Are you planning a trip to the beautiful country of Costa Rica? There is plenty to see in this country including the beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, quaint colonial towns, and lush inland rainforests. It would be impossible to see all of this with busses and taxis so you should consider renting a car. A rental car in Costa Rica will give you the ability to come and go as you please and see places that aren't reachable by other forms of transportation.

Since Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination there are several local and international car rental companies to choose from. Here are some tips on renting a car in Costa Rica.

Driving in Costa Rica

You might be worried about driving in a foreign country but Costa Rica is one of the most developed Central American countries and the roads are in fairly good condition. The road rules are about the same as the U.S. so it's easy to get the hang of it after a few hours of driving around.

Check with the car rental company about what kind of license you'll need. Sometimes you can just use your license from home but usually you'll need to get an international drivers license. An international driver's license doesn't require a test and you can pick one up for a nominal fee from an auto club such as AAA. Even if you're not required to have an international driver's license it's a good idea to get one since your information is translated into several languages.

Rental Car Locations

The majority of rental car companies have facilities at the San Jose airport which is most likely where you'll arrive and depart. Some also have offices in town which can be more convenient if you don't want to rent a car right when you arrive. Smaller local car rental companies may only have offices in town but they usually offer a pick up and drop off service to make it more convenient.

Resort cities also have a few car rental offices in town. You can rent a car for just a day or two to explore the sounding area and get away from the chaotic city. Some offer one way rentals so you can drive it back to San Jose and drop it off at the airport when you leave.

Special Offers

Rental car companies are always having special offers and discounts especially in the off-peak season. Visit individual car rental websites to find specials you may be eligible for. Most rental companies partner with airlines so it's worth checking with the airline you'll be traveling on. Discounts are usually available such as auto club, senior and corporate discounts. Make sure you have the discount code and supply it when booking your reservation.