Bringing unopened seed packets from USA to Costa Rica

You are not supposed to bring seeds into the country. If found, they will probably be confiscated. Very limited selection of seeds are available here.

GinnyP wrote:

I have been looking at answers that are over 5 yrs old about bringing in seed packets
(unopened and sealed) and I'm still looking for up to date answers. Does anyone know if we can bring them when we move to CR? Or can we buy heirloom seeds there?

Hola Ginny!

Thinking about you question and at the same time thinking of how customs works here, I had to chuckle.  Once you're here a while you may look back and do the same.

Customs in CR is "nothing" like going through a North American airport.  Most of the time you can bring pretty much anything you want in.  Within reason of course.

Your seeds as an example.  You could make 20 trips down with them in your luggage, they may be aware that they are there and the customs agents won't say a word.  Then, some guy is bored one day and he will tell you that they are not allowed and will simply confiscate them.  Keep in mind that customs agents are paid less than $600 per month.  Simply put, if it's not something truly illegal, they really do not care and don't want to put in the effort to say anything.

Bring them with you.  The worst that can happens is that they confiscate them.   

- Expat Dave

For future reference on restricted goods being shipped/sent into Costa Rica

Remember that growing veggies in the tropics is not the same as growing them in North America and short day seeds usually grow better....however, the insects love new stuff.

Gracis Dave
We are planning on moving down there. Not sure where, but we are looking!
Know of any good places at altitude over 3500? Close to a good town with a farmers markets?
Tks for any tips

@kohlerias trie dat. In my early days here, I brought all kinds of vege seeds over thinking they would grow the same; however, many molded, rotted, and wasted tomatoes later (and that just the ones I could even get to grow at all), I finally realized the humidity,  salt, and all around tropic landscape can’t compare to zones I’m used to no matter how much nourishing compost and sweet talk. Depending on where you live, you may have access to more varieties of seeds—agro stores are great areas to find them—but we’ve had a lot of luck just growing from tops of cuts (I.e. planting a seed-filled tomato slice) or dried out vege seeds (drying the seeds from a jalapeno or bell pepper in the sun before planting). Good luck!

GinnyP, about three quarters of the Costa Rican population live in the Central Valley and not for no good reason. That's where you'll find the greatest concentration of amenities in the country and plenty of options about where to settle.

We've been outside Grecia for almost nineteen years and have never regretted a day of it. We have a great farmers' market, access to basic health care, several good restaurants, and an expat community that we find sociable and supportive. For sure, there are other good options including San Ramon and Palmares, Sarchi and Naranjo.

Downtown Grecia is at about 3,500 feet above sea level (too hot for us), but we're at about 4,200 feet which is much more comfortable.