Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a diverse landscape, and renting a car is a popular way to explore its natural wonders. In this article, we will discuss the local rules and requirements for renting a car in Costa Rica and list a few of the major car rental companies operating in the region.
Rules and Requirements for Renting a Car in Costa Rica
To rent a car in Costa Rica, you need to meet certain requirements and follow specific rules. Here are some of the essential things you should know before renting a car in Costa Rica:
Driving License
To drive a car in Costa Rica, you need to have a valid driving license from your home country. However, if your license is not in Spanish, you may also need to have an international driving permit (IDP).
Age Limit
The minimum age to rent a car in Costa Rica is 21 years. However, some car rental companies may require you to be at least 25 years old to rent certain types of cars.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have car insurance in Costa Rica. Most car rental companies provide basic insurance coverage, but you can also opt for additional insurance coverage for extra protection. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of the insurance policy before renting a car.
Payment
You can pay for your car rental using a credit card or cash. Some car rental companies may require a deposit, which will be refunded at the end of the rental period.
Traffic Rules
When driving in Costa Rica, you need to follow the traffic rules and regulations. The speed limit on highways is 90 km/h, and on urban roads, it is 60 km/h. You need to wear seat belts at all times, and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
Major Car Rental Companies in Costa Rica
There are several car rental companies operating in Costa Rica, offering a wide range of cars at competitive prices. Here are some of the major car rental companies that are represented at the main airports in Costa Rica:
Alamo
Alamo is a popular car rental company in Costa Rica, offering a range of cars from economy to luxury models. They also offer additional services such as GPS navigation, child seats, and roadside assistance.
You can book your car rental with Alamo on their website: https://www.alamo.com/en_US/car-rental/home.html
Avis
Avis is a well-known car rental company that has been operating in Costa Rica for many years. They have a large fleet of cars, including economy, mid-size, and luxury models. Avis also offers additional services such as GPS navigation, child seats, and additional drivers.
You can visit the Avis website to book your car rental in Costa Rica: https://www.avis.com/en/home
Budget
Budget Rent A Car is a global car rental company that operates in many countries around the world. They offer a range of cars, including economy, mid-size, and luxury models. Budget Rent A Car also provides additional services such as GPS navigation, child seats, and roadside assistance.
You can book your car rental with Budget Rent A Car on their website: https://www.budget.com/en/home
Enterprise
Enterprise is a popular car rental company in Costa Rica, offering a range of cars from economy to luxury models. They also offer additional services such as GPS navigation, child seats, and roadside assistance.
You can book your car rental with Enterprise on their website: https://www.enterprise.com/en/home.html
Hertz
Hertz is a well-known car rental company that operates in many countries around the world, including Costa Rica. They offer a range of cars, including economy, mid-size, and luxury models. Hertz also provides additional services such as GPS navigation, child seats, and roadside assistance.
You can book your car rental with Hertz on their website: https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/
National
National Car Rental is a popular car rental company in Costa Rica, offering a range of cars from economy to luxury models. They also offer additional services such as GPS navigation, child seats, and roadside assistance.
You can book your car rental with National on their website: https://www.nationalcar.com/en/home.html
Renting a car in Costa Rica is a convenient way to explore its beautiful cities and landscapes. When renting a car, make sure to meet the requirements and follow the rules, such as having a valid driving license, being of minimum age, having car insurance, and following the traffic rules. There are several car rental companies operating in Costa Rica, offering a wide range of cars at competitive prices. Alamo, Avis, Budget Rent A Car, Enterprise, Hertz, and National Car Rental are some of the major car rental companies that you can consider when renting a car in Costa Rica. With a rental car, you can explore the country at your own pace and make the most of your time in this beautiful region.