It is safe to rent & drive a car around Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose. However, traffic jams, bad weather, and aggressive drivers are everywhere. Take your time, expect the unexpected, and use an excellent navigation app like WAZE.
Is car rental necessary in Costa Rica?
You can rent one for the entire period or rent one for when you want to do trips. That being said, you should rent a car in Costa Rica if you want to explore the country at your own pace, you don’t want to depend on public transportation or shuttles and you basically want to experience Costa Rica like a local.
How much does a car cost to rent in Costa Rica?
Cheap car rentals in Costa Rica
| Economy |
$5/day |
| Passenger van |
$25/day |
| Pickup truck |
$27/day |
| Premium SUV |
$22/day |
| Compact SUV |
$5/day |
Is it easy to rent a car in Costa Rica?
Booking your rental car through Anywhere Costa Rica is simple and painless. Just enter your pick up/drop off dates and times, pick up/drop off locations, and vehicle type, and voilà, you have a list of cars to choose from. You can compare brands and models, as well as rental agencies and costs.
Is it OK to rent a car in Costa Rica? – Related Questions
Is Uber in Costa Rica?
Uber Coverage is Spotty in Costa Rica
Expanded coverage was announced in April 2019 but the pandemic of 2020 set things back and as of the 2023 high travel season over 3/4 of the country remains outside the official operating zone.
Can you get around Costa Rica without a car?
The best way to get around Costa Rica is by bus, which is reliable, navigable, inexpensive and frequently runs through San José, Costa Rica’s capital. Driving on your own is not highly recommended as some roads are tricky (speckled with potholes and ambiguously marked intersections).
Can I drive in Costa Rica with a US license?
In Costa Rica, all you need is a valid driver’s license from your home country to operate a vehicle. Also be sure to have your passport or a copy handy in case you get pulled over. There is no requirement for an international driver’s license. What is this?
What side of the road do you drive on in Costa Rica?
The first thing to know is that Costa Rica drives on the right side of the road. That means the Costa Rica driving side is the same as the United States, Canada, and mainland Europe. British and Irish drivers, used to driving on the left, will notice the change, but everyone else will feel at home.
Do I need 4×4 in Costa Rica?
The roads are improving greatly in Costa Rica and 99% of tourists never need 4WD. There are a few exceptions and below we’ve listed some of the more popular routes that might be better in an SUV. Some AirBnB and vacation rental houses have long (1 km or more) private entry roads or “driveways” that require 4WD.
How much do taxis cost in Costa Rica?
2020 Taxi Fares in Costa Rica
| in U.S. Dollars |
City |
Airport |
| first km |
$1.06 |
$1.58 |
| additional km |
$1.00 |
$1.32 |
| waiting (per hour) |
$6.11 |
$6.15 |
| traffic (per 6 min) |
$1.00 |
$1.31 |
Can you wear shorts in Costa Rica?
Clothes. Costa Rica doesn’t have a strict dress code so comfortable and casual is best for pretty much the entire country. At the beach, your wardrobe will consist mostly of shorts, tank tops and flip flops. In the city, we recommend closed toed shoes, long pants and a light jacket or sweater.
Will my phone work in Costa Rica?
Staying connected in Costa Rica with your cell phone is entirely doable. With mostly 4G coverage (5G in some locations), you can expect your non-Costa Rica smartphone to keep you connected. Depending on how you plan to use your smartphone, you can keep costs low.
Is Uber cheaper in Costa Rica?
How much does Uber cost in Costa Rica? Generally, Ubers are 10-15% cheaper than taxi fare. For example, say you’re staying at Hotel Costa Verde in Escazu and want to go for dinner. A 3.5 km (2.17 mi) ride to Mirador Tiquicia would cost CRC 1,750, which is about USD $3.
Is it hard to drive in Costa Rica?
Road Conditions
Costa Rica’s highways are paved and in good condition, however the country is also covered in back roads. Lots of dirt roads, and many are not in great shape. Muddy, potholes, etc. If you plan on driving off the beaten path in Costa Rica, I highly recommend renting a four-wheel drive SUV.
Can you drink the water in Costa Rica?
Can you drink the water in Costa Rica? The short answer is yes. You can drink the tap water in Costa Rica safely in most every part of the country. In some rural areas, including the Caribbean and in non-touristy places, you may want to stick with bottled water.
What is the best way to see Costa Rica?
The best way to experience Costa Rica is to participate in adventure tours during your stay. The natural landscape of Costa Rica offers the opportunity for so many expeditions, including surfing, rafting, canopy tours, sport fishing and scuba diving.
How many days in Costa Rica is enough?
We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another. A two-week Costa Rica itinerary will guarantee you see everything the country has to offer.
How much is $1 US in Costa Rica?
Dollar to Costa Rica Colon Exchange Rate Today, Live 1 USD to CRC = 615.5056 (Convert Dollars to Costa Rica Colon)
What is the nicest part of Costa Rica?
The 15 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2022 & 2023
- Guanacaste.
- Tortuga Island.
- Jaco Beach.
- Tamarindo Beach.
- Islas Murcielagos.
- San Jose.
- Cahuita.
- Chirripo National Park. There is no higher point in all of the mountain-carved, volcano-spotted Costa Rica – than Mount Chirripó.
Where should I stay my first time in Costa Rica?
The best areas to stay in Costa Rica for first-timers are the beautiful neighborhoods of San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Puerto Viejo, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo Beach.