BCR Foreign Trade: tools for your International Business

Technical advice, multi-currency operations and global coverage

Learn about payment tools

Discover our international payment tools

Outbound International Transfers (Send)

To send a transfer you must have the following information:

  • Data of the recipient of the transfer (full name of the person or company, physical address and bank account number of the recipient).
  • Details of the beneficiary bank (name of the bank, physical address, Swift orABA code).

Inbound Transfers (Receive)

To receive a transfer, we provide you with the following information:

  • Bank name: Banco de Costa Rica.
  • Address: Avenida Central y Segunda, calles 4 y 6 San José, Costa Rica.
  • Swift code: BCRICRSJ.
  • UID (Universal ID): 019339.
  • You must provide your full name (as registered with the BCR), physical address and IBAN account.

Service available in:

BCR Offices

BCR Comercial

Service available in:

Talk to a representative

Service available in:

BCR Offices

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multicurrency (outbound)

USD Dollar (inbound)

EUR Euro (inbound)

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Talk to a BCR representative:

Phone: (+506) 2287-9044.

Outbound Transfers Mail: transferencias@bancobcr.com

Inbound Transfers Mail: ordenesdepago@bancobcr.com

Import collection

You must have an active account and request the sending of import documents to BCR, with the following information:

  • Banking institution: Banco de Costa Rica.
  • Address: Avenida Central y Segunda, calles 4 y 6, San José, Costa Rica.

Make sure you have the full amount of your import, either with your own funds or with a line of credit. Ifyou need financing, ask for advice at BCR offices.

Export collection

You must have an active account with BCR. Complete the application form and send your export documents to the BCR to coordinate the shipment abroad. You need:

  • Bills of exchange at sight or in installments.
  • Sworn and signed commercial invoices.
  • Bill of lading (sea, air, or land).
  • Draft list.
  • Goods’ insurance policy.
  • Health or origin certificates.
  • Other documents are required depending on the type of merchandise.

Service available in:

BCR Offices

BCR Comercial

Service available in:

Talk to a representative

Service available in:

BCR Offices

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multicurrency (outbound)

USD Dollar (inbound)

EUR Euro (inbound)

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Talk to a BCR representative:

Telephone: (+506) 2287-9044.

Emails: transferencias@bancobcr.com o ordenesdepago@bancobcr.com

Import Letter of Credit

To request it, you must comply with the following requirements:

  • An active account in dollars or colones.
  • Own funds, or a back-up line of credit from BCR.

Export Credit Letter

To request it, you must have an active BCR account and provide the following information to the person from abroad:

  • Name of the bank: Banco de Costa Rica.
  • Address: Avenida Central y Segunda, calles 4 y 6, San José, Costa Rica.
  • Swift code: BCRICRSJ.
  • UID (Universal ID): 019339.
  • Beneficiary’s IBAN account.
  • Beneficiary’s full name.

Service available in:

BCR Offices

BCR Comercial

Service available in:

Talk to a representative

Service available in:

BCR Offices

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multicurrency (outbound)

USD Dollar (inbound)

EUR Euro (inbound)

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Talk to a BCR representative:

Telephones: (+506) 2211-1111, extensions 78308, 78326, 78315.

Email: cartasdecredito@bancobcr.com

Manage your International and Standby Warranty

You must meet the following requirements:

  • An active account in either dollars or colones.
  • Ensure you have the total amount available, either through your own funds or a back-up line of credit. If you need financing, ask for advice at BCR offices.

Receive your International Warranty at BCR

Use this service to guarantee participation offers or the fulfillment of your contracts, services, and business. To do so, you need to provide the following information about the payer abroad and the bank:

  • SWIFT or ABA code (if the bank is in the US).
  • Name, address, and commercial activity of the payer.
  • Beneficiary's full name.

Service available in:

BCR Offices

BCR Comercial

Service available in:

Talk to a representative

Service available in:

BCR Offices

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multicurrency (outbound)

USD Dollar (inbound)

EUR Euro (inbound)

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Talk to a BCR representative:

Telephones: (+506) 2211-1111, extensions 78308, 78315, 15987, 80419.

Email: bcrgarantias@bancobcr.com

Sending by transfer agent: Banpro

You must be registered in the BCR's systems as a customer.

  • Only for money transfers to Nicaragua.
  • You don't need an account.
  • You can send up to USD 2,000 per transaction, and your monthly total can't exceed that.
  • To withdraw the money in Nicaragua, the recipient must show the reference number provided on the BCRtransfer receipt.

Sending and receiving money by transfer agent: Moneygram

You can send and receive money from anywhere in the world.

