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I am going to costa rica for the first time next month wanted to know the pros and cons of renting a Vehicle? Thank you
I just plan on staying in san jose....

If only staying in San Jose, save you money and use the cabs.

If you plan on getting out of San Jose, there are other choices for trips and such. The responsibily of driving in San Jose is more expensive than the occational cab. That depends on you and what you need. Parking is not the greatest option either. Many places just don't have the room for parking.

Pros:


Cons (in no particular order):
-relatively expensive (it was much more than we were quoted)
-insurance sucks (~$1,000 deductible for any kind of damage, must authorize your credit card)
-traffic
-crazy drivers, even crazzier pedestrians
-road suck (potholes)

I'm still thinking about a pro.

Even if you're planning on going to the beach or a trip. Wouldn't you want to be cuddling with a hot chica on a tour bus instead of driving up some mountain behind a truck on a one lane, winding road? Haha.

Thank you orange, great advice, thanx

Even when I have a rental car when im in SJ I dont use it.

SD

Exactly SD, we parked our "SUV" in a garage and took cabs most of the time too, much less hassle.

If it's your first time in CR forget it take a taxi. If you plan on traveling take a bus or hire a driver. The streets in SJ are not marked and require local knowledge to get anywhere. If you must rent a car look in the Tico times and rent from a local service they are much less expensive for the rental and for the insurance.

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If a little's good than a lot's better and too much is just right

I rented a car and loved it. I did drive over to the left coast from San Jose and was only extorted by the police once. Note: please, carry your passport at all times in the car. They tell you to just take the ticket. But I didn't want to piss the guy off. Call it a rookie mistake, but I just wanted to move on.
For the most part though, I really enjoyed it. It gave me the freedom to explore. Time stands still a bit on the beach and with a car, you can drive towards Quepos or more inland or wherever if you so feel. You don't have to wait for a driver or worry about a ride home. The roads are fine as long as you stay on the beaten path. I agree with the cons, but for me, driving with my ipod plugged in across some beautiful country was a great way for me to unwind. And I found it to be relatively inexpensive. But I guess that depends on how much you plan on traveling. I did get the full insurance where there was not even a deductible. I think it cost another $12/day or so. Basically, I prepaid my gringo extortion.

Oh, and if you have an SUV, you will have the largest car on the road. But what better way to enjoy the scenic view of CR than a little rh from your tica chica. Just stay on the road.

Oh, and you might think gas is cheaper until you realize that it is in liters. Again, another example of why I am not the smartest guy alive.

One suggestion is if someone does rent a car is buy the insurance through a travel agent in the states where it is much cheaper than getting it in Costa Rica but I have had unfortunate experiences renting a car in the past.Unless you plan to travel about the counrty a good bit there is no need. I do plan to rent a car next trip as I will be touring around the country with my son but will make insurance arangements in the states and know my way around after 16 trips to CR.rbc100

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In Search of Fine Kittens,
Please... Bring back the Muff

I rent a car whenever I'm travelling around the country, but NEVER in San Jose. There's nothing like having your own vehicle, and going wherever you want, whenever you want. Once you get out of the city, CR is a beautiful country to drive around. You gotta be real careful, but if you're not in a hurry, it's all good. You'd be amazed how many small, local bars/cantinas/sodas there are, out in the sticks.

But, unless you know the area that you're driving around, I wouldn't suggest renting a vehicle. Especially if it's your 1st trip to CR. And your knowledge of español can be important during a roadside stop by the policia. Just my dos colones......
MG

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

BlackSnake:

The decision whether you should rent a car depends upon what you want to do.

If you want to reach a destination and stay there (e.g. Jaco Beach, Puerto Viejo, Arenal, etc.) then I would recommend using a van, Interbus or air). No hassles, relatively inexpensive and comfortable. BTW, Sansa offers a $199 and $249 Airpass for unlimited one week or two week air travel respectively.

If you wish to hit multiple destinations and do some exploring in some of the more remote regions (eg southwest coast), then rent a vehicle. A vehicle will empower you; however, be warned...all the "cons" mentioned in this thread are valid criticisms of renting and driving in CR. You will need to keep an eye on your rental so it doesn't get ripped off or sabotaged (slashed tires). Make sure you find a secure parking area with a guard before retiring for the evening. MOTP highway patrols seem to prey on rental cars with tourists so they can make some extra money. And, yes, the roads are crappy beyond belief...and the CR drivers will test your nerves.

Check with your auto insurance carrier and credit card company before you rent to see what they will cover (most importantly what they won't cover) in the event of an accident in CR. Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) is mandatory, and will run you an extra $12 - $15 per day. If you refuse the SLI, be prepared to have the rental company commit $3,000 to your credit card.

Also, make sure you have an English-speaking "co-pilot" to navigate. Someone with a good sense of direction, eyesight and map reading skills is preferred. Don't drive alone!

Having said all of that, I plan on renting a vehicle next month for a 4-day trip to Quepos, Dominical, San Isidro and the Talamanca mountains. If you do rent a vehicle, make sure it is an SUV...many of the roads off the beaten path are very rugged. A small or standard-sized care won't cut the mustard.

I hope this helps. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to PM me.

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Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...