12 Smart Costa Rica Driving Tips for Road Travel.
Costa Rica driving tips can make a difference in your vacation to have a positive experience of exploring our country.
There are so many great places in rural areas to see meaning driving on gravel roads and wonderful things to do in this beautiful region in Central America.
Of course, driving on one-way lane roads you are unfamiliar with can be daunting as well as driving in a new country, but take it as an adventure and keep a high level of concentration all the time as a precaution.
Here are some of the best safe and smart Costa Rica driving tips to help you feel more comfortable behind the wheel of your rental car and will also make driving a pleasant experience on day trips.
1-Avoid cities to rent or drive your car and choose rural areas to get the most out of it. This is where you will find the real culture and the best Costa Rica adventure attractions.
Check your car rental very well and go over the damages already in the vehicle, tools, tires, and the emergency kit.
2- Do not drive at night. Be aware of bicycle riders at night with no flares on them, possible animals on the road, and not a good choice when having a breakdown with not much assistance in secluded places.
3- Do not leave luggage unattended- be careful when you go to the airport, a grocery store or a restaurant-make sure someone is in the car or that nobody is blocking your vision from where you are.
Travel as light as possible and do not leave anything in the car. You will save by not paying for unnecessary damages or stolen valuables when taking this precaution.
4-Review maps and directions before leaving the rental location area: Car rental staff can usually clear any doubts you may have to avoid stopping or reading directions while driving.
5-Take into consideration that Costa Rican roads are mostly two-lane infrastructures – not much space for passing or driving fast.
6-Be alert and drive defensively all the time- take it easy, you are on vacation- respect the distance between the vehicles.
7-Police high fines- Be aware that the new transit law has high bills- respect the speed limits- children must have child seats or boosters-always wear seatbelts.
8- Familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s safety equipment, including hazard lights, windshield wipers, spare tires, seat belts, and door locks.
9-Avoid traveling with your original passport if it is not necessary – get a copy and travel with it-get the original only to go to the bank.
10-Avoid driving behind trucks that carried construction materials or sugar cane loads. Stones or other stuff may fall on windshields so you might end up paying for it.
11-Think twice before you cross rivers in the rainy season- wait and let someone else go through; this way you would see how deep it is and how to make it through or get out of the car and walk through it first.
12-Use a credit card with a certain limit($2000 to$3000)when renting a car and fully cover yourself if you can.
Some things happen sometimes that may be out of hand like someone hitting your vehicle in a parking lot when you are not there.
This is a small country with just the main roads and a few rural ones. Do not think of getting lost while driving here.
If it comes to worst, stop at a public place to ask for information and advice. It is not as bad as many people say it is.
A lot may come from Costa Rica’s private transportation and tour operators trying to push what they sell.
These recommended safe driving tips and car rental advice information are generally common-sense recommendations from our local trip advisors.
The safety of you and your family or friends is the most important issue when you travel. However, remember that personal safety is your responsibility.
Do what you think is best under the circumstances. Above all, stay alert and be cautious while vacationing.
Write us a note if these safe Costa Rica driving tips helped you with driving on your holidays.
Check our list of great hotels to plan your vacation.