  • You can send and receive up to USD 2,000 per transaction, and your monthly total can't exceedUSD 3,000.
  • To withdraw the money, the recipient must show the transaction reference number.
  • View Service Terms and Conditions.
  • See privacy notice..

Service available in:

BCR Offices

BCR Comercial

Service available in:

Talk to a representative

Service available in:

BCR Offices

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multicurrency (outbound)

USD Dollar (inbound)

EUR Euro (inbound)

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Talk to a BCR representative:

Telephones: (+506) 2287-9044.

Email: bcrremesas@bancobcr.com

You can get your U.S. retirement benefits in a Banco de Costa Rica account through U.S. Direct Deposit immediately

  • You will be able to open your account without a deposit.
  • You'll get an international debit card.
  • You will get access to our online banking portal.

Requirements

  • Visit the nearest BCR branch and request to open a bank account in dollars.
  • Show your identification document as a beneficiary.
  • Bring proof of address in your name (water, electricity, telephone, Internet, or other utility service bill with your address).
  • Show your Social Security card.
  • Ask the branch agent to complete the Direct Deposit form.
  • Pay the applicable fee according to the Fees and Conditions Regulations

If you have or need a dollar account at the BCR, authorizing a third party to receive your retirement payment is not possible, as this deposit is for the beneficiary only, by virtue of the provisions of Law 104-134 of the United States Government. However, you can add beneficiaries to the account.

Service available in:

BCR Offices

BCR Comercial

Service available in:

Talk to a representative

Service available in:

BCR Offices

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multi-currency (import)

USD Dollar (export)

EUR Euro (export)

Enabled currencies:

Multicurrency (outbound)

USD Dollar (inbound)

EUR Euro (inbound)

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Enabled currencies:

USD Dollars

Talk to a BCR representative:

Telephones: (+506) 2287-9044.

Email: usdirectdeposit@bancobcr.com

Find out about the list of our correspondent banks and their SWIFT codes

Banco Santander S.A.

Country: Spain

Currency: EUR

Intermediary Bank: yes

SWIFT:

BSCHESMM

BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.

Country: Spain

Currency: EUR

Intermediary Bank: yes

SWIFT:

BBVAESMM

Caixabank S.A.

Country: Spain

Currency: EUR-USD

Intermediary Bank: yes

SWIFT:

CAIXESBB

Banco Internacional de Costa Rica S.A.

Country: Panama

Currency: USD

Intermediary Bank: no

SWIFT:

COSRPAPA

Bank of America, N.A.

Country: USA

Currency: USD

Intermediary Bank: yes

SWIFT:

BOFAUS3M

Citibank N.A.

Country: USA

Currency: USD

Intermediary Bank: yes

SWIFT:

CITIUS33

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

Country: USA

Currency: USD

Intermediary Bank: yes

SWIFT:

CHASUS33

The Bank of New York Mellon

Country: USA

Currency: USD

Intermediary Bank: yes

SWIFT:

IRVTUS3N

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

All products and services offered by Banco de Costa Rica are subject to national and international laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using the BCR's Foreign Trade services?

The main advantage is that you have the support of a bank with a lot of experience. They help you make your imports or exports safer, giving you tools so that you don't have problems with payments or shipping goods out of the country.

How much will it cost me to send money abroad?

To give you an idea, the BCR charges a 0.35% commission on the amount you send. Of course, the minimum they will charge you is $15, and the maximum is $85, depending on how much money you move.

Can I send money in currencies other than dollars?

Of course! You can send money in the currency you need to: from dollars and euros to yuan, yen, or pounds sterling. The bank ensures that it reaches almost everywhere in the world.

What are "Letters of Credit" and what are they for?

It's like a commitment that the bank makes to pay your supplier abroad, if he complies with sending you the products. It serves you a lot so that you can rest assured that you are not going to let go of the money if the merchandise is not on the way.

Do I need a special account to carry out these procedures?

Yes, you need to have an active business account. Something very important that you should know is that "Simplified File Accounts" (CES, in Spanish) are not allowed for these foreign trade procedures; you’ll need a normal company current account.

What if I need financing to bring in merchandise?

If you do not have all the money on hand, you can ask for advice at any BCR office to help you with a backup line of credit. This way, you don't have to stop your business due to a lack of cash.

Can I make all these transactions online, or do I have to go to the bank?

Most things can be managed from the BCR Commercial platform. They have manuals and even video tutorials so you can learn to use the system from your computer or cell phone without having to go in person.

Is there any business that the bank does not accept?

Yes, keep that in mind. The bank does not accept transactions if the merchandise does not go through Costa Rican customs or if the individuals involved are on international risk lists (such as the OFAC list). Always check that your business is in order.

If I have a specific question, who do I ask?

You can call (+506) 2287-9044 or email comex@bancobcr.com

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