Costa Rica Travel Posts

Costa Rica Travel Guide and Tips – Renting a Car in Costa Rica

By Patrick Brunelle ⋅ April 1, 2009 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Renting a Car on Costa Rica

As I mentioned in my last post about driving in Costa Rica, I feel that renting a car is the best way to discover Costa Rica. Most people who come and visit me however, feel a little nervous about the idea of renting a car in Costa Rica. Most come up with the same reasons as to why they shouldn’t rent a car;

1. I don’t speak Spanish
2. There are no road signs in Costa Rica
3. I am afraid of getting lost
4. The road conditions are terrible and I would feel better not driving

All of the above are reasonable reasons not to want to rent a car in Costa Rica, however, allow me to give you my rebuttal for each of the above points:

1. Speaking Spanish is not as important as one would believe. You can manage quite well just knowing some of the important Spanish phrases while traveling around Costa Rica. Also, many Costa Ricans speak English and are happy to assist you the best they can. It is actually hard to find someone who speaks no English in tourist areas such as Manuel Antonio and Arenal.

2. This is true, there are no road signs in Costa Rica. Addresses and directions are given from landmarks rather than street names and numbers. I live 50 meters south of the Bank of Costa Rica, in Barva, Heredia for example. This is only a problem however, if you are driving in the major metropolitan area of San Jose. Most people who visit Costa Rica spend no time in the Central Valley and go straight to the beach, Arenal or Monteverde.

3. Being afraid of getting lost is a fear you would feel in any foreign country. The best way to avoid getting lost would be to rent a GPS system. The current system found in Costa Rica is actually quite good and should prevent you from getting lost with your rental car in Costa Rica. Maps of Costa Rica are not the greatest tools to use.

4. Although some road conditions are in fact terrible, as mentioned in my previous post, 3 worst drives in Costa Rica, most roads have seen great improvements since the new government has taken office. All major roads are well paved and should not present any problems.

So what are the real problems you should encounter with you rental car in Costa Rica?
The two real problems that do exist in Costa Rica are landslides during the rainy season and theft for those who leave things in plain view while leaving their car parked on the side of the road. Landslides are no danger to you, but they do cause long delays during the rainy season. Try to avoid driving on secondary roads during the rainy season in Costa Rica.

Regarding theft, use common sense. Bring your stereo plate in with you and make sure nothing is visible in your car. If you give no reason to break into your car, no one will.

Requirements for renting a car in Costa Rica
Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, passport, credit card (to place an $800USD hold on it) and have been in the country for less than 3 months.