Driving in Costa Rica allows total freedom of movement. You can cover a lot of ground without delay, and you can stop and sightsee wherever you want. Plan your route before you take it, then stop and ask if you need directions. Costa Ricans do not like to say that "I don't know" and sincerely want to be helpful. You may need to ask more that one person and get a consensus.

Remember to never leave valuables in your car. It is best to carry them with you. There are sometimes young boys in parking lots of nicer restaurants who will offer to watch your car for you while you eat. It is best to agree and then tip them a few hundred colones (approx. $1 U.S.).

When you get your rental car, the representative will have you check the car for nicks, dents, and adequate tires. Exaggerate this procedure. Also, be sure to fill the car before you return it, or be prepared to pay $20.00 for a fourth of a tank of gas.

Gasoline stations can be hard to find, so don't let your tank get too low. All stations in Costa Rica are full service. It is a wonderful thing! Your rental car's tank will be locked so you will need to give the attendant the key. They will fill the car and wash the windows etc. A nice change from the USA, and brings back memories of times past.

Once you get out of the city, the driving is generally nice. However, even the Pan American Highway, the back bone of the highway system, is two lane with no shoulder and few passing lanes. Undoubtedly, you will get stuck behind trucks that cannot move as fast as you. Just be patient, you will eventually get by.

It is best not to speed, and the speed limit signs are in kilometers. If you are pulled over by the police, they will want to see your rental papers and your passport. Be polite, but never let them keep either of these documents. Also, do not pay the police for the ticket. You pay the ticket to the rental car company when you turn in the car. Paying the police creates corruption.

There is about 29,000 kilometers of highway in Costa Rica but only about 14% of that is paved. This is why we recommend 4 X 4 vehicles to most areas. Even Manuel Antonio and Monteverde (as popular as they are) have terrible roads to get there. But, look at it this way, if the roads were great, the places would be too crowded.

Car rental notes:
Car rental companies in Costa Rica charge a mandatory minimum insurance per day of approx. $16.00. This is not included in package and is payable direct to car company on arrival. Car rental companies will require a deposit on a major credit card on arrival of anywhere between $1,000 - $1,500. It is recommended that you check car body and tires for damage and advise personnel before departing with car. Deposit will be refunded on return.