Driving in Costa Rica: Tips and requirements

If you want to explore this country by car, this is the article that will inform you about everything you need to know about driving in Costa Rica. Known for some of its stunning natural landscapes, it’s ideal to explore the country at your own pace, so you can experience it in the way that suits you best. Additionally, the distances between various natural settings are usually relatively short, making travel easier.

In this guide, we’ll cover what you need to know to drive in Costa Rica as a foreigner, from the accepted driving licenses to the necessary requirements and documentation. Keep reading and get ready for an exciting adventure.

Valid Driving Licenses in Costa Rica

If you plan to drive in Costa Rica, it’s essential to know which licenses are accepted and how to obtain them.

Foreign License for Costa Rica

As a tourist, you can drive in Costa Rica with your valid foreign driving license for the entire period authorised by the entry stamp in your passport. It’s crucial to always carry your passport and the entry stamp page to demonstrate your legal status in the country. It provides a calm and scenic setting.

Homologating a Foreign License in Costa Rica

If you plan to reside in Costa Rica, you’ll need to homologate your foreign license to obtain a Costa Rican license. The requirements include:

• Have approved or pending immigration status.
• Hold a valid, good condition driving license.
• Present an official translation of the license if it’s in a language other than Spanish.
• Complete a medical examination.
• Provide copies of your passport and DIMEX (Immigration Identification Document for Foreigners).

Previously, a 90-day continuous stay in the country was required to begin this process, but this condition has recently been removed. It provides a calm and scenic setting.

International License

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a supplementary document that translates your national license into various languages and can be useful in countries where language is a barrier. However, in Costa Rica, it is not strictly necessary if your national license is in Spanish or English and is valid. If you decide to obtain it, you can do so through the Automobile Club in your country.

Requirements and Documentation for Driving in Costa Rica

In addition to a valid license, there are other requirements and documents you need to consider:

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Costa Rica.
• Mandatory Insurance: It’s essential to have liability insurance. If you rent a vehicle, ensure the company includes this insurance in the contract.
• Alcohol Consumption: The alcohol tolerance is low. A maximum of 0.05% blood alcohol for private drivers and 0.00% for professional or novice drivers is allowed. It’s recommended to avoid alcohol if you’re driving.
• Vehicle Documentation: If you’re driving your own vehicle, make sure to carry your registration card and up-to-date technical inspection.

Recommendations for Driving and Travelling in Costa Rica

Remember that staying connected while driving can be essential for navigation and communication. Consider using the eSIM for Costa Rica by Holafly to have mobile data access during your trip. This allows you to use real-time map apps, search for destination information and stay in touch with loved ones without worrying about high roaming fees.

On the other hand, we recommend getting the monthly Holafly plans if your stay in Costa Rica will be prolonged. Subscribe to a monthly plan with 5G coverage across the country and over 170 destinations without needing to change your eSIM. Additionally, if you choose the unlimited plan, you can connect multiple devices simultaneously starting from $50.50 USD per month.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Traffic Laws in Costa Rica and Signage

To drive in Costa Rica and enjoy the process, it’s important to understand traffic rules to avoid any issues. Although many rules are similar to those in other countries, there are some specificities you should be aware of.

Direction of Traffic and Speed Limits

• In Costa Rica, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Speed limits vary depending on the type of road:
  • Urban areas: 40 km/h
  • Secondary roads: 60 km/h
  • Highways and Main Roads: 80–100 km/h
  • School Zones and Hospitals: 25 km/h

The speed limits are well marked, but it’s common to find drivers exceeding them. Some rural roads have sharp curves and unpaved sections, so it’s recommended to drive cautiously.

Use of Mobile Phones and Seatbelts in Costa Rica

• It’s forbidden to use your phone while driving unless you’re using a hands-free device.
• Seatbelt use is mandatory for all vehicle occupants.

Lights and Emergency Kit for Roads in Costa Rica

• It’s mandatory to drive with headlights on in low visibility conditions, such as heavy rain or fog.
• It’s recommended to carry an emergency kit with reflective triangles, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.

Traffic Signage

Road signage in Costa Rica is similar to other Latin American countries, but in some rural areas, it may be scarce or in poor condition.

• Signs are in Spanish and follow international standards.
• Be cautious with speed bumps (known as “sleeping policemen”), which are often poorly signposted and can damage your vehicle if you don’t slow down.

