Rental Requirements

• Driver’s License
  A valid and original driver’s license issued at least 2 years ago. The license is valid for 90 days in Costa Rica from the date stamped in your passport.
  • If your license uses a non-Latin alphabet (Hebrew, Mandarin, etc.), an International Driver’s License is required.
  • Digital copies of your driver’s license are accepted to complete the booking process and prepare your paperwork.
  • Provisional licenses are not accepted.
• ID / Passport
  You must present a valid and original identity card and/or passport. If using a passport, it must include the Costa Rica entry stamp.
• Security Deposit & Accepted Methods
  A refundable security deposit between US$500 – US$1,000, or US$1,000 – US$1,500 for drivers aged 18–20, is required depending on the car category.
  We accept Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, or Cash for the deposit.
  • Debit card refunds may take 1–2 months depending on your bank.
  • For faster refunds, cash or credit card is recommended.
  • The printed name on the credit/debit card must match the client’s ID.
• Minimum Age
  • Minimum rental age: 18 years old.
  • Drivers aged 18–20 have:
    • A 40% higher rental rate, and
    • A minimum deposit of US$1,000–US$1,500.
  • From 21+, standard rates and standard deposits apply.

Reservation, Modification, Cancellation, No-Show & Early Return

Reservation / Booking

To confirm a reservation, we require:

• Full name
• Car category
• Pick-up date, time, and location (Hotel or Flight Number)
• Drop-off date, time, and location
• Any extra services (insurance, accessories, one-way fees, etc.)

A payment link for 25% of the rental amount (excluding the security deposit) will be sent to confirm your booking. Once paid, the reservation becomes official.

Modification of Reservation

Reservations can be modified up to 72 hours before the rental begins, subject to availability.
Changes in pick-up location may include extra fees.

Cancellation Policy

Once the 25% deposit has been paid to confirm your booking:

• The 25% is non-refundable at any point before the rental start date.
• However, the amount can be used as a credit toward any future booking, depending on availability and coordination with our team.

No-Show Policy

A No-Show occurs if the client is more than 2 hours late at pick-up with no communication.

• In case of a No-Show, the 25% deposit is forfeited and cannot be used as credit.

Early Return

If the vehicle is returned earlier than planned, a partial refund may apply, depending on the remaining rental period and internal criteria at that time.

Payment Conditions

At pick-up, the remaining balance of the rental, plus any additional services, will be charged using the method agreed upon.

‍

Coverage & Security Deposit (Important)

How the Security Deposit Works

• The security deposit is a refundable amount taken at the start of your rental.
• As long as you respect the rental conditions and are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the security deposit represents the maximum you would pay in the event of damage or theft.
• Any amount exceeding the deposit is covered by our insurance.

What Is Not Covered

Certain situations are not covered and may incur additional charges:

• Traffic tickets, fines, tolls
• Smoking inside the vehicle
• Excessive dirt or cleaning
• Wrong fuel in the tank
• Loss/theft of keys, plates, or mandatory documents
• Damage caused by alcohol/drug influence
• Damage from reckless use, off-road driving, river crossings, or misuse
• Violations of Costa Rican traffic law

Deposit Refund Times

• Cash: returned immediately at the end of the rental (after inspection).
• Credit Card/PayPal: the hold is released; banks may take 2–10 business days to show funds as available.
• Debit Card: the bank may take 1–2 months to release the funds.
  For this reason, cash or credit card is strongly recommended.

General Rental Conditions

• Rental period: 24 hours per rental day.
• Late return: Returns more than 4 hours late are charged an additional full day.
• Travel restrictions: Vehicles cannot leave Costa Rica.
• Additional drivers: Added at no extra cost. All drivers must have held a license for at least 2 years and be listed on the agreement.
• Mileage: Rentals under 30 days include unlimited mileage.
• Free hotel delivery: Available within 12 miles / 25 km of the La Fortuna office.
• Airport services: Shuttle service available at San José and Liberia airports for US$120 during office hours.
• Insurance:
  • Liability Protection is mandatory.
  • Car Protection may be declined only with an official letter from your credit card company.
  • VISA Gold & Platinum no longer provide CDW in Costa Rica (as of Oct 1, 2021).
• Optional coverage: Extended Protection available upon request.
• One-way rentals: Fees may apply.

Additional Information

Extra Drivers

Free of charge. All drivers must have a minimum of 2 years of license experience and must be listed on the contract.

No Smoking Policy

Smoking in the car is strictly prohibited. Cleaning fee: US$100.

Fuel Policy

Cars are delivered with a full tank and must be returned the same way.
Incorrect fuel or refueling required upon return will be charged to the renter.

Penalties & Replacement Fees

• Lost/stolen license plates: from US$100
• Lost/stolen/damaged mandatory documents: from US$100
• Lost/stolen keys: US$150 – US$500 depending on type
• Electronic/custom key replacement: from US$300
• Excessive dirt cleaning: US$100
• Smoking violation: US$100

‍

‍

‍