Frequently Asked Questions

Select your pick-up location, dates, and preferred vehicle type on the homepage. The system displays available options with specifications and pricing. Complete the form with driver details and pay the booking advance online by card. You receive a voucher by email within minutes containing the local rental company contact details and pick-up instructions.

Changes depend on availability and the terms of your specific booking. Contact us at [email protected] with your voucher number. If the local rental company can accommodate new dates, we process the modification. Some bookings allow free changes up to a certain period before pick-up, while others may involve adjustment fees.

The system shows only vehicles confirmed available from local rental companies. If your first choice is booked, consider adjusting dates by a day or selecting an alternative model with similar specifications. A Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200, for example, both offer part-time 4WD suited to gravel mountain roads.

The advance is paid online by debit or credit card through our secure system. Cash cannot be used for online bookings. The advance confirms your reservation with the local rental company. The balance payment method depends on the specific vehicle and is detailed on the payment methods page and in your voucher.

You pay the balance when you collect the vehicle at the pick-up location. Accepted methods - debit card, cash, or credit card - vary by the specific vehicle and local rental company. Check your voucher for the exact requirement. Some vehicles accept any of these methods; others specify particular options.

Many vehicles accept debit cards for balance payment. If the vehicle requires a credit card for balance payment but you only have a debit card, consider booking a different vehicle that accepts debit cards. The payment method is shown during the booking process and confirmed in your voucher. For those concerned about card limits, raising your daily limit before travel can help.

Deposit requirements vary by vehicle. Some vehicles require a credit card for the deposit block; others accept a debit card. This information is shown when you book and confirmed in your voucher. The deposit is held by the local rental company and released after you return the vehicle without damage. If you do not have a credit card, select a vehicle that accepts debit cards for the deposit.

Deposit amounts are set by the local rental company and depend on the vehicle. The amount is specified in your voucher. The company blocks this sum on your card at pick-up and releases it after you return the vehicle in the same condition, typically within a few days to two weeks depending on your card issuer. The deposit is separate from any insurance excess.

The deposit is a temporary hold on your card as security. The excess is the amount you pay out-of-pocket if damage occurs, before insurance covers the rest. These are independent. A vehicle with no deposit still has an excess. If damage happens, you pay the excess amount; the deposit block is released separately once the vehicle is returned.

Bring your valid driving licence, passport, the card used for the booking advance, and the card for the balance and deposit if different. An International Driving Permit is recommended and required by some local rental companies. Check your voucher for specific requirements. Foreign licences are valid for 90 days in Costa Rica.

Minimum age requirements depend on the vehicle and local rental company, typically 21 or 25 years. Some vehicles, especially larger 4WD models, require the driver to be 25 or older. The age requirement is shown during booking and confirmed in your voucher. Younger drivers may have a restricted choice of vehicles.

SJO Juan Santamaria International Airport is 17 km north-west of San Jose via Autopista General Canas. Collection points vary by local rental company: some have desks inside the terminal, others have shuttle services to nearby offices. Your voucher contains the exact location and contact details. Arrange the pick-up time when you book.

After-hours return depends on the local rental company and is usually arranged in advance. Some locations offer key drop boxes; others require staff to be present. Discuss your return time with the company when you collect the vehicle. If you need to return outside standard hours, mention this when booking or contact us before your trip.

At the rental company desk or office, you sign the rental agreement after presenting your documents. Staff inspect the vehicle with you and note existing damage on the contract. They explain fuel policy, insurance coverage, and emergency contacts. You receive keys and the vehicle. Additional services like GPS navigation units, child seats, or an additional driver can be added for a fee. The full tank refund option may also be available.

Urban limits are typically 40-60 km/h; rural highways run 80-100 km/h. Route 27 from San Jose to the Pacific coast is a toll road with good surfaces. Mountain roads to Monteverde and Rincon de la Vieja can be rough gravel, where 4WD is useful. San Jose to Liberia is about 215 km, to Manuel Antonio about 170 km, to La Fortuna and Arenal about 135 km. Fuel is available at Delta and Recope stations.

Land borders are not open for tourist rental cars into Nicaragua or Panama without special permits, which are typically not provided by local rental companies. Plan to stay within Costa Rica. Distances cover most attractions: San Jose to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast is about 215 km, to Uvita about 195 km, to Monteverde about 150 km via unpaved sections.

The rainy season runs from May to November with afternoon downpours that can make unpaved roads slippery and rivers swell. The dry season from December to April offers clearer conditions. If travelling in the rainy season, a 4WD vehicle with higher clearance helps on gravel mountain roads. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before driving to remote areas.

Cancellation terms depend on the specific booking and local rental company. Many bookings allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before pick-up. Others may involve cancellation fees or be non-refundable. Your voucher states the cancellation policy. To cancel, email [email protected] with your voucher number as soon as possible.

Contact the local rental company using the details in your voucher as soon as you know about the delay. Most companies accommodate flight delays for airport pick-ups. If you cannot reach them, email us at [email protected]. The company will usually hold the vehicle or adjust the pick-up time. Office hours are Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (GMT-6) for 4Drive enquiries.