costa rica border tax
 

$5 land exit tax will go into effect Monday, Tributación says
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The country's tax authority says that it will begin collecting a $5 land exit tax Monday.

The agency also said that no one at the border crossings has the power to accept such payments, so travelers must pay their tax beforehand.

The agency, the Dirección General de Tributación, said Tuesday it had entered into an agreement with Banco Crédito Agrícola to handle the money the same way that the bank handles the airport exit tax. Within two weeks, the bank is supposed to have automatic machines to collect the tax from credit and debit cards and give receipts at Paso Canoas, Río Sereno-Sabalito, Sixaola and Peñas Blancas. These are the major crossings.

The exit tax can be paid ahead of time at branches of Coopealianza as well as the Banco Crédito Agrícola, said the ministry. Tour companies, travel agencies and some transport companies also will be selling the exit tax proof.

nothing like putting the cart before the horse...

one more reason not to go to CR

The government appears to have suspended the new $5 land exit tax, but there has been no official confirmation.

John Koger, who runs A Safe Passage, reported this Tuesday and said that the suspension was because of the problems at the border crossing after the new tax went into effect Monday. The suspension was Monday night, he said. Koger is an agent for bus companies, including Tica Bus that makes daily trips to Nicaragua.

The Dirección General de Migración, which had announced the new tax Nov. 26, was unable to confirm the suspension Tuesday afternoon.

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Crikey ... not sure if I'd avoid a country and culture for the small sum of $5.

Hi

Crossed Nicaragua to CR yesterday. No tax but had to pay $38 for three month insurance. I had insurance for Central America and documentation but had to pay up or no entry . The insurance man issues the entry permit. Was ttold by two officials that only this insurance valid in CR

$38 seems a bit steep for a suzuki 125.

Peter

Been going to CR for years.

There is no entrance tax if going to Costa Rica, its leaving, is the new Exit Tax, though it still suspended as of today, due to the lack of payment systems at the borders. otherwise,one would have to return to Liberia if going to Nica on Pan Am, and pay, or Limon, if crossing on the Caribe side from Sixoala.

Costa Rica has different insurance requirements, and the 3rd party/liability/collision is mandatory, so $38 is the basic premium. Renting a vehicle in CR this about $11 day.