Can i drive a financed vehicle across the US / Mexico border and into central america (costa rica)?

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MW79

First, if somebody don't kidnap you in Mexico, killed you in Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua for something as a little as your tennis shoes, if you make it, only if you make it... you will need a lot of extra money ($$$$$$$$) to pay to all the corrupt police in the borders of each country.
And especially danger for women for obvious reasons.

Also, speaking about Costa Rica, you have to own the car, and pay taxes, fees and paperwork to our gov just to drive the car.

is cheaper, safer and easier to rent, we have the same rent a car company of the US.

oceanwaves36

First off, I am very surprised to see Tico Times Directory promoting that anyone drive from the US to Costa Rica . ARE YOU KIDDING??

It is EXTREMELY dangerous and I don't suggest it to anyone. While you may know of several folks that made it with no problem, I know of several instances where folks were robbed at gunpoint several times, beaten, and in 2 instances KILLED for there belongings. They all followed the "rules" as you stated.

$1000-$2000 in Bribes? Please, it's more like between $3000-$5000, and thats after being scared to death, threatened, and harrassed. There is no deterrant for the theives and hardcore criminals that wait in the midst all along the many hundreds of miles of desolate highway that you drive through from Mexico and all the way down, to rob and in many cases murder travelers from out of the country driving the Pan-Am highway.

It is by no means a safe journey and should be avoided at all costs. Regardless of the lucky ones that actually have made it without incident, as they are just that..LUCKY! It is not worth the hassle and risk to drive to Costa Rica from the states, I don't care who tries to tell you differently.

You are better off flying in and renting a car. Period! Regarding importing a car into Costa Rica, that is a paperwork, tax/tariif, and duty nightmare. If you are looking to have a car here permantly,you are much better off buying a vehicle in Costa Rica than bringing one in from the states.

dytica

you can, but I wouldnt.
Its not safe dude!
i'd fly to costa rica and then rent a car.
Costa Rica is safe and awesome! and not corrupt like those other countries.
have fun! be safe!
pura vida

tico times directory

If you have a finance car, you are going to have to get a notarized letter of permission to take it into Mexico from your finance company, and usually this WILL REQUIRE some sort of bond. And unless you have a perfect credit records,no finance company will do it for the obvious. This bond is usually 1 1/2 times the cost of the car.

And please do not believe ALL the bad rap about driving to CR. I had a friend and his wife (who are 60ish) who just got back from driving to Oaxaca, Mexico (way down south in Mexico) and they had one of the best times of their life.

Another friend drove a huge bus to CR a few years back and had no problems. Out of the 1000s who drive and have a great time, all you hear about are the few who had problems, And most of the problems that you hear about are because people just did not follow the rules.

You will need a Mexican car permit to drive through Mexico. A Mexican car permit (which includes those towing a trailer) will cost you about $40 (maybe more and your best bet is to get these immigration permits at the consulates offices in the US) and I hear you can NOW get them online. If you are diving motor home, towing a boat, more. Sorry I do not know the current fees. Expect to pay car permits in the remaining Central American countries.

You have to pay the Mexican Treasury department (Hacienda) by credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express) and you need the title or registration for your car or RV and you WILL need a notarized letter of permission to take it into Mexico if it is financed. This will be typical in all Central American countries.

The biggest problems you will run into are the permits/fees/bribes (yes there is bribe money) you will be paying in Central American, and they are never-ending. Example: crossing into Guatemala, is when the fun really begins, from paying a contribution fee for whatever, to someone watching your car while they check out your passports, to the fumigation station, the nickel and diming will drive you crazy. It may take 20 minutes to 5-8 hrs just crossing each border.

One of my best friends is the Guatemale Consulate in San Diego, he said, they now provide car permits, so you might want to check your local consulate.

The main road is the Pan-American Highway and if you keep to that you "should" be Okay. Expect to pay anywhere from $1000-$2000 for permits and mis expenses (bribes etc).

Make sure you have double gas filters on your car, sometimes the gas can a bit shaky. Always carry extra fan belts, a tool kit, and if you have room 2 spare tires.

Best advice,
1) You better speak Spanish very well. Very little English is spoken (if not none) at border crossings. Don/t speaka the Spanish bueno, don/ta go!
2) Keep to the main roads
3) Get all (or most of them) your car permits in the States from the Consulates offices.
4) Do not carry any guns/ammo, nor drugs or anything that may be considered illegal.
5) Get an international cell phone
6) Check in with friends and relatives so they know where you are.
7) Get good maps and plan your trip as best you can.
8) Never, Never pull over to the side of the road, unless it is an emergency.
9) If can, always follow and stay in a group of cars/truckers. This provide the old concept, "safety in numbers."
10) Never drive at night.

Driving the Pam-American is a lifetime adventure. Have fun!

AttorneyKearney

I have gone through all of central america between USA and Costa Rica many times in the past, that was many years ago.
The first problem is that if you are not the owner you will need to get a Notarized permit from the owner to leave the country.
Second you should get all your permits from the Consulates of each country before hand,
Third: It is best to drive late at night when crossing Mexico DF to avoid being hasseled by the cops looking for bribes.
Fourth: at each border it is a hassle when being inspected.
other than that it is a nice trip to do, I have heard that some places like El Salvador have become dangerous so itÂ´s best not to stay there too long.
You might ahve to sleep one night in the capital of each country.

Lic.Gregory Kearney Lawson.

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