Black Friday 2026 in Costa Rica: your rights as a consumer
Black Friday 2026 date, what offers must follow under MEIC rules, warranties on sale items and tips for shopping in stores and online.
Black Friday (Viernes Negro) is on Friday, November 27, 2026, although many stores start their deals early in the month. It's a good chance to save, but also the season with the most complaints. Here's what to know to shop safely in Costa Rica.
What offers must comply with
The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) checks that offers are clear, truthful and readable. In practice, that means:
- The advertised price must be honored. If a store advertises a sale price, it must charge that price.
- Restrictions must be stated. "Restrictions apply" isn't enough: the store must say what they are, for example how long the offer lasts or how many units are available.
- Sale items have a warranty. A discount doesn't cancel the product's warranty.
This matters: on Black Friday 2025, the MEIC checked 85 businesses and found at least one violation at 62% of them. The most common was advertising that "restrictions apply" without saying which.
Before you buy
- Compare the price a few days ahead. That way you know whether the discount is real or the "before" price was inflated.
- Read the offer's conditions: how long it lasts, units available, payment methods and shipping cost.
- Ask about the warranty: how long it lasts, what it covers and where to claim it.
- Work out the total, including shipping and interest if you pay in installments by card.
If you shop online
- Buy on stores' official websites and apps. Type the site address yourself instead of opening links sent by strangers in messages or emails.
- Be wary of exaggerated discounts and pages that ask for more personal or banking information than needed.
- Keep the order confirmation and screenshots of the offer.
After you buy
- Keep the invoice and the warranty document. You'll need them for any claim.
- Check the product when you receive it and report any defect to the store right away.
- If the store doesn't honor the price, offer or warranty, you can file a complaint with the MEIC.
If you'll use your aguinaldo for shopping, first check how much you get and when it's paid, and remember that the marchamo is due December 31.
This article is for information only and doesn't replace guidance from the MEIC or legal advice.