Driving in Costa Rica

WHY RENT A CAR IN COSTA RICA?

Costa Rica offers incredible and accessible natural beauty, such as waterfalls, secluded beaches, rain forests, 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 RICA ROAD CONDITIONS

Most of Costa Ricas 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 suggest 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!

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS (GPS)

Having the comfort of your electronic co-pilot to guide you through Costa Rica offers you more time to enjoy your vacation knowing you will safely reach your destination. Our GPS systems are updated periodically with the newest coordinates to ensure accuracy.

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

BASIC ROAD RULES

You may drive using the drivers 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.
Children must be seated in an infant seat or booster! (We offer complimentary infant- and booster seats)

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 (25 August, 2009), the price of regular gas is approximately 549.00 Colones or $0.94 per liter or $3.56 per US gallon (exchange rate 583 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 deliver your car the next morning. You will be refreshed and enjoy the sights on the way to your first destination.

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.

Your personal documents as well as the vehicles 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 2257-7798, 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 leave 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 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.

For more information visit our Driving in Costa Rica Blog

Vamos 4X4 is a Proud Sponsor of SOS-Kinderdorf International!