Car Rental at Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO)

You'll need both. A US driver's license alone is not sufficient—you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), available from AAA for about $20. The IDP acts as a certified translation. Police checkpoints are common outside San Jose, and without an IDP you risk fines of $100-$500 or vehicle impoundment. Your US license must be valid and you must be at least 21 years old to rent.

Expect to pay $25-$45/day for mandatory Liability Insurance (SLI)—this is legally required and cannot be waived. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) adds another $15-$30/day. These aren't upsells; Costa Rica's roads feature potholes, unpaved sections, and limited emergency services. Without CDW, you're personally liable for any vehicle damage. Many travelers save $150-$300 over a 10-day trip by using credit card CDW coverage instead of purchasing it at the counter—but verify your card provides primary coverage before declining.

Costa Rica has approximately 6 toll booths on major routes like the Radial a Caldera and the highway to the Pacific coast. Tolls typically run $1-$8 depending on vehicle class and distance. Most accept cash (USD or local colón) only—credit cards are not reliably accepted. Electronic passes (奥特赖斯) exist but require installation. Budget $15-$30 total for a week of moderate driving. Rental vehicles often have a prepaid toll device; confirm this with your agency to avoid disputes on return.

Heavy rains cause serious hazards: flooded roads (especially on the Pacific coast and mountain routes), reduced visibility, and landslides blocking mountain roads like the Pérez Zeledón route. Rental agencies often restrict travel to certain unpaved roads during this period—violating this voids your insurance. Rent a 4WD with high ground clearance (not a sedan), leave early morning to avoid afternoon downpours, and monitor SINAC road closure alerts. Rainy season means lower rental rates (10-30% cheaper) and fewer tourists.

Yes, likely. Minimum age is 21 at most agencies, but drivers under 25 commonly face a Young Driver Surcharge of $10-$25/day (some companies charge flat fees of $50-$100 for the entire rental period). Some premium SUVs and minibuses require minimum age 25. At 23, you can rent most economy and compact vehicles, but budget an extra $70-$175 for a 7-10 day rental. Comparing agencies: local companies (Adobe,Vamos) tend to be more flexible on age policies than international chains.

Very real. Wildlife collisions are one of the leading causes of vehicle damage in Costa Rica, particularly on routes near Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, and the Osa Peninsula. You may encounter toucans, sloths, iguanas, and—most dangerously—large animals like peccaries and even tapirs at night. Drive with headlights on even during daylight in rural areas, reduce speed on curves, and avoid night driving on unlit roads. A wildlife strike can total a rental car and void your CDW if you were driving recklessly. Budget time for detours around national park areas during dusk.