If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’re in luck. It is considered safe to rent a car in Costa Rica. However, foreigners are sometimes intimidated by the aggressive driving of the locals and the overall lack of road signage. It’s best to scout out your route ahead of time.
How much is it to rent a car for a day in Costa Rica?
Cheap car rentals in Costa Rica
| Economy |
$5/day |
| Standard |
$27/day |
| Full-size |
$12/day |
| SUV |
$5/day |
| Full-size SUV |
$5/day |
Is driving easy in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a tough place to drive in during the day. At night, it’s even worse. Road signs (which are already shoddy in some places) can be difficult to see in the dark—it’s common to pass by the road or hotel you were looking for several times.
Should we drive in Costa Rica?
Yes, driving in Costa Rica is safe and is the best way to travel around the country.
Is it safe to rent a car and drive in Costa Rica? – Related Questions
What is the best way to get around Costa Rica?
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).
Is there Uber in Costa Rica?
There is Uber in Costa Rica (in some cities)
As in many places, Uber has faced some challenges in Costa Rica. It’s always available in cities like San Jose (and somewhat in Liberia) and can be a good option for getting into town from the San Jose airport.
Can I drive around Costa Rica?
You can road trip around Costa Rica without ever having to cross a river, but there are also some back roads that pass through rivers. Especially during the wet/rainy season, and in the Nicoya Peninsula, Drake Bay and Osa Peninsula areas.
What are roads like in Costa Rica?
The national highway in Costa Rica is a fine road. The roads out of the capital of San Jose compare favorably to roads in the U.S. They are primarily two-lane roads but there are not huge potholes, at least most of the time.
Can I drive in Costa Rica with a US drivers license?
Foreigners can drive in Costa Rica with a valid original driver’s license and their original passport with a valid tourist stamp. Tourists must have their original passport and valid original driver’s license with them when they drive.
Is it safe to drive to Costa Rica from US?
Generally speaking, the drive to Costa Rica is safe, but there are tips to keep in mind. Try to avoid driving after dark and fill up your gas tank when possible as service stations are few and far between along certain sections of the Pan-American Highway.
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.
Can I drive in Costa Rica with a UK license?
Road travel
You can drive in Costa Rica on a UK Driving Licence or an International Driving Permit while visiting as a tourist. If resident for longer periods, you may need to get a Costa Rican licence. You should produce your driving licence and passport if requested to do so by a police officer.
What side of the road do you drive 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.
Can you drink beer in car Costa Rica?
Costa Rica: One for the road
Have a Beer While Driving in Costa Rica. No brown-bagging needed while driving in Costa Rica — it’s legal to drink and drive, but not to be drunk behind the wheel.
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.
Do I need SUV to drive in Costa Rica?
The answer to the question “is 4WD necessary in Costa Rica?” is nearly always no. Since renting an SUV can be twice as expensive as choosing a standard car it’s worth considering whether the extra capability is needed.
Can you turn right on red in Costa Rica?
Road signs are similar to those in North America. Alto means stop and ceda means yield; right turns on red lights are illegal in Costa Rica.
Do I need an international drivers license in Costa Rica?
Do I need an international driver’s license in Costa Rica? You do not need an international driver’s license but will need a valid license from your home country for a minimum of two consecutive years.
Do you tip gas station attendants in Costa Rica?
If gas station attendants provide these kinds of services to you, one could argue that they’ve earned a tip of 1,000 colones or so. All gas stations in Costa Rica are full service. Tips are appreciated but not expected.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Costa Rica?
In case you don’t have any USD beforehand and no bank in your home country has Costa Rican colones, we recommend you to exchange at the airport to get some Costa Rican colones to start with.