Renting a car in a foreign country can be intimidating but in Costa Rica it really is the best way to explore the country. There are though some specific things you need to know about renting a car in Costa Rica, from the logistics of renting to actually getting around that can make everything a better experience.
Let’s start with the finding a place to rent from.
Where To Get A Car
There’s a lot of online discussion about whether a local company or large international rental service is better for Costa Rica. In truth, both can have their advantages and between any of the reputable dealers (local or international) the one with the best rates are where to start first. There are though some key areas to look at in your contract.
Liability Insurance Is Mandatory
You’ll want to check for unlimited mileage (unless you are absolutely sure on how much you’ll drive and really want to get the lowest rate possible) as well as liability insurance. You’ll do this during the booking phase – online makes things easier – and most companies will have an office in or a shuttle away from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Liability insurance in mandatory in Costa Rica for car rentals. In case your credit card provides such insurance, then make sure to print out that information so you can show it upon pick up. Otherwise, you’ll be required to purchase liability insurance on the spot, which will cost around $20 per day on top of your rental fee.
What You Can Expect To Pay
Rental rates can vary but are about 10% less than what you might pay in Europe or the United States. In Costa Rica, you’ll have a lot of cars to choose from but if you’re going outside of San Jose, I recommend getting a larger vehicle. Any kind of SUV with larger tires will give you protection from the (sometimes massive) potholes you may encounter. You should also check your route and with any accommodation to see if you’ll need 4-wheel drive, as in some forested parts of the country and times of the year, it’s not recommended to go without.
Also, when you pick up your car, make sure you have a credit card with a good amount of credit free on it because most companies will take a $2,000-$5,000 dollar hold on your hard as a guarantee until you return the vehicle.
Also, make sure to take photos all around the vehicle, tires, tire wells, and roof, as well as a video as evidence of the initial condition and to mark any dents and scratches. Do the same with the interior and go over everything so it’s documented with the rental agent before you leave the lot. Check that your accommodation has parking or where they recommend you leave the vehicle when you arrive and enjoy your time in San Jose, Costa Rica and across the country.