Guide to Driving In Costa Rica - Drive Safe in Costa Rica

Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in Costa Rica?

Many visitors visit Costa Rica to see the beauty of the rainforest’s and beaches. For the main part Costa Rica has good roads although in the rainy season the weather can cause potholes to form.  During the rainy season you'll find landslides are also a danger and they can block the road between San José and Guapiles as well as sections of the new San Jose to Caldera Highway. This can cause delays but usually an alternative route is set up and the mess is cleared away quickly.

Many customers choose to rent 4x4's in Costa Rica to explore the amazing natural delights of Costa Rica. However take care when approaching national parks as on occasion they may have warnings of active volcanoes. Beware of scams when driving in Costa Rica. Sometimes thieves will leave something sharp in the road and then use the opportunity of helping you to change your punctured tyre as a distraction. Keep your wits about you at all times.

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  Drive LEFT
  OR
  right?
• 
  check your
  speed
• 
  alcohol
  limits
• 
  drive safe
  guide from
  rhino
• 
  which
  driving
  license?
• 
  emergency
  contacts

• Give way - Ceda el paso
• Traffic lights - Semaforas
• Right of way – Prioridad
• Exit – Salida
• Danger – Peligro
• No parking - Prohibido aparcar
• Slow – Despacio
• Lane – Un carril
• City centre – Centro ciudad
• Carretera – Local Highway
• Roadworks – Obras
• Where is the nearest petrol station? – ¿Donde es la gasolinera la más cercana?
• Excuse me, I’m lost – Por favor, estoy perdido…
• Go straight on – ‘Siga todo recto’
• Turn right – ‘Toma el giro a la derecha’
• Turn left – ‘Toma el giro a la izquierda’
• Detour - Desviacion
• Toll Road – Carretera de Peaje
• Road Closed – Cerrado.
• Road Open – Abierto
• Motorway – Una autopista
• One way street – Direccíon unica
• Dual Carriageway - Autovia