Daniel P. Says:
Can I get my mail forwarded to my new home in Costa Rica?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Daniel,
While Costa Rica’s postal service (Correos de Costa Rica) leaves much to be desired in terms of reach and reliability, it is still entirely possible to receive mail there without much trouble, once you know how.
The trick is to avoid the postal system by contracting with a commercial mail service. For a price as low as around $12 a month, you can have your mail sent to a U.S. address and then forwarded to your home or office in Costa Rica.
Most commercial mail services provide you with an address in Florida where you receive magazines, online and mail-order purchases, letters and packages, and bills. These services usually forward your mail from Florida in about 48 hours. They also take care of getting packages through customs.
The rate schedules for commercial mail services can be complex, so it’s best to talk with fellow expats about their experiences with different mail services. Ask how much mail they send, how much they’re typically billed, and how they would rate the quality of service.
It’s also worth noting that Correos de Costa Rica has launched several programs to improve its service. Progress, however, is slow. Street numbering, for instance, has been in the works for several years in San José, but many residents still don’t know what their street numbers are and most do not know their zip code. Street names and numbers are non-existent for the most part in coastal communities, even today.
You can find more details and a list of commercial mail services in our Escape to Costa Rica Manual, available on the IL Bookstore here.
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