Driving in Costa Rica…

Details

Category: Costa Rica

Do I need an International driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica?

No, you do not need an International Driver’s License to rent or drive a car in Costa Rica. As long as you have a valid Visa, and your local driver’s license; your driving privileges are intact.

Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?

The driving here can be a challenge! Not only are potholes sometimes dangerously big, but there are often no signs, making it difficult to find your way around. Lanes can just suddenly end without warning, bridges often have no guardrails and lighting can be an issue. There are a couple of points to remember if you choose to drive in Costa Rica:

a. take your time, be refreshed and expect the unexpected,
b. never leave valuables in plain sight in your car,
c. try to avoid driving at night until you are very comfortable with your
surroundings- taxis are everywhere and reasonably priced in most cases,
d. remember lots of bridges are one way and have no yield signs, so be careful,
e. be VERY careful of motorcycles- they race in and out of traffic and seem to appear from nowhere
f. drive defensively and with caution

Even highway driving in Costa Rica presents problems- animals and people cross the highway everywhere and you must be able to stop suddenly. Animals sometimes sleep on the pavement because it has retained the heat from the day and can’t be seen until it is too late, so be very careful driving at night. If you choose to rent a car- remember to go every inch with the rental agent and document every single ding and dent- this will save you big bucks when you go to turn it in at the end of your visit.

Remember that car rental agencies will put a huge deposit on your credit card- effectively freezing the funds, so be prepared if your credit limits are low. If you are in an accident while on your visit- remember to not move your vehicle until after the police AND an insurance adjustor arrive on the scene- you may hold up traffic, but it is the law here.

Driving in Costa Rica can be just one more of the adventure stories you have to tell about your vacation, but with some care and caution, you should be able to drive anywhere you choose.