Getting around Costa Rica is an essential part of daily life for most expats. Here's your complete guide to driving in Costa Rica.
Driver's License
As a Tourist (first 90 days) Your valid home-country driver's license works for the first 90 days.
As a Resident Once you have residency, you should get a Costa Rican driver's license: 1. Get a medical exam (eye test, blood type) at an authorized clinic 2. Pass a written exam (available in English at some locations) 3. Pay the fee (approximately $10) 4. License is valid for 6 years
An International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA or your home country is useful but not legally required with a valid home license.
Importing Your Vehicle
Under Law #9996 (Residents) - Up to 2 vehicles imported completely duty-free - Must have approved residency status - Savings of 50–80% on import duties
Without Law #9996 - Import duties: 50–80% of vehicle value - Additional registration and inspection fees - Rarely worth it without the duty-free benefit
Buying Locally - Used car market is active - Prices are higher than US/Canada (due to import duties) - Popular brands: Toyota, Hyundai, Suzuki, Mitsubishi - 4WD recommended for rural/beach areas
Insurance
Mandatory: INS Insurance (Seguro Obligatorio) - Required for all vehicles - Covers third-party liability only - Part of your annual "marchamo" (vehicle tax/registration) - Cost: varies by vehicle type, typically $200–$600/year
Optional: Full Coverage - Available through INS and private insurers - Covers theft, collision, natural disasters - Cost: $500–$2,000/year depending on vehicle value
Road Conditions
The good: - Main highways are generally well-maintained - Ruta 27 (San José to Pacific coast) is excellent - Inter-American Highway connects the country north-south
The challenging: - Secondary roads can be rough, especially in rainy season - Potholes are common outside major highways - Some beach roads are unpaved - Mountain roads can be steep and winding - Bridges may be one-lane
Practical Driving Tips
1. Get a 4WD if you live outside the Central Valley — especially near beaches 2. Avoid driving at night on rural roads — poor lighting, pedestrians, and animals 3. Use Waze — Most accurate for Costa Rica traffic and road conditions 4. Watch for speed cameras — They're everywhere and fines are strict 5. Don't speed through small towns — Speed limits drop to 40 km/h and police enforce it 6. Carry your documents — License, registration, insurance at all times 7. Rainy season (May–Nov) — Roads flood, landslides happen. Allow extra time. 8. Never leave valuables visible in your car — Park in guarded lots when possible 9. Learn right-of-way rules — The car going uphill has right-of-way on one-lane bridges
Gas Stations
- Regular (gasoline) and diesel available everywhere
- Prices set by government — same at every station
- Current price: approximately $1.20–$1.40 per liter
- Full-service (attendants pump gas and clean your windshield)
Alternatives to Driving
- Uber — Widely available in Central Valley and tourist areas
- Buses — Cheap ($0.50–$10 for intercity), extensive network
- Shuttle services — Tourist shuttles between popular destinations ($30–$60)
If you're importing a vehicle under Law #9996, contact us to coordinate the timing with your residency application.
