www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm planning on renting a car when I'm in SJ next - cuz I'll be heading to the beach.

Any recommendations on agencies? I currently have a car through Hertz (which, strangely enough, was the cheapest I found...)

Anyone know of any big discounts out there? What about insurance rates?

First, don't go by what Hertz says.. the price they quote is only the base price.. after you add in all the mandatory insurance and what not, it's going to be WAY more.. like 5-6x more.

Rental cars in CR are expensive, plus they put a $3000 hold on your credit card. It's better to try and rent from a mom and pop place.. they advertise in the tico times online, you can look them up.

Second, Driving in costa rica is not like driving anywhere else in the US or other first world country. Unless you absolutely NEED a car, i would not rent one.. just hire someone or take the interbus. You'll save a LOT of money, and can enjoy the trip.

Car rental advice? Yeah, don't rent a car to go to beach. Take a bus, it'll only cost $5 and you can use the money you saved on the car for a hotel upgrade or an extra pop or two.

I've rented in CR before, but that was YEARS ago, so I'm curious what the situation is now.

I realize that at Hertz, I'll have some additional insurance added on... it looks like the only mandatory one is the SLI, but for some reason, nobody from Hertz is getting back to me.

I'm only paying $13 a day plus like a $16.50 airport tax and surcharge fee, so its not that bad. Plus, they are right at the airport (I'm willing to pay a LITTLE for convenience).

So that being said... any additional advice? Thanks in advance!

For my money, I would re-think the beach drive. Plenty of driver/bus options to get to the beach. Plenty of taxis while at the beach.

If you feel dead set on driving, Hertz and Budget have treated me well in the past. Search a little online, there may be some deals to be had these days. Double check with your credit card company for their rental car coverage. If no advantage with your credit cards, take the full damage waiver!! You have NO idea what repairs would be and will certainly FAR exceed the damage waiver. Watch yuor car like a hawk when you park it. Rentals are huge targets for theft.

4WD is a good idea if you are going during wet season. And most cars are standard shift, so if you need auto, be sure to reserve ahead of time.

Have fun jostling with the taxistas and bus drivers on the way

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In honor of Jimmy V week, "Don't give up, don't ever give up!"

Unless you are used to driving in a major metropolitan city, don't rent. The driving style in CR is what some might call a tad aggressive. I rent a car about once every 3 trips, usually when we plan on going on a trip for a few days. I hate relying on bus schedules and taxis.

I never rent from the big American chains (Hertz and Budget). I find the prices in the smaller local places a little cheaper. This last time, I rented a standard SUV (Daihatsu Terios) from Toyota Rent-a-car. It was like $40/day + $10 for SLI. They have small cars too. I have also used Advantage (which is Economy Rent-a-car).

They put $1000 hold on your CC. Check with the bank, but your CC should cover CDW (collision damage waiver), but you must pay for SLI (supplemental liability insurance). It runs $8-15/day, depending on car class.

And add a 12% tax if you rent from the airport.

http://www.acerentacar.com/landing/lp_sjoo01.aspx

just rented a car for one day from Budget and had no problems. Deposit to CC was a bit high. Would suggest renting or bringing a GPS. Unless you are going to do this often may be better to rent one. Costa Rica Maps for a Garmin unit run about $150.00

Renting in town will save some on fees and most will pick you up at your hotel and drop you back.

Bill

If you are renting a car just to go to the beach DON’T. Take a bus or a shuttle. There are several large vans who will take you to and from the beach in air conditioned comfort and you avoid the stress of dodging some of the most careless and unsafe drivers known to motoring.

rentalcars.com

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