{"id":7026393,"date":"2026-08-04T07:03:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T07:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/things-to-know-before-renting-a-car-in-costa-rica-and-how-vamos-rent-a-car-gets-it-right\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T07:03:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T07:03:12","slug":"things-to-know-before-renting-a-car-in-costa-rica-and-how-vamos-rent-a-car-gets-it-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7026393","title":{"rendered":"Things to Know Before Renting a Car in Costa Rica and How Vamos Rent-A-Car Gets it Right"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Thinking about taking a road trip to Costa Rica? I got you covered!\u00a0<\/p>\n

I took a road trip throughout Costa Rica in February, going from San Jose to Monteverde, Arenal, Manuel Antonio and back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I did this trip solo in collaboration with Vamos Rent-A-Car, let\u2019s discuss!<\/p>\n

Should you rent a car in Costa Rica?<\/h2>\n
\"Beach<\/figure>\n

Short answer: yes.<\/p>\n

Transportation options are limited and renting a car is your best option for getting around outside of Metropolitan centers, which is where all the good stuff is. Someone joked it\u2019s a 3-mile hike to get to any attraction in the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While the cities are wonderful to explore in their own right, there\u2019s something to be said for enjoying the beautiful nature Costa Rica is known for.<\/p>\n

Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop whenever you want, and access places that tours or shuttles don\u2019t always reach.<\/p>\n

Is it safe to rent a car in Costa Rica?<\/h2>\n
\"View<\/figure>\n

It is generally safe to rent a car in Costa Rica, especially if you go with a reputable company.<\/p>\n

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind.<\/p>\n

First, roads can be narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved, especially in more rural areas or mountainous areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You\u2019re going to want a vehicle that allows you to navigate all types of roads with ease. I had a Subaru SUV. This also allowed me to park in creative spaces as needed.<\/p>\n

Driving at night is not recommended due to limited lighting and unexpected road conditions. Plan your big chunks of driving during the day and allow yourself a 2-hour buffer or so.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Always keep your belongings out of sight when parked.<\/p>\n

Overall, if you stay alert and drive cautiously, you\u2019ll be just fine.<\/p>\n

Do you need an international driver\u2019s license in Costa Rica?<\/h2>\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re visiting from the United States, Canada, or most European countries, you typically do not need an international driver\u2019s license. Your valid home country license is usually sufficient for short-term stays.<\/p>\n

However, always double-check requirements based on your country before traveling.<\/p>\n

Which rental car agency should you choose in Costa Rica?<\/h2>\n
\"View<\/figure>\n

There are several rental companies in Costa Rica, but working with a reliable and transparent provider makes all the difference.<\/p>\n

Look for clear pricing, good customer service, flexible deposit options, and well-maintained vehicles. Vamos Rent-A-Car<\/a> checks all these boxes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

From the moment I arrived, they had someone greet me in the airport.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They did a safety check of the vehicle, showing me the spare tire and any emergency supplies they packed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They provided me with a physical map, complimentary bottles of water (plus a fountain to fill up your own bottle in the rental shop), and a bag full of chargers and a device to hold my phone while driving.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Vamos stood out because they went above and beyond, which made the whole process smooth and stress free.<\/p>\n

And the best part? They\u2019re a locally owned company.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where are the Vamos Rent-A-Car locations?<\/h2>\n
\"Green<\/figure>\n

Vamos operated out of San Jos\u00e9 International Airport and Liberia International Airport.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They provide shuttle service to and from the airport, and wait for you just outside the terminal with a placard.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I flew into San Jose, and the process from walking out of the airport to driving away in my rental car took about 30 minutes total. It was highly efficient, and you drop the car off in the same location to go back to the airport at the end of your trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What amenities does Vamos Rent-A-Car provide?<\/h2>\n
\"Man<\/figure>\n

Here are some of the amenities that made the experience even better:<\/p>\n