Safe and insured on the road in Costa Rica
Car Rental in Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know!
How do I rent a car in Costa Rica?
To rent a car in Costa Rica, follow these steps:
1. Choose a reliable car rental company in Costa Rica or a trustworthy broker like us!
2. Have the necessary documents at hand (driver's license, passport, credit card).
3. Choose a rental location that is convenient for you, such as one near the airport (with a shuttle) for direct access to your rental car.
4. Check out all the tips below to carefully choose the right car from the right rental company!
How much does it cost to rent a car in Costa Rica?
The cost of renting a car in Costa Rica varies depending on the type of car and the rental period.
On average, a compact car costs around €50 per day, while a 4x4 costs around +€100 per day.
Note.
Prices vary greatly from one rental company to another.
Caution.
On the internet it can sometimes seem very cheap because
Is a 4x4 necessary in a country like Costa Rica?
A 4x4 car is not always necessary, but is highly recommended if you plan to visit remote areas or national parks.
Many roads outside major cities are unpaved and can be difficult to drive on without a 4x4.
Send us a message with the places you want to visit and we will be happy to help you inquire about the right car!
What documents do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
1. A valid Dutch driver's license
An international driver's license is not required.
Your Dutch driver's license is sufficient to rent a car and drive in Costa Rica.
Nowadays you can stay in Costa Rica for 6 months and your driver's license is also valid for 6 months!
2. A valid passport
3. Credit card equal to the driver's name for the security deposit.
Cheap and Reliable Car Rental in Costa Rica
What insurances do I need in Costa Rica?
Not all car rentals are properly insured for damage or for occupants.
Always check or ask about this carefully.
Look carefully and ask carefully if the rental company is properly insured for the following:
- Basic Insurance (Liability Insurance): Covers damage to third parties.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental car.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Additional coverage on top of basic insurance.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Insures occupants against accidents.
We know from experience that many rental companies are not properly insured.
Always check this carefully and ask them to send the documentation.
Caution.
This documentation is often in Spanish.
What should I pay attention to when renting a car in Costa Rica?
1. Note additional costs. Often prices online exclude insurance and taxes.
Always call to verify the price and make sure you understand the full cost.
Here are some points to keep in mind:
2. Fuel policy: Ask about the fuel policy.
Sometimes you have to return the tank empty and sometimes full.
3. Deposit: Keep in mind that a deposit will be reserved on your credit card.
This can vary from €500,- - €2500,-.
4. Age restrictions: Most companies require you to be 21+ to rent a car in Costa Rica.
In some cases, they charge up to 25 for an additional fee.
5. Restrictions on areas: Some rental companies have restrictions on where you can drive, such as off-road or into neighboring countries.
Ask about this.
6. Find out if the car listed online is really the car you get to take with you. It happens in many cases that instead of the car you see online, you get a Chinese model or you get the same car but it is not a 4x4.
So be sharp about this!
About Elise
About tour guide Elise
Hi, I'm Elise, your spirited tour guide at Travelin the Now. My mission? To make sure you not only feel safe, but also have absolute fun on the road! With my open-minded and welcoming nature, I am here to create an environment where every traveler feels like they are part of something special.
Adventure and fun are woven into every step of our journey. Whether we discover hidden gems or engage in exciting activities, I guarantee you will have experiences that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. After all, life is meant to be enjoyed and I'm here to make sure you enjoy every moment.
But it's not just about adrenaline rushes and laughter. It is also about a deep connection with the places we visit. It is my passion to immerse ourselves in the local culture, learn from the people we meet and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.
And of course, amidst all the excitement, there are also moments of quiet reflection. These pauses allow us to truly absorb the depth of our experiences and turn them into treasured memories.
So if you're ready for an adventure as fun as self-discovery, join me on Travelin the Now. Let's create memories that will last a lifetime!"
What is the advantage of renting a car through a car broker in Costa Rica?
Renting a car through a car broker offers several benefits that will enhance your travel experience in Costa Rica.
Here are the main benefits:
Wider Choice of Vehicles: Car brokers partner with multiple car rental companies, giving you access to a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to 4x4s.
This gives you the flexibility to choose a car that fits your needs and budget perfectly.
Price Comparison for the Best Deals: By using a car broker, you can easily compare prices and terms from different car rental companies.
This helps you find the best deal, without spending hours searching yourself.
Special Offers and Discounts: Car brokers often have access to exclusive discounts and special offers that you won't find directly with car rental companies.
This can result in significant savings on your car rental.
Transparency about Costs: A reliable car broker provides complete transparency about the total cost, including insurance, taxes and any additional fees.
This helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Excellent Customer Service: In case of problems or questions, you can rely on the broker's customer service, which often provides extensive support.
This is especially helpful if you need assistance during your trip in Costa Rica.
Flexibility and Convenience: Car brokers often offer flexible pick-up and drop-off options, including delivering the car to your location or picking it up outside business hours.
