Buying from the United States
Shipping a painting to the US
Original paintings travel from the studio in Guanacaste, Costa Rica to any address in the United States. Nothing about it is unusual — but buying a large original from another country raises three questions, and they deserve straight answers before you commit.
What follows is what actually happens: what it costs, how long it takes, and who carries the risk.
What to expect
Unframed paintings ship free
Paintings without frames are rolled and packed in durable, weather- and impact-resistant tubing. The studio does not charge for shipping them — the price on the painting's page is what you pay.
Framed paintings travel crated
A framed piece is packed in a protective wooden crate, and the shipping cost is arranged directly with the carrier. The studio requests the quotes and brings you the best available options; the carrier takes card, wire transfer, Venmo or PayPal.
Ten to fifteen working days
Counted from the day the painting leaves the studio. Larger crated pieces can take longer, and Karol gives you a firmer estimate for your own address before you pay anything.
Original art enters the US duty-free
Under Chapter 97 of the US tariff schedule, original paintings carry a general duty rate of Free — they are not taxed as imported goods. A customs processing fee still applies. Karol confirms the current position for your shipment before you pay, so nothing is a surprise at the door.
Every painting travels insured
The insurance is the studio's responsibility, not yours. If a piece arrives damaged, photograph it and contact Karol — she handles the claim and arranges what happens next. You are never left to argue with a carrier.
Before you buy
If you are weighing a specific painting, write to the studio with the piece and your city. Karol comes back with the delivery window and, for a framed work, the shipping quote — before any payment is made. karol@malumoreira.com.