Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Motorcycle Storage Costa Rica Central America

Hi everyone, I just successfully collected my motorcycle after storing it for 1 year in Costa Rica and flying home. I thought I would share the process to help others who need to securely and legally leave their motorcycle and fly home.

After a lot of research last year, I found the only places in Central America to legally store a foreign motorcycle on a Temporary Import Permit and leave the country are Costa Rica and Panama. Of these 2, Costa Rica seemed the cheapest and the most simple. All in, it took me 2 hours to store the bike and 3 hours to get it out again.

You can only store the motorcycle for a maximum of one year. After that it becomes classed as “abandonado”. I have no idea on the process for it to be released after that but was told it is very expensive and time consuming if possible at all. I left my bike for 2 days less than a year and had no problems. Do not leave it longer than one year!

I chose an Almacén Fiscal (bonded warehouse) near San Jose International Airport at the end of the runway called “Almacén Fiscal Coco” (it in on Google Maps). The manager/owner is called Jorge Ulloa and seems a nice person, as do all the staff. It is a large professional warehouse with a small area at the back, inside the main building, set aside for motorcycles. There were 3 other bikes when I dropped it off and 5 others when I collected it. You do not need to book ahead although I’m sure you will feel better contacting them before hand to set your mind at ease. Message me for contact details or you can find them on their very basic FaceBook page.

To drop the bike off, arrive at the warehouse within working hours. The limiting factor is always the customs office which closes at 4pm. So I would say this process should be started before 1pm to give you enough time. You will need ALL your motorcycle and personal documents. The office will do all the paperwork required, put a sticker on your windscreen, show you where to put your bike and issue you a document saying you bike has been bonded. You will no longer be able to move your bike but you will be able to come back and access it if needed. They will take your motorcycle key and seal it in a bag (it will be safe). There is no need to lock you bike but cover it. It is very very dusty in the warehouse. Completely disconnect the battery and tape up all connections (my bike started after a year!). I left my bike kit in my panniers but it was all mildew and disgusting when I returned. Costa Rica is humid. I recommend removing your number plate as I have heard stories of them being taken (mine was not) but mainly because you will need it when you return. Next head to the customs office (https://goo.gl/maps/bJKRK8csKHzd1cXR8) It is a 30min walk. Bring all your paperwork and head to the desk labeled “VEHITUR”. Explain what you are doing, give them the warehouse document, the temporary import permit as well as anything else they require. They will then give you a document with “Suspendido” on the top. DO NOT LOOSE THIS! You will 2 documents with “Ministerio deHacienda” at the top with all your details on them. Photo copy and scan these 2 document for safe keeping. You are now free to fly out the country. The airport terminal is only a 15min walk away.

To collect the bike you will first need insurance. Head to an INS office (Instituto National de Seguros). I chose this one (https://goo.gl/maps/UkYw8NF2yrrGfkvz8). Minimum duration 3 months for about $30. After that, head to the warehouse. They will fill out a “formulario con el aforador”. They will then send you to the mini customs office in the warehouse complex where another chap will fill out another form. With those papers you will then need to return to the main customs office by the airport (where you went when you first dropped the bike off) and visit the “VEHITUR” desk again. They will take all the forms, check your number plate and issue you another temporary import permit. You are now ready to head back to the warehouse, pay your storage bill and get back on the road!

I hope that helps.