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Driving in Costa Rica – Recommendations, Tips and Tricks

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10. Coati (or coatimundi) is known as the most common representative of the local fauna. These little animals are the most frequent guests on local roads. They often appear out of nowhere, and it is worth saying that these animals rarely travel in small groups. Sometimes there can be up to 20 coatis on the road at the same time. In such a situation drivers must stop and wait patiently when the animals leave the road. Sometimes a whole row of cars stands still waiting for the animals.

11. Despite the fact that the distance between settlements in Costa Rica is relatively small, drivers are recommended to fuel their cars whenever possible. In some small towns there may be only a couple of petrol stations, and on remote roads it is often simply impossible to find a place to fill the tank.

Hints on Car Hire in Costa Rica

When choosing a car for your Costa Rica trip, don’t forget to check and compare the franchise amount (indicated in the rental conditions) for all cars considered in your selection. The franchise may vary from 200 to 2000 euro/dollars even for cars of the same class. A thorough comparison will allow you to choose the option with the lowest franchise.

During your booking, we will offer you to take a full coverage of the franchise ('No Risk' or 'No Excess' package). If you book a car without full coverage, it is recommended to take it at the pick-up time - this will substantially reduce your financial liability in Costa Rica for the whole rental period.

During your car pick-up in Costa Rica, do not forget to check what to do in breakdown-, accident- or theft-cases. Most of our offers include 'Breakdown Assistance' package. Besides this, every rental office would be happy to assist you with this package.

Prior to the car return, please check your voucher for the fuel conditions. If it is indicated that a driver shall return the car with a full tank, do not forget to refuel it on the way back, this will save you from additional charges at the rental office.

12. In large cities you may often find intersections with circular motion. Such roundabouts may be quite dangerous for inexperienced drivers. You need to remember a simple rule - cars that move in the circle have the priority. Be careful because very rapid and even somewhat chaotic traffic is normal for roundabouts here.

13. Paid parking lots can be found in large cities only. The cost of one hour of parking at such lots is approximately US$0.8. In smaller towns, it is usually possible to park a car in any available location, for example, near a hotel or some shop. The main requirement in such a case is to park the car the way it will not create an obstacle for other drivers and pedestrians.

14. There are some toll highways in the country, and the cost of one ride is usually US$1. Toll roads are considered of the highest quality, but they often have some small defects.

15. The priority of drivers comparing to pedestrians is another distinguishing feature of local roads. Pedestrians are obliged to give way to cars always and everywhere, even on a crosswalk. Foreign drivers must be particularly careful when overcoming traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. Do not expect that vehicles that move in front of and behind you will stop to give way to people.

16. Local motorists generally stick to one rule - they warn other vehicles in case there’s a road patrol. Just like in many other countries, they use flashing lights, recommending other drivers to be more careful.

17. If you look at other drivers, you will definitely notice many traffic violations, starting from minor ones (driving with unfastened seat belts) to severe violations (driving on the oncoming lane or passing a red light). Speeding is considered the most serious traffic violation, so the majority of fines are issued for this breach.

Popular cities in Costa Rica with OrangeSmile.com rental points

Guapiles - Hotel Suerre

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