Most rental companies allow you to rent a car from the age of 18. If you are over 65 years old, most rental companies will also rent a car to you.
Generally, in Costa Rica you must hold a valid driver's license for at least one year to rent.
Do you fall outside the age category 26 - 65? Then you will have to deal with a number of conditions. What should you bear in mind in your search for the right rental car?
In this article, we'll tell you more about it for each age group.
Not sure if you are old enough to rent a car in Costa Rica?
Run a check via our platform to find out which cars you can rent at your age and avoid surprises.
What documents do you need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
In general, you must hold a driver's license in Costa Rica for at least one year to rent. The driver's license from your home country is sufficient; you do not need an international driver's license to rent a car.
You will also need a passport and a credit card in the name of the main driver.
Don't have a credit card? Then you can read on this page what possibilities there are for renting a car without a credit card in Costa Rica.
You are 18 to 21 years old
Most of the rental companies we researched offer you the opportunity to rent a car. The number of models you can choose from is limited. In addition, you pay a young driver surcharge which is about $6 per day but we have also come across a figure of $20 per day.
The young driver surcharge is usually paid on the spot when picking up the car. The amount is increased by local tax.
You are 21 to 25 years old
In Costa Rica, most rental companies will rent you a car. The number of models you can choose from is limited. Because you are considered a young driver even within this age group, you will have to pay a surcharge plus local tax when picking up the car.
The surcharge is in most cases between $6 and $10 per day but we have also seen as much as $20 per day. Before you book, review the rental company's terms and conditions to know what surcharge amount applies.
You are 25 to 66 years old
You can rent a car from any rental company. There is no surcharge for the driver. A condition is usually that you must have held a valid driver's license for at least one year.
You are over 65 years old
Depending on the rental company, a maximum age may apply. For example, some rental companies apply a surcharge for drivers who are over 65 years old. Most companies in our survey apply an age limit of 76.
If there is a charge it is between $5 - $10 per day.
The age supplement is paid at the time of pick up. In addition, you pay a local tax on the services already included in the rental price as well as on the extra services you purchase and pay for at the time.
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