I'm trying to price out different car rental options and it looks like Tricolor has gotten good reviews from travelers, but I'm just curious if they have the insane $1000-2000 credit card deposit that most companies have? I couldn't find that information on their website. Any help would be great!

I booked through them and didn't have to give them a deposit at all....just like renting in the U.S.

Yes, there's that credit card deposit. It's never been an issue for us in many rentals from them. I wouldn't worry about it. I think that is standard all across the country. I think it is $750. We'd not use anyone else.

I'm confused. At what point did they take the deposit? I booked over the phone and didn't know anything about a deposit and I haven't seen it on my credit card.

They take a credit card imprint (for the deposit, I assume) when we first arrive. When we return the car, that one is torn up and we receive the one with the actual charges. I'm thinking that, if one lost that deposit, then the original imprint wouldn't be returned.

ok that makes sense. I was getting worried that there was deposit being put on my credit card that I didn't know about. I've only just booked them over the phone a few weeks ago.

No, it's just a little insurance for them should some major damage occur, I guess. Have to admit, I don't pay much attention to it--I just do it. Tricolor is very above board, as far as we can tell, so I don't think you'll need to worry.

Thanks so much for the help! $750 is way more doable than the $2k for some of the international companies. I'd much rather go with a trusted local company anyway.

Excuse me. ..correction. The deposit varies with the automobile, but is usually $1000. Just rented again Sunday. . .and made sure to look.

Thanks everyone for the info. We are looking into car rentals in CR now and it looks like Tricolor is the one to go with. Only question is, if we are doing the Poas-Arenal-Monteverde-Manuel Antonio circuit, can we get away with a regular car or do we need a "high clearance" or 4wd? Any idea what the price differential is? We are a family of 4 with not a lot of luggage.We are going in the latter part of December.

Thanks.

If it werent for the Monteverde part, you could get by. Rent a 4X4!

Great. Thanks.