Toyota Rent a Car Costa Rica reviews (2023)

FAQs

Is it safe to rent a car and drive through Costa Rica? ›

Because of the lack of street signs, reckless drivers and lack of proper highway signalization, it is not advised for first time travelers to rent a car and drive in Costa Rica. However some people feel much more comfortable driving than using private transfers or public transportation.

In general, rental cars are only a good option for adventure-minded travelers, who do not mind a few challenges along the way. Rental cars are generally not recommended for first time visitors to Costa Rica, because Costa Rica driving conditions can be intimidating and directional road signs are often missing.

We recommend renting a car in Costa Rica, either for all or part of your trip. Having a rental car will afford you the flexibility you want, not only with respect to setting your own transportation schedule but also in terms of making changes to it on the fly.

That being said, you should rent a car in Costa Rica if you want to explore the country, see more of Costa Rica beyond the typical tourist spots, you don't want to depend on public transportation or shuttles and you want to experience Costa Rica like a local.

Yes, driving in Costa Rica is generally safe. However, it's important to be aware of the road conditions, local traffic laws and practice defensive driving at all times.

If you're visiting Costa Rica from a country where tipping isn't commonly practiced, you may not feel comfortable tipping tour guides, drivers, waiters/waitresses, and/or hotel staff in Costa Rica. This is your prerogative, even though most service staff in Costa Rica hope, if not expect, to receive a tip.

Road conditions and traffic when driving in Costa Rica

San Jose is best avoided during rush hour and it is safest to drive between the hours of 9am and 3pm. Costa Rica is investing quite a bit into its roads but even on the paved roads you will still encounter the occasional pothole, so take care.

Gas Prices in Costa Rica

Lately, the cost of gas in Costa Rica is around 800 colones per liter which is about ~$5.12 USD per gallon for regular. Diesel is cheaper in Costa Rica than the US and diesel is found at every gas station.

Buses are the most common way of getting around Costa Rica, and the public bus system is excellent, inexpensive and relatively frequent, even in remote areas. Privately run shuttle buses offer quicker but pricier transfers, while taxis are decent value for groups.

What type of car should you drive in Costa Rica? ›

Almost all tourist destinations in Costa Rica do not require a vehicle with 4WD. As mentioned before, most roads are good to drive on and only consist of some potholes and higher (speed)bumps. The most popular destinations like Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna are, therefore, easily reached by any type of 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).

The most expensive time to rent a car in Costa Rica is during the dry season which is between the months of December and April. Plan ahead and book your rental car at least 3 months in advance because they tend to book up fast.

If you're planning a trip and wondering “should I rent a car in Costa Rica?” The answer is yes! You'll be exploring Costa Rica at your own pace and can see more of what the country has to offer. Keep in mind that more than 50% of the country is densely forested and underdeveloped.

Yes, Uber is safe in Costa Rica and you'll have near enough the same experience here as you do in any other country.

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 (photo page and page showing entry stamp) in case you get pulled over. There is no requirement for an international driver's license. What is this?

Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to Costa Rica? COVID test is not required to enter Costa Rica.

One must come to a complete stop, check the intersection for vehicles and pedestrians, and proceed to make a right turn when the traffic situation allows it. Turning right on red is prohibited if a sign at the intersection prohibits it. Article 104 b of the Costa Rican traffic law refers to this.

Yes. It's completely safe to drink the tap water over the majority of the country. That includes your luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste! Costa Rica is quite notable in Latin America as 92.5% of the population has access to drinking water.

For a one week Costa Rica trip, I recommend to bring around $200 dollars in US dollars cash per person. Then, exchange about $100 USD to Costa Rican colones when you first arrive at the bank or supermarket.

Can I use my US debit card in Costa Rica? ›

Travel card, debit card or credit card? Visa and Mastercard are most widely used in Costa Rica, with American Express cards coming in third. You may find ATMs and places that accept Discover cards, though Discover is overall rarely accepted.

The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.

It is illegal to drink alcohol while driving. Also, the legal blood alcohol limit in Costa Rica is 0.75% which is lower than the United States limit of 0.8%. Do: If you plan on drinking, be sure to have a designated driver or take public transportation. Just one drink can put you over the limit.

Gas Stations in Costa Rica

All gas stations are full service meaning you don't pump your own gas. The attendant will ask you what kind of gas you'd like and expect you to open the cover to the tank. You can pay by credit card and a tip is always appreciate in cash.

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).

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. They can only drive for as long as their tourist visa is valid.

Don't drive first in line. Don't drive a big SUV or sporty car. If you do get pulled over it's best to stay calm and politely request a citation stating that you'll be happy to pay it at the end of your trip through your rental agency. Do not offer a bribe or put money in your passport.

Is car theft a problem in Costa Rica? ›

QCOSTARICA – The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) – Judicial Police – says a vehicle is stolen every two hours in Costa Rica, with Saturdays being the days that most cases are reported. In total, in 2022, there were 4,387 filed for vehicle theft, that is on average 12 vehicles a day.

When it comes to safety, Costa Rica wins hands down as it is one of the safest countries to travel to. It is also common knowledge that Mexico has a higher crime rate however, personally speaking, as long as you stay away from any drug related activities, you should be fine.

Public buses can be used to go to most places in Costa Rica. This is how locals without cars typically get around. Public buses are generally safe, but not as secure with your belongings.

Your driving license from your home country is valid to use in Costa Rica, if you're in the country as a tourist. Most tourists in Costa Rica can stay for up to 90 days (this can change for citizens of some countries, but North Americans and Europeans get up to 90 days).

Gas Prices in Costa Rica

Lately, the cost of gas in Costa Rica is around 800 colones per liter which is about ~$5.12 USD per gallon for regular. Diesel is cheaper in Costa Rica than the US and diesel is found at every gas station.

La cuenta, por favor = The bill, please. In Costa Rica, the server won't bring this unless you ask for it.

COVID test is not required to enter Costa Rica.

A car accident in Costa Rica is regulated by traffic law 9078. Unless both drivers agree there is no damage or negotiate an agreement between parties, a traffic cop needs to arrive at the scene so he can write a ticket.

Overcrowding, poor sanitation, insufficient access to health care, and violence remain serious problems in Costa Rica's prisons.

Are there drug cartels in Costa Rica? ›

"We used to talk about Colombian cartels, Mexican cartels," Mata said. But now investigators have found gangs led by Costa Ricans, he said. Mata, who served as security minister from 2015 to 2018, said that Costa Rica had become an "enormous warehouse" of drugs and an operations center for exports to Europe.

Crime is increasing in Costa Rica and U.S. citizens are frequent victims. While petty theft is the main problem, armed robberies have been known to occur even in broad daylight. American tourists and residents can also take steps to protect themselves.