renting a car in Costa Rica

Old Oct 31st, 2011, 09:54 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
renting a car in Costa Rica

We are going to CR in 6 weeks and need to rent a car for a week.
We arrive at the SJ aiport and plan on going to the Arenal for the first half of the week, then we are going to MA for the second half.
1. Are there car rental agencies at the airport?
2. Which car rental company is recommended?
3. Do we need extra car insurance other than the liability coverage we already carry on our own car insurance?
4. Do we need a 4 wheel drive?
5. What are average rates for 7 day car rental?

Much thanks for whatever info. you can provide.
lcontr is offline  
Old Oct 31st, 2011, 11:22 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 16,907
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1. Yes.
3. Yes. The CR government imposes an additional mandatory liability insurance fee that ranges from ~$10 to $25 per day, depending on the rental agency; most US companies don't cover it. IN addition, bring paperwork showing that you have the other coverage, and that it is valid for CR.
4. If you are only going to the Arenal area, and taking the major roads to MA, you do not need a 4X4. Gas is very pricey.
5. Average rates on carrental.com (http://www.carrentals.com/crrates.jsp?r=1320088592720) right now are starting at $~13/day for a Suzuki alto or similar for example, from Dec. 7 to Dec. 14; $106 total. (U-save has $6.50 a day; hmmmm...)So, make sure you have any insurance coverage needed other than the CR liability, ask what they will charge for it, be aware that a huge deposit might be asked for, AND photograph/video the entire car and note EVERYthing at pick up. If you are staying at a nearby hotel the first night, most places will bring you the car free of charge.
sylvia3 is offline  
Old Oct 31st, 2011, 11:33 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 16,907
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
4WD will cost lots more, and unless you are going off paved roads (doesn't sound like it?) you will be fine in a sedan.
sylvia3 is offline  
Old Oct 31st, 2011, 02:55 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
we had agood experience with Tri color.As we exited the airport, there was a rep holding a Tri Color sign. He took us to the lot.Avoided an airport fee.Rates were good. I recommend you also rent a GPS.
jeterray is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2011, 06:45 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We planned on only getting a passenger car BUT were so glad that we spent a little more and opted for a 4WD instead. Once you get to CR, it might unleash your adventurous side ~ you wouldn't want a vehicle holding you back.
The hotels are great about getting the cars delivered to your hotel. Take advantage of it. Have a blast!
4deckers is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2011, 04:02 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24,530
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Two things to be careful of...agencies that pretend you will be able to use your credit card for collision (not the national insurance) and then back out, leaving you with another $15 to $20 per day.

#2, the outrageous new traffic fines, $600 to $700 a pop for minor violations.

Honestly, if I ever went back, I don't think I'd rent a car again.
mlgb is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2011, 04:06 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24,530
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
For your reading pleasure

http://www.ticotimes.net/Opinion/Let...ad-for-Tourism
mlgb is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cd
Mexico & Central America
6
Nov 14th, 2017 12:00 PM
msaardvark
Mexico & Central America
5
Mar 7th, 2013 10:45 AM
Osa
Mexico & Central America
5
Dec 21st, 2011 04:50 PM
macboo
Mexico & Central America
9
Dec 19th, 2007 06:10 PM
worldtraveler25
Mexico & Central America
8
Jul 24th, 2005 10:08 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -