Car Rental in San José Costa Rica

To rent a car in Costa Rica as a tourist, bring:

• Valid passport with entry stamp (as identification).
• Valid driver’s license from your home country. An International Driving Permit is not required for licenses in English; tourists may drive during their authorized stay (up to 90 days).
• A major credit card in the renter’s name for payment and the security deposit hold.

Ensure your tourist stay covers the full rental period; the vehicle cannot be rented past your permitted stay.

Yes. The minimum age is 18. Drivers 18–21 incur a young driver surcharge (approx. $12/day) and Full Cover insurance is not available. There’s no strict maximum age, but drivers over 70 may be subject to a higher deposit. A valid driver’s license is required for all drivers.

Poas accepts major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners). A credit card is required for the security deposit hold. Debit cards or cash are not accepted for the deposit. You may be able to pay rental charges with debit or cash by prior arrangement, but a credit card is still required at pickup for the hold.

Choose based on your itinerary. For paved highways and popular routes, a 2WD sedan is fine. For mountainous areas, rural roads, or rainy season travel, a 4×4 SUV is recommended for higher clearance and traction. Many travelers prefer an SUV for comfort and peace of mind.

Cancellations or changes to a reservation must be received at least 72 hours (3 days) before the scheduled rental start or end date; otherwise, a 1-day rental will be billed to the renter’s credit card. In the case of a “no-show” or the renter decides not to take the car at the time of rental, the equivalent of a 1-day rental fee, plus any delivery fees (if applicable), will be billed to the credit card used to secure the reservation.

A security deposit is authorized (not charged) on your credit card at pickup. The amount depends on vehicle class and insurance selected—typically from about $100 up to $2,500. Full coverage usually means a lower deposit; declining coverages or using credit-card insurance requires a higher deposit. The hold is released after a clean return.

• Mandatory Third-Party Liability (TPL): required by law; covers third-party damage/injury. Cannot be declined.
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): covers damage to the rental car; optional if you show written proof of equivalent credit-card coverage. Declining CDW raises the deposit and you handle claims with your card issuer.
• Full Coverage Insurance (FCI): optional bundle with zero deductible on car and liability, often including accessories/tires/windshield protection. Maximizes peace of mind.

Yes. Poas offers reduced rates for long-term rentals (weeks to months). Contact reservations with your dates and needs for a custom quote.

Poas follows a no-hidden-fees policy. Quotes include mandatory charges. Optional add-ons (GPS, Wi‑Fi, child seats, additional drivers) are clearly itemized so you know the full cost up front.

Poas operates near both major airports: SJO (San José/Alajuela) and LIR (Liberia). Free shuttle service from/to terminals is provided. Offices are a short drive from each airport, making pickup and drop-off fast and easy.

Yes. One-way rentals are available with prior arrangement. A relocation fee may apply depending on distance and location. Specify pickup and drop-off points when reserving to receive a clear quote.

Yes. Free delivery/pick-up is often available within ~5 km of the office (including downtown San José hotels). For longer distances or other cities, delivery/pick-up can be arranged for a fee. Coordinate in advance with reservations.

Children under 12 years old (or under 1.45 m) must use an appropriate child seat or booster. Fines are steep for non-compliance. Poas rents child seats for about $5/day. Request in advance to ensure availability.

No. Rental vehicles cannot be taken outside Costa Rica. Crossing borders voids insurance and violates the rental contract. If visiting neighboring countries, arrange separate transportation/rentals.

Yes. 24/7 roadside assistance is available nationwide. Significant issues (breakdown, accident) are covered; routine tasks like changing a flat tire are typically the renter’s responsibility. Keep the emergency number handy.

Do not move the vehicle. Call 911 to report the accident and wait for Transit Police and the insurance inspector. Call Poas to inform them. Take photos and gather info. Follow authorities’ instructions; moving the car prematurely can affect coverage.

Yes. Pets are allowed. Clean the vehicle before return and avoid damage; excessive soiling may incur a cleaning fee. Pet-related damage is the renter’s responsibility.

Poas maintains a modern fleet: economy/compact, sedans, SUVs (including 4×4), premium SUVs, and vans. Vehicles are well maintained and rotated regularly.

Local expertise (nearly 40 years in Costa Rica), transparent pricing with no hidden fees, free airport shuttles (SJO/LIR), flexible one-way and delivery options, modern fleet with guaranteed transmission, strong customer service, and 24/7 assistance.

• Website: poasrentacar.com (online reservations)
• Email: [email protected]
• Toll-Free (USA/Canada): 1-888-607-POAS (7627)
• Costa Rica: +506-2442-6178

Provide dates, flight info (if airport pickup), vehicle type, and any extras. Book early for high season.