To rent a vehicle it will be necessary to have a credit card (with a validity of at least six months) in the name of the driver + a passport + a valid driver’s license (not necessarily an international license).
A deposit (often close to $ 1000) will be blocked on the card as a security deposit. Basic insurance is always included in the daily rental rate, if you require “full” insurance or other supplementary services; you can take out the insurance at the time of taking the vehicle.
Note, you are not allowed to leave the country with a rental car.
Costa Rica is fairly well developed on the road network. The country includes two “highways”, the Caldera which connects the capital San Jose to Tarcoles (Pacific) and the “Pan-American”, which crosses the country from north to south. One-lane national roads connect the rest of the country. In general, except for the two main axes, roads are often damaged (potholes, pavement decomposing, bridges etc.). The secondary roads or “secondary road”, are mostly earthen or stone.
In periods of heavy rain these roads are more difficult to reach. That’s why 4X4 is often recommended on this kind of road, long live adventure! It is the qualities of these roads that are responsible for the sometimes long duration of certain journeys. To get an idea of the distance between two points, do not hesitate to contact us.
The code of the road is identical to the French code although the signaling system is less developed. There are often no signposts indicating arrival in various villages, but to find out where you are, find landmarks, churches, over bus stops, the name of sodas (snacks to eat ) Or the names of schools sometimes.
Important, buses always have priority, in the capital they have a priority route and in the rest of the country, they have the right to stop anywhere to take passengers. Be vigilant when you follow a bus! We advise you to avoid driving at night because of lack of lighting on the secondary roads.
Parking is pretty easy in Costa Rica, almost all hotels have parking and in the towns and villages you will find paying car parks under surveillance. This is mostly a single day rate that remains low-priced. If you park in the street, guards in a fluorescent vest monitor your vehicle in exchange for a tip. You give what you want, usually 100 to 500 colons (about 0.50 €) depending on the duration of parking. Always be vigilant when it comes to tourist areas where the price of parking can vary from single to double 500m apart.
Addresses in Costa Rica are based on a system of geographical orientation, no numbering or street name, your hotel will be located for example 100m north of the Church and 150m west of the college San Juan.
We advise you to take light luggage, especially since you can easily wash your clothes on the spot. As a precaution, remember to bring your “cabin” luggage, your kit for a few days in case your luggage does not arrive at the same time as you!
We do, however, submit a small list:
Avoid bringing valuable jewelry, leather clothes or bags, and bulky suitcases that are less convenient to carry than soft bags on tour.
This is a common practice and not mandatory. Depending on your satisfaction, at the end of a performance or at the end of your trip, it is customary to tip your guide and the local team. It must be adapted to the standard of living of the country and the duration of your stay. It is your gesture of appreciation regarding the performance received.
On the other hand, in some establishments, prices do not include taxes (13%) or service (10%).
GMT-6
In summer, Costa Rica is 8 hours late compared to France and Belgium. In winter, Costa Rica is 7 hours late compared to France and Belgium.
When it is noon in France, in Costa Rica it is 4 in the morning in summer, and 5 in the morning in winter.
SUMMARY
HAVE A NICE TRIP !
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