Shipping from Canada to Costa Rica in 2026 is bolstered by the CCRFTA Free Trade Agreement, offering duty-free access for many industrial and agricultural goods. Whether you are shipping to San José, Puerto Limón, or Alajuela, choosing the right carrier balance between speed and landed cost is essential.
2026 Shipping Cost Estimator: Canada to Costa Rica
Estimated rates in $CAD for standard parcels. Actual costs vary by Chargeable Weight and specific destination.
Note for individuals shipping small personal packages up to around 5 kilograms, we recommend Canada Post.
| Service Type | Weight (kg) | Estimated Rate | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Post (Surface) | 2 kg | $35 - $50 | 4–8 Weeks |
| Xpresspost (Air) | 5 kg | $180 - $220 | ~2 Weeks |
| Express Courier (UPS/FedEx) | 10 kg | $290 - $360 | 4–7 Days |
| Air Freight (LCL) | 100+ kg | Request Quote | 5–9 Days |
Need a precise commercial quote? Get a spot rate now.
Best Shipping Methods to Costa Rica
1. Canada Post (Economy)
Ideal for individuals sending small personal parcels. Delivery is completed by Correos de Costa Rica. Options include Small Packet (Surface/Air) and Xpresspost.
2. Couriers (FedEx & UPS)
The reliable choice for business-to-business (B2B). Provides end-to-end tracking and faster customs brokerage into San José.
Temperature Controlled: Dry Ice Shipping
Shipping frozen food samples or biomedical goods to Costa Rica? Jet Worldwide provides specialized "Dangerous Goods" support for temperature-sensitive shipments utilizing dry ice packaging.
Explore Cold Chain Solutions →
CCRFTA: Duty-Free Shipping to Costa Rica
The Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement (CCRFTA) allows many goods to enter duty-free. For your shipment to qualify, it must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin confirming Canadian production.
Costa Rica Customs Breakdown:
- Low-Value Limit: Goods under $50 USD often enter duty-free.
- Standard Tax: A 13% tax applies to most imports from Canada.
- CIF Valuation: Duty is calculated on the Cost + Insurance + Freight value.
- CARM & CERS: Ensure compliance with Canadian export reporting for shipments over $2,000 CAD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship to Costa Rica?
Canada Post Surface is the most affordable for small parcels under 2kg. Jetship air freight is best for heavier shipments up to around 200 kg. Ocean Freight is cheapest for large commercial orders and bulk shipments.
How long does shipping take from Toronto to San José?
Express air takes 4–7 days, whereas surface postal options can take 4–8 weeks.
