with US$10 shipping within the US and weighs 2 kg. With our current formula:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Part + US shipping | US$110.00 |
| Freight Miami → Costa Rica (2 kg) | US$18.00 |
| Import duties (estimate) | US$19.20 |
| IVA 13% | US$19.14 |
| Our service | US$33.27 |
| Total delivered | ₡102,000 |
The total is rounded up and uses the exchange rate on the day of the quote. To order it you pay 50% (₡51,000 in this example) and the rest when the part arrives.
Import duties depend on how customs classifies each part, and the exchange rate moves. That's why every quote is valid for 7 days.
How long does it take to arrive?
Usually 1 to 3 weeks: a few days for the store to ship to Miami, the flight or sea freight to Costa Rica, and customs. If it's urgent, tell us when you ask for a quote and we'll look for the fastest option.
How do I avoid paying for a part that doesn't fit?
This is the most expensive mistake: importing a part, paying freight and duties, and finding out it doesn't fit. To avoid it:
- Send us the make, model, year and, if you have it, the VIN or chassis number. Here's where to find your car's VIN.
- If you don't know the part's exact name, send a photo.
- We confirm fitment before buying.
If you're torn between an original part and an alternative, read our guide on new, used, OEM or aftermarket parts.
In short
The price in dollars is only part of it. Freight by weight, duties and IVA can nearly double the cost of a small part. The simplest way is to ask for a complete price: request your free quote and we'll send you the total in colones, no commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Does the AutoPartes.cr price include taxes?
Yes. The price we quote is the total delivered in Costa Rica: shipping, freight, import duties, IVA and our service.
How much do I pay up front?
50% of the quoted price, by card or SINPE Móvil. The other 50% is paid when you receive the part.
Why does a cheap US part end up expensive here?
Because freight per kilo, duties and IVA add up even when the part costs little. For large parts, the box size also raises the freight.
How long is a quote valid?
Seven days, because US prices and the exchange rate change. If it expires, we send you an updated one.