Common Fines and Offenses

Fines in Costa Rica can be high and are divided into categories based on the severity of the offense. Some of the most common are:

• Speeding: from $100–600 (€92–550), depending on how much the speed limit was exceeded.
• Using a mobile phone while driving: fine of $193 (€178).
• Not using a seatbelt: fine of $193 (€178).
• Driving under the influence: if blood alcohol level exceeds 0.05%, the fine is $575 (€533) and may include license suspension or imprisonment if road safety is at risk.

If you receive a fine, you can pay it online or at authorised banks before leaving the country. Ignoring a fine can cause problems during future visits.

Tolls and Fuel Charging

If you’re planning to travel through Costa Rica by car, it’s important to know how tolls work and where to buy fuel.

Tolls in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has several toll roads, especially those connecting San José to other cities.

• Toll prices vary depending on the road and vehicle type, but in general, private cars pay between $0–2 (€0–2) per toll.

Fuel Refills

The available fuel types in Costa Rica are:

• • Super gasoline (octane 95)

• • Regular gasoline (octane 91)

• • Diesel

The fuel price is regulated by the government, so it’s the same at all service stations. As of March 2025, the reference prices are:

• • Super gasoline: $1.60 (€1) per litre.

• • Regular petrol: $1.55 (€1) per litre.

• • Diesel: $1.45 (€1) per litre.

Gas stations typically offer full-service, meaning a worker will fill your tank for you. Payment is accepted in both cash and by card.

Parking in Costa Rica

Parking in Costa Rica can be challenging, especially in larger cities like San José, where traffic is heavy and space is limited. However, by knowing the rules and available options, you can avoid fines and problems.

Where Can I Park?

• • Public and private parking lots: there are paid parking spaces in urban and tourist areas. Generally, private parking is safer and charges hourly or daily rates.

• • Allowed areas on the street: in some cities, you can park on the public road if no restriction signs are present. In San José, there are areas with parking meters where you need to pay a fee.

Places Where You Cannot Park

• • Yellow zones: indicate a parking ban.

• • In front of garage or residence entrances.

• • Near intersections or dangerous curves.

• • Areas with “No Parking” signs.

If you park in an illegal area, you could face a fine of up to $100 (€92) or even have your car towed away by a crane.

Parking Prices

Prices vary depending on the city and type of parking:

• • Public parking (parking meter): $0.75–1.10 (€0.69–1.01) per hour.

• • Private parking in shopping centres: free for the first 2 hours, then $0.90–1.80 (€0.83–1.65) per hour.

• • Private parking in central areas: $2.50–5.50 (€2.29–5.04) per hour.

If you need long-term parking, some places offer daily or weekly rates.

Options for Renting a Car in Costa Rica

If you prefer more convenience, renting a car is an excellent option. Costa Rica has multiple rental agencies, from large international companies to local businesses with more affordable rates.

Types of Available Cars

Rental options include:

• • Compact sedans: ideal for moving around the city and main roads.

• • SUVs and 4x4s: recommended for rural areas, mountain roads, and unpaved roads.

• • Vans and family cars: for those travelling in groups or with a lot of luggage.

Rental Price Range

Prices depend on the vehicle type and season:

• • Economy cars: from $35–65 (€32–60) per day.

• • SUVs and 4x4s: from $70–130 (€64–120) per day.

• • Luxury cars or vans: from $160 (€147) per day.

For weekly or monthly rentals, some companies offer discounts.

Tips for Driving in Costa Rica as a Foreigner

Driving in Costa Rica can be a memorable experience, but there are certain things to consider to avoid surprises:

1. 1. Download offline maps: Some areas have limited cell signal, so it’s useful to have offline maps in apps like Google Maps or Maps.me.

1. 1. Avoid driving at night on rural roads: Many roads lack lighting and may have potholes or dangerous curves.

1. 1. Be careful with motorcyclists and pedestrians: In cities, motorcycles tend to make risky moves and pedestrians cross streets erratically.

1. 1. If you’re going to beaches or tourist spots, use secure parking: Avoid leaving valuables visible in your car on the street.

1. 1. Always carry cash in colones: Some tolls and gas stations don’t accept cards.

1. 1. Don’t rely on estimated map times: In Costa Rica, traffic and road conditions can make a journey take longer than expected.

1. 1. Stay connected with an eSIM: If you need real-time GPS or to communicate with your hotel or rental agency, an eSIM Costa Rica from Holafly will allow you to have internet without depending on Wi-Fi.

FAQs about Driving in Costa Rica

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