This makes renting a car much more convenient.
Reliability and Security: Brokers usually only work with reputable car rental companies, which provides an extra layer of reliability and security.
This means you can trust the quality of the cars and service.
Time Savings: By comparing all options on one platform and arranging your rental car, you save a lot of time and effort.
This leaves you with more time to enjoy your trip.
A car intermediary can sometimes be helpful to connect with the party.
This again relieves you as a customer!
For example, if you need a 4x4 car for your stay in La Fortuna, a car broker can help you find the best options so you can enjoy worry-free adventure rides through Costa Rica's beautiful countryside.
Using a car broker offers not only convenience and savings, but also the assurance of getting the best deal on your car rental in Costa Rica.
Who is Travelin the Now?
Travelin the Now organizes group tours and plans customized trips for people. Travelin the Now is a Dutch party affiliated with the VVKR and the VZR Guarantee Fund and thus a reliable party specializing in customized tours and group travel in Costa Rica.Reliable, enthusiastic and quick to respond.
In doing so, also arranges cheap and fine car rental in Costa Rica with no additional costs.
Any questions?
Just send me a message!
How does tolls work in Costa Rica?
Toll roads in Costa Rica are referred to as "peajes."
At toll booths, you pay in cash or with your credit card in colones or dollars.
Costs vary depending on distance and location, usually between €1 and €3.
What are the traffic rules in Costa Rica?
Important traffic rules in Costa Rica:
* Drive on the right side of the road.
* Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.
* Children under 12 years old must sit in the back seat.
* Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited (maximum permitted blood alcohol content is 0.05%).
What should I do if I have an accident with a rental car in Costa Rica?
In case of an accident:
1. Stay calm and call 911 for help.
2. Do not move the car unless traffic is blocked.
3. Call the rental company and report the accident.
4. Wait for the police and a representative of the rental company for further instructions.
Can I take a rental car to neighboring countries such as Panama or Nicaragua?
It is usually not allowed to take a rental car to neighboring countries such as Panama or Nicaragua.
However, some rental companies offer cross-border rentals with specific vehicles and additional documentation.
Check with the rental company beforehand.
These answers will give you a clear idea of what to expect when renting a car in Costa Rica and help you plan a hassle-free trip.
What type of car is best for driving in Costa Rica?
Because Costa's road surface is often not very good, it is nice to have a good rental car.
Reliable cars to rent in Costa Rica are
Toyota RAV4: A popular choice because of its reliability, maneuverability and suitability for both urban and off-road environments.
Suzuki Jimny: Known for its compact size and excellent off-road capabilities, perfect for adventurous rides through Costa Rican landscapes.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport: A rugged SUV that combines comfort with off-road performance, ideal for longer trips and exploring remote areas.
Hyundai Tucson: A compact SUV with good ground clearance and modern features, suitable for both urban and rural adventures.
These vehicles offer a good balance of comfort, reliability and performance essential for a successful trip through Costa Rica.
What are other things to look out for when renting a car in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a country where things work a little differently than in the Netherlands.
Here you really still have the mañana mañana culture that they have in many Latin American countries.
Pay extra attention when you rent a car.
These things are useful to check (in advance):
* Hidden costs
* Insurance
* Are you really getting the car that's on the website or are you getting a Chinese model?
* Is the spare tire still good?
* Is the car also 4x4 in real life?
* Always take a video and pictures of the rental car as it is now, so you don't get discussions at the end.
These are things we have experienced in the past.
Always good to be extra vigilant before renting a car.
If you arrange a car with us, we make sure that we have all our upfront work in place and you won't have any or at least fewer surprises.
Can I also travel by local transportation in Costa Rica?
Yes, you can definitely travel by local transportation in Costa Rica.
Here are some options and tips:
Buses: The public bus system in Costa Rica is well developed and affordable.
There are both urban and intercity buses that can take you to most destinations in the country.
For longer distances, there are comfortable air-conditioned buses with seats that you can reserve.
This can sometimes be tricky if you don't speak Spanish.
Also, the rides are often very long and illogical and often take a long time to get from place to place.
However, the local buses are very cheap and therefore great for budget travelers.
Shuttle Services: There are several shuttle services available that you can book for transportation between popular tourist destinations.
These shuttles are often faster and more comfortable than public transportation and offer door-to-door service.
The best way to book a shuttle bus is: www.bookaway.com
Cabs: Taxis are readily available in cities and tourist areas.
Be sure to use official red cabs with a yellow triangle and that the meter (marÃa) is turned on to ensure a fair price.
Uber and Ridesharing: Uber is available in some cities such as San Jose and offers a convenient and often cheaper option than traditional cabs.
Caution.
You don't have ubers everywhere.
Local transportation in Costa Rica is an excellent option for budget travelers and those who want to travel like the locals.
However, for more flexibility and convenience, especially when exploring remote areas, renting a car may be a better choice.
