Global Positioning System

We now offer optional GPS systems for an additional $8.00 per day.  Please request this at the time of reservation.

Why rent a car in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers incredible and accessible natural beauty─ waterfalls, secluded beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, the list goes on and on…  Some of these areas are reachable only by car or four wheel drive vehicle (4x4).  Renting a car is the best way to see the diversity of Costa Rica on your own terms. 

Costa Rican Roads

Most of Costa Rica's main roads are paved, but are in desperate need of repair.  Over the last 12 months, great strides have been made to repair roads, but potholes and other road damage still persist.  Therefore, we suggested renting an all wheel drive vehicle (4x4).  This will also give you the freedom to reach almost all regions of Costa Rica, accessible only by four wheel drive vehicles.
If you stay only in the central Valley (San Jose, etc) a sedan is a good option.

Finding your way

You will receive a complimentary road map with your rental documents.  Our knowledgeable bi-lingual staff will ensure that you have sound directions to your first destination.

Main tourist destinations are marked with road signs.  However, signs may not always be clearly visible.  Addresses are given by distance from landmarks (for example 300 meters north of the city hall).  A compass may be beneficial.  As a rule of thumb, almost all church entrances face east, making it easier to get your bearings (north, south, etc)

There are few street names and even fewer street numbers.  

You can always call us with the supplied cell phone (free of charge) to ask for directions! 

Basic road rules

You may drive using the driver's license issued by your home country

Speed Limits:

• On highways:                                     90 k.p.h. / 54 MPH
• In urban areas:                                  40 k.p.h. / 24 MPH
• Near schools and hospitals:          25 k.p.h. / 15 MPH

Please note, these are general speed-limits guidelines.  The actual speed limit is posted on signs.

• Legal driving age is 18
• Keep safe following distances
• It is illegal to drink and drive and voids all insurance.
• It is illegal to drive without your seat belt
• Driving on beaches is strictly prohibited everywhere and voids all insurance.
  

Fuel (Gasolina)

Fuel stations (called 'Bombas" or "Gasolineras”) are widespread across Costa Rican.
Regular-, Super-, and Diesel fuel are readily available at all gas stations.
 Fuel prices are regulated by the government and are the same at all gas-stations!
Service at gas stations is provided by attendants.  There is no need to leave the car.  Tipping is at your own discretion
On long trips, use fuel-stops as an opportunity to relax and freshen-up.
As of this writing (October 12, 2007), the price of regular gas is approximately ₡527 Colones or $1.00 per liter ($3.83 per US gallon (exchange rate ₡520 Colones per USD)

Accidents

In case of an accident stay with the car and DO NOT MOVE IT, unless ordered by a police officer.  Costa Rican law states that you must wait until the police arrive at the scene.  Contact us immediately for further assistance.  You may also report the accident by calling 911 or 800-800-8000.

Other driving tips

Many flights arrive fairly late in the day.  Consider lodging at one of the many nearby hotels and have us delivery your car the next morning.  You will be refreshed and enjoy the sights on the way to your first destination.  We will be able to provide you with a list of hotels near the airport.

Driving at night should be avoided unless you have visited Costa Rica and are familiar with the road conditions.

Pull over if a police officer signals you to do so.  Police officers may ask you to stop if there is an accident ahead, a checkpoint, or if you are violating the law by not carrying a license plate or exceeding the speed limit, for example.

Your personal documents as well as the vehicle's registration papers are private property and may not be retained by police officers for any reason.

If a police officer insists on stopping you or retaining your documents for no apparent reason, ask him to escort you to the nearest police station to clear the problem.

If you believe a traffic police officer or any other law enforcement official acted inappropriately or you have questions regarding their behavior, call 257-7798, ext. 2506, and ask to be referred to the nearest police station.

Drive confidently and stay alert.  Do not stop for people making signals and never stop for hitchhikers.
Do not drive through- or park your car in poorly lit areas.  Never leave your car on the street unattended; always park it in a safe parking lot.
Do not leave any belongings in the car where they might draw attention of delinquents.

If you are given a ticket, please pay it at the nearest state owned bank and present a copy of the receipt to our car staff when you return the rented vehicle.  If you fail to do so, your credit card will be charged the amount of the fine, plus a $15 administrative fee.