A car rental costs around $55 per day, $250-$300 per week, including insurance and mileage (four-wheel drives are about $75-$100/day, $350-$400/ week). The insurance has a $800 deductible, which you can waive by paying $7 to $14 more. All major rental agencies have branches in Costa Rica. You're more likely to get a special rate if you book a rental car in your country of origin. You can often get a discount of up to 30 percent in the off-season.
If you don't have an American Express, Visa, Diners Club, or MasterCard, you must leave a deposit of about $ 1000. Some agencies (National, Budget, Toyota, and Dollar, for example) allow you to decline their insurance if you have a gold credit card; Visa's gold card is the most commonly accepted one. Find out what your credit card covers before you leave on vacation. If you are already here, reserve a car as far in advance as possible, especially in high season. Look under "Alquiler de Automóviles-in the phone book, or in the classifieds of The Tico Times for less expensive rentals.
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid passport and driver's license, and a major credit card. You can rent a car at 18, bull you must leave a double deposit. Some agencies charge more for people under 25 and won't rent to people oven 75. Check websites for each company's rules. Valid foreign driver's licenses are good in Costa Rica for three months.
Car rental agencies will provide transport from the airport to their nearby offices. Avoid having a car wait for you at the airport—there is of ten a 12 percent surcharge for that. Better yet, take a taxi to your hotel anal work with a company that will deliver the car to your hotel. Don't hassle with trying to navigate unfamiliar streets when you first arrive.
Important to Know 
