Costa Rica - Reduced Clearance Feesn ?

[mslauras]

I have a friend approaching Costa Rica on s/v Time Warp. Since they are just passing through, have plans to only provision their boat and continue on, they are wanting to know how to avoid or reduce their "clearance fees" Does anyone know what the clearance fees are?

Is there a way to reduce or avoid them?

[ess105]

You can avoid the clearance fees by passing the country by. Costa Rica is a nice country but clearing in and out is a pain in the back side. Takes about a day each way and unless your docs are perfectly clear and uncomplicated you may have to hire a lawyer. If your friends are heading south then I would recommend provisioning in Panama instead.

[John A]

I agree the best way to avoid an experience/adventure is not to do it.
After the hassle of checking in and out of every port in Mexico, which could take a half day everytime, I found that one check=in one check-out of Costa Rico a refreshing change.

It was wierd how things were different in each of the countries I visited, had a forign flavor to it.

But you''re right if you don't want to follow the rules and regulations of a country, don't go there.

Yes, it took a while to check-in as I had a delightful conversation with the officals who gave me numerious tips on how to enjoy Costa Rico more. I stayed in Costa Rico for almost two months and enjoyed evert minute of it.

Your experience may be different, but such is life.

[ess105]

We were there for about a month. The effort of getting in an out was worth it for sure. Wonderful country. However, if one is 'passing through' the cost/benefit equation changes somewhat.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, mslauras.