Car rental in Costa Rica

Roads connecting towns and cities in Costa Rica are of reasonably tolerable quality. There are sections with deep cracks and potholes, so the traffic control service does not recommend travelling on the highways at night. Before you set off on a road trip, it is advisable to take a road map of the country with you. Road signs do exist, but there are not enough of them for an inexperienced driver to navigate unfamiliar areas easily.

When travelling on the roads of Costa Rica, it is worth paying attention to roadside traffic signs. They will tell the driver what speed limits apply on a particular stretch of road. The standard speed limit here is 80 km/h. Speed bumps on the roads are rare, but there is an abundance of traffic police officers, who will quickly deal with any speeding enthusiasts.

If you are caught speeding, you must comply with the law and pay the fine. Attempting to bribe officials is unlikely to succeed, and could easily lead to more severe punishment. After receiving a fine, it is advisable to pay it immediately at the nearest bank. An international driving licence can help make your journey smoother and avoid certain problems with the local police.

It is best to leave your rental car in designated car parks. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that paid, guarded parking is available only in the major cities of Costa Rica. The cost of these services is roughly the same across the country. The driver will have to pay around $0.8 per hour for parking.

In small towns, you can leave your car in any available parking area near shops or hotels. The most important rule is to park so that the car does not obstruct traffic or become an obstacle to other vehicles or pedestrians.

There are toll highways in Costa Rica. Using them will cost the driver around $1. These roads are attractive because they have better quality surfaces, making it more pleasant to travel around the country.

With regard to alcohol, a driver in Costa Rica may have a small amount to drink before getting behind the wheel. However, this is only permitted if the blood alcohol concentration does not exceed 0.05 ‰. In addition, drivers are prohibited from playing loud music, especially near churches, schools, hospitals and other public places.

To navigate during a car trip in Costa Rica, it is worth familiarising yourself with the traffic regulations in the country:

• At petrol stations in the country, you can fill the tank with diesel fuel or petrol, which costs about $1–1.3 per litre.
• If the driver intends to enter a roundabout, it is worth remembering that on exit you must give way to other vehicles, which in this case have priority.
• If the route includes a traffic light near a pedestrian crossing, you must strictly follow the traffic rules. In case of violation you will have to pay a fine.

When travelling on roads in Costa Rica, it is worth remembering that wild animals can suddenly cross the road. The locals are aware of this, so they drive with particular care on roads near nature reserves.