Shipping for online stores in Costa Rica: options, costs and how to charge for it

An online sale doesn't end when the customer pays: it ends when they receive the package. And shipping decides many sales before they happen. A shipping cost that appears by surprise at the end, or a "I'll let you know how much it is" on WhatsApp, are among the most common reasons a customer abandons their cart.

The good news is that Costa Rica has options for every size of business. In this guide we explain what they are, how to charge for shipping without losing sales and what your store needs to show so customers buy with confidence.

The options for shipping in Costa Rica

Correos de Costa Rica (Pymexpress)

It's the option most used by small and medium stores, because it reaches the whole country. Its service for online businesses is called Pymexpress. According to Correos, in 2024 it offered:

• Delivery in 24 hours within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and 48 hours outside it.
• Dropping packages at any of its branches, or asking for a pickup.
• A tracking code so the customer can follow their package.

Details and sign-up are on Correos' Pymexpress page (in Spanish). Rates vary with weight, size and destination: check them there before you set your shipping prices.

Private couriers

Motorcycle and car courier services are the option for same-day delivery, especially within the GAM. They cost more per shipment than Correos, but they're ideal for food, flowers, last-minute gifts or urgent orders. Ask for a quote by area, and whether they pick up at your business and offer tracking.

Your own delivery

If your customers are nearby, you or someone on your team can deliver. It's the most personal way and lets you take cash on delivery with more confidence. It works well at the start or for a small area; as orders grow, it gets hard to keep up.

Pickup at your shop or a point

Offering order pickup is free for the customer and for you, and many prefer it if they're close. If you have a shop, always offer it.

International shipping

If you sell to customers in other countries, Correos offers international shipping and there are courier companies such as DHL Express. Consider the cost, the delivery times and the destination country's customs procedures, and explain them in your store before the purchase.

How to charge for shipping

There are four common ways. None is right for everyone:

Method	How it works	It suits you if...
Rate by area	One price for the GAM and another for outside it	Your products are similar in size
Free shipping above an amount	Free if the order goes over a set total	You want customers to buy more per order
Included in the price	The product price already includes shipping	You sell few, higher-priced products
By weight or size	Calculated for each order	Your products vary a lot

Whichever you choose, what matters is that the customer sees the shipping cost before paying, without having to message anyone.

About cash on delivery: it reassures customers who don't know you yet, but you take the risk of an order that's never accepted. Many businesses ask for payment before shipping, by card, SINPE Móvil or bank transfer, and keep cash on delivery for their own deliveries or known customers.

What your store needs to show

• Shipping costs and areas on the product page or in the cart, not just at the end.
• Realistic delivery times by area. Better to promise 3 days and deliver in 2 than the other way round.
• A complete address in the form: province, canton, district and other directions. In Costa Rica the directions ("señas") matter, plus a phone field so the courier can call.
• A confirmation email with the order details and, once it ships, the tracking number.
• A visible shipping and returns policy: what happens if the package arrives damaged, how long the customer has to return it and who pays for that shipment.

Packaging: the first physical impression

The package is the first thing the customer touches from your brand:

• Use a box or bag of the right size: less empty space, less damage and, often, a lower cost.
• Protect anything fragile and seal it well, because the package goes through several hands.
• Put the order number on the outside and, if you can, a thank-you card inside. It costs little and it's remembered.

A checklist to get started

1. Choose how you'll ship: Correos, a courier, your own delivery or a mix.
2. Decide how you'll charge for shipping, and for which areas.
3. Work out the real cost of each shipment, packaging included, before setting prices.
4. Write your shipping and returns policy.
5. Show all of it in your store before payment.

Keep reading

Before you open, go through the store launch checklist. If you're putting your store together, see how much an online store costs in Costa Rica and how to accept payments online, or start with the complete e-commerce guide. You can price your store in the calculator or book a free call to talk it through.