question about car rental in Costa Rica
Nov 24th, 2009, 11:57 AM
#1
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question about car rental in Costa Rica
We are a couple in our mid 30s traveling to Costa Rica for the first time next month and have gotten some great advice on our itinerary through this Forum.
We are excited about our trip but still have a few details to work out!
We're currently thinking we'd like to rent a car since that would give us the flexibility of setting our own route and making whatever stops we want without the expense of a private driver. However, we came across a few posts that warned of leaving cars with luggage unattended when exploring the sites en route. We were even advised that the trunk would offer little protection. It seemed to be a universal warning, not specific to just a few bad areas. Is this a fair assessment, or a little overprotective? If one of us has to constantly watch the car then it really doesn't provide much of a benefit since there are only two of us!
Our current plan is to spend the first night in Alajuela, have the rental car delivered that morning and then drive up to Arenal. We may stop in Sarchi or other places along the way. After 4 nights in Arenal we'll head down to Manual Antonio for 3 nights and then spend the last night in Alajuela.
Any insights appreciated!
We are excited about our trip but still have a few details to work out!
We're currently thinking we'd like to rent a car since that would give us the flexibility of setting our own route and making whatever stops we want without the expense of a private driver. However, we came across a few posts that warned of leaving cars with luggage unattended when exploring the sites en route. We were even advised that the trunk would offer little protection. It seemed to be a universal warning, not specific to just a few bad areas. Is this a fair assessment, or a little overprotective? If one of us has to constantly watch the car then it really doesn't provide much of a benefit since there are only two of us!
Our current plan is to spend the first night in Alajuela, have the rental car delivered that morning and then drive up to Arenal. We may stop in Sarchi or other places along the way. After 4 nights in Arenal we'll head down to Manual Antonio for 3 nights and then spend the last night in Alajuela.
Any insights appreciated!
Nov 24th, 2009, 01:34 PM
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I'd be nervous about leaving anything in the car. We've met people on our trips that have had all their luggage stolen. One couple we met stopped for a 30-minute lunch and even asked if the parking lot was safe and were assured it was. When they came out, everything was gone.
Nov 24th, 2009, 01:41 PM
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Probably the safest are cars with trunks you can lock rather than an SUV with your luggage in the back area covered with a blanket. (Pretty obvious to even the most ignorant thief.) Statistically, you are in good shape for if a million or more people come to Costa Rica each year and half of them rent a car and 20 people have their luggage stolen, the odds are in your favor. Probably just like losing your luggage on a airline.
One tactic is to try to park your car so that the trunk is up against a wall or hedge or tree, something where a potential robber will have a hard time getting to your trunk. Another thing you might think about is to take a bicycle lock and lock your luggage to the spare tire or even to each other. Lugging two suitcases or packs tied together like this makes it tough on a thief. Yes, they can cut open your suitcase, etc, but any kind of deterrant is a help. I really wouldn't worry about it too much.
One tactic is to try to park your car so that the trunk is up against a wall or hedge or tree, something where a potential robber will have a hard time getting to your trunk. Another thing you might think about is to take a bicycle lock and lock your luggage to the spare tire or even to each other. Lugging two suitcases or packs tied together like this makes it tough on a thief. Yes, they can cut open your suitcase, etc, but any kind of deterrant is a help. I really wouldn't worry about it too much.
Nov 24th, 2009, 02:51 PM
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unless going off road
always do a cheap car with a locking trunk
www.tricolorcarrental.com
Never have had a problem..
guess if thieves had time and a crowbar
they might have a shot at prying it open
pretty unlikely have never seen it.
most thefts are grab and runs out of
obvious tourist SUVs
www.insuremytrip.com always a good idea
always do a cheap car with a locking trunk
www.tricolorcarrental.com
Never have had a problem..
guess if thieves had time and a crowbar
they might have a shot at prying it open
pretty unlikely have never seen it.
most thefts are grab and runs out of
obvious tourist SUVs
www.insuremytrip.com always a good idea
Dec 1st, 2009, 08:31 AM
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Thanks everyone, for your help and insights! We have been back in forth in our decision making, but have ultimtely decided not to rent a car. Instead, we will be hiring a private driver to Arenal and then using Interbus for the rest of the routes (Arenal to MA and back to SJ).
