Clear terms, secure transactions, flexible options
When you book a vehicle through 4Drive Costa Rica, you pay a booking advance online by card. This secures your reservation and confirms the dates, pickup location, and vehicle type. Cash payment is not accepted online. The advance amount is shown clearly during the booking process before you confirm.
The remaining balance is paid when you collect the vehicle. Your voucher specifies the exact amount due and the payment methods accepted for that particular vehicle. You receive the voucher by email after booking, and it includes all the details you need for pickup. The rental agreement is signed at the counter or delivery point, and the local rental company processes the final payment.
This two-step structure means you lock in your booking immediately, and you complete the transaction face-to-face when you inspect the vehicle and collect the keys. The voucher always states what you owe and how you can pay it.
We accept major international card networks for the online booking advance. All transactions are processed in a secure environment, and you receive instant confirmation once payment clears. The cards we accept are:
Each vehicle listing on our site indicates which payment methods are available for the balance. Some vehicles allow cash, others require a card. Always review the payment terms before you complete your booking.
The balance due when you collect the vehicle can usually be paid by debit card or cash, depending on the specific vehicle you have booked. This information is displayed during checkout and confirmed in your voucher. Payment currency for cash is Costa Rican colones. If the vehicle requires card payment, your debit card must have sufficient available funds.
The local rental company processes the balance payment and issues a receipt. They will also explain any optional extras you have pre-booked, such as GPS navigation units, child seats, or an additional driver, and charge those fees at pickup if not already included in your advance.
Some vehicles may require a credit card for the balance or for the deposit hold. The voucher always specifies this. If you are unsure, contact us at [email protected] before your pickup date to clarify the requirements for your booking.
Many vehicles in our inventory are marked with a no-deposit tag, meaning the rental company does not place a hold or block on your card as a security deposit. This is a property of the individual vehicle listing and is confirmed at the time you book.
No-deposit availability depends on the vehicle, not the class or category. A sedan in San Jose might be no-deposit, while another sedan in Liberia might require a hold. Check the listing carefully. Vehicles that accept debit cards or cash for the balance often also feature no-deposit terms, but the two are independent - one does not guarantee the other.
If you do not have a credit card and the vehicle requires one for a deposit hold, consider raising the limit on your debit card to cover the hold amount. The hold is temporary and released after you return the vehicle without new damage. Full details of deposit requirements, if any, are in your voucher and in the rental agreement you sign at pickup.
For a list of no-deposit vehicles, visit our 4x4 no-deposit page or search by location on our locations page.
If the vehicle you book requires a deposit hold, the amount and the expected refund time are stated in the vehicle listing, during checkout, and in your voucher. The hold is placed by the local rental company when you collect the vehicle, and they are responsible for releasing it after you return the vehicle in the same condition as documented in the rental agreement.
Refund timescales vary by provider and by your card issuer. Most holds are released within three to ten business days. If damage occurs during your rental and is charged against the deposit, the rental company will provide an itemised invoice and release any remaining balance. Contact the rental company directly using the details in your voucher if you have questions about the timing or amount of a deposit refund.
We do not hold or manage deposits ourselves - they are handled entirely by the local partner. If you experience a delay or dispute, we can assist you in reaching the right person at the rental desk, but the final decision rests with the company that issued the rental agreement.
If you need to cancel your booking, the terms for refunding the advance are shown during the booking process and confirmed in your voucher. Many bookings include free cancellation up to a specified time before pickup - typically 48 hours, though this varies by vehicle and season.
To cancel, log in to your booking or contact us at [email protected] with your reservation reference. If you cancel within the free cancellation window, the advance is refunded to the same card you used to pay. Refunds are processed within five to seven business days, depending on your card issuer.
If you cancel outside the free cancellation period, or if the vehicle has a non-refundable advance, the terms in your voucher apply. Some promotional rates or last-minute bookings do not permit refunds. Always review the cancellation policy before confirming your reservation. Full terms are also available on our terms and conditions page.
All online payments are processed through a secure, encrypted payment gateway. We do not store your card details on our servers. When you enter your card information, it is transmitted directly to the payment processor using industry-standard encryption protocols.
Your booking confirmation and voucher are sent to the email address you provide. Keep your voucher safe - it contains your reservation reference, pickup instructions, and contact details for the rental company. If you do not receive your voucher within a few minutes of booking, check your spam folder or contact us at [email protected].
We comply with international data protection standards and do not share your payment information with third parties except as required to process your booking. For full details on how we handle your data, see our privacy policy.
No. A booking advance must be paid online by card to confirm your reservation. The balance is paid at pickup according to the terms in your voucher.
No. The booking advance is paid online by Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro card only. Cash payment is not accepted for the online portion of the transaction.
Check that your card has sufficient funds and