Traveling in Costa Rica and Renting a Car : Do You Need a Rental Car? Tips for Car Rental in Monteverde, Arenal Volcano and Other Parts of Costa Rica

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   You should be warned that Costa Rica has some pretty awful roads, and Monteverde is known as having some of the worst. Although note that road conditions have vastly improved over the last few years and many parts of the route have been paved. If you plan to visit Monteverde you are much better off with a four-wheel drive vehicle for the added clearance it gives you.

 Renting a car gives you added freedom to explore - especially if you are on a tight schedule and do not want to be w aiting on shuttles or the buses.

A foreign drivers license is valid in Costa Rica as long as your passport and visa are in order as well. Note: most rental agencies ask a $1000 deposit or deductible.

On the negative side renting a car also adds additional responsibility. The roads signs are bad or non-existant and there are many thefts from rental cars. The drivers are not the best in the world and driving in San Jose is a nightmare! The highways here are not like in the US, Canada or Germany - there are sometimes hazards with little or no signage and you never can be too sure there's not a cow looming around the next corner.  Most roads are two lane and  there are many older cars and some bad drivers that can make the roads here even more dangerous.   Always drive defensively and stay alert.  Excess speed is the cause of most accidents.

  Speaking a little Spanish can go along way in getting driving directions.  You should find that Tico's live up to their reputation and will be happy to assist you on the road.  Being a 'Gringo' (all foreigners are called Gringos it seems!)may get you special attention from "Traficos" (traffic cops) who may look to write you up a speeding ticket in an attempt to extort a little cash.  This is small hassle and does not happen that often.  Just pay the tickets small fine from any bank in Costa Rica before you leave, don't pay them directly (always ask for a written ticket).  And of course, never leave valuables in the car unattended! 

   Costa Rica has a good public transportation system and there are companies that cater to transferring people from one tourist destination to another. Think about where you are going, will you actually need the car when at each destination or will you just use it to get from point A to B? Taxis are also abundant all over the country. If you have questions on getting around Costa Rica please email us and we can try to help.

Check out our maps, our transport sections and our searchable transportation database.

 Travel in costarica