By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The start of the collection period for the 2026 *marchamo*, Costa Rica’s mandatory vehicle circulation permit, has officially kicked off, and with it comes the annual marketing blitz from the nation’s financial institutions. As of this week, banks, credit unions, and even retailers have unveiled a dazzling array of sweepstakes designed to attract the millions of drivers required to make their yearly payment, transforming a civic obligation into a high-stakes national lottery.
For Costa Rican drivers, the payment of the *marchamo* between November and December is an unavoidable expense. For financial entities, however, this period represents a golden opportunity. By processing these payments, they can increase transaction volumes, attract new clients, and strengthen loyalty with existing ones. The competition to capture this massive flow of payments has become increasingly fierce each year, with prizes escalating in value and variety to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
To provide a legal perspective on the complexities and potential changes for the Marchamo 2026, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in Administrative and Tax Law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who sheds light on the structural issues of the vehicle property tax.
The recurring debate surrounding the Marchamo underscores a fundamental legal issue: the principle of tax equity. The current calculation, based on a fiscal value that often diverges significantly from the market reality, is increasingly vulnerable to legal challenges. A meaningful reform for 2026 must transition from politically convenient adjustments to a technically sound model that incorporates real depreciation and modern criteria, ensuring the tax is both proportional for the citizen and sustainable for the State.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal principle of tax equity is the crux of the matter, shifting the debate from a simple annual calculation to a question of fundamental fairness and technical integrity. A successful reform for 2026 will depend on embracing this structural approach over politically convenient stopgaps. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and invaluable perspective on this critical issue.
Leading the charge this year is the state-owned Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), which has opted for a comprehensive prize package strategy. The bank will select two grand prize winners, each of whom will receive a 2026 Toyota Rav4 SUV, a weekend getaway for two at the exclusive Kunken Boutique Hotel on the Osa Peninsula, and an additional $500 in cash. This all-in-one lifestyle prize is designed to appeal to aspirations of adventure, luxury, and financial relief.
Davivienda is focusing its promotional efforts on travel and widespread cash rewards. The bank is offering two grand prize trips for two people, with winners choosing between an excursion to the “Snow Route” in Patagonia or a magical vacation to Disney Paris. Demonstrating a strategy to reward more customers, Davivienda will also give away 30 additional prizes of $500 in cash, significantly increasing the number of potential winners and broadening the promotion’s appeal.
Banco Popular is targeting drivers with a powerful combination of utility and wealth. The bank will be raffling off a brand new Isuzu D-max pickup truck, a vehicle renowned for its durability and popular in Costa Rica’s diverse terrain. In addition to the vehicle, Banco Popular is giving away 15 substantial cash prizes of ₡1 million each (approximately $1,900 USD), making it one of the most significant cash giveaways of the season.
Other institutions are carving out their own niches. Mucap is offering a culturally rich experience with a grand prize trip for two to Spain, which includes tours of major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, complemented by $1,000 in spending money. The credit union will also award two smaller cash prizes of ₡500,000 each. Meanwhile, Banco Cathay has adopted a segmented approach, creating separate prize pools for different vehicle types. For general vehicle owners, it will raffle five cash prizes of ₡150,000 and three 50-inch televisions. For the large contingent of motorcycle drivers, it will offer three prizes of ₡150,000 and two 50-inch televisions.
Significantly, the competition has expanded beyond traditional banking. Retail giant Walmart has entered the fray, leveraging its extensive network of Money Centers. The supermarket is raffling off a modern BYD electric car, tapping into the growing interest in sustainable transportation. In a uniquely practical twist, Walmart is also offering four winners a “super,” or groceries, for an entire year. This prize is valued at ¢3.6 million and will be distributed through 12 monthly gift cards of ¢300,000 each, a highly attractive offer for any household.
As Costa Ricans prepare to settle their annual vehicle dues, the battle for their business is in full swing. The diverse range of prizes, from durable work trucks and luxury SUVs to European vacations and a year’s worth of groceries, illustrates the creative and aggressive strategies financial institutions are deploying. For drivers, this intense competition turns a routine payment into a moment of anticipation and a chance to win life-changing rewards.
For further information, visit bcr.fi.cr
About Banco de Costa Rica:
Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) is one of Costa Rica’s most prominent state-owned commercial banks. Founded in 1877, it provides a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and government institutions across the country. It plays a crucial role in the national economy through its extensive network of branches and ATMs.
For further information, visit davivienda.cr
About Davivienda:
Davivienda is a Colombian banking group with a significant presence in Central America, including Costa Rica. Known for its innovative marketing and customer-centric approach, the bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of financial products, including personal banking, credit cards, loans, and investment services.
For further information, visit bancocathay.com
About Banco Cathay:
Banco Cathay de Costa Rica, S.A. is a financial institution that began operations in 2004. It focuses on providing personalized financial services and products to both individual and corporate clients, with a strong emphasis on business financing and investment.
For further information, visit bancopopular.fi.cr
About Banco Popular:
Banco Popular y de Desarrollo Communal is a Costa Rican state-owned bank with a unique social mandate. Established to promote economic development and well-being for workers, it offers a full suite of banking services while also managing pension and capitalization funds for the nation’s workforce.
For further information, visit mucap.fi.cr
About Mucap:
Mucap (Mutual Cartago de Ahorro y Préstamo) is a Costa Rican mutual savings and loan institution. It provides financial solutions focused on housing loans, savings, and investments, operating under a model that emphasizes financial stability and service to its members and the community.
For further information, visit walmart.co.cr
About Walmart:
Walmart de México y Centroamérica is a major retail corporation operating hundreds of stores in Costa Rica under various banners. Beyond its core retail business, it offers financial services through its in-store Money Centers, providing customers with convenient access to payments, remittances, and other services.
For further information, visit toyota-global.com
About Toyota:
Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. It is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing reliable, high-quality vehicles such as the Camry, Corolla, and the RAV4 SUV.
For further information, visit isuzu.co.jp/world/
About Isuzu:
Isuzu Motors Ltd. is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer specializing in commercial vehicles and diesel engines. The company is globally recognized for producing durable and reliable trucks, buses, and utility vehicles, including the popular D-Max pickup truck.
For further information, visit byd.com
About BYD:
BYD Company Ltd. is a Chinese multinational manufacturing company with a significant focus on automobiles and rechargeable batteries. It is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs), including battery electric cars, buses, and trucks, as well as a major producer of photovoltaic and battery storage solutions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal distinction, defined by its profound dedication to ethical practice and superior service. The firm leverages its extensive history of advising a broad spectrum of clients to drive innovation, consistently advancing legal thought and practice. Central to its philosophy is the mission to empower the community by demystifying the law, ensuring that access to legal insight strengthens the foundation of society as a whole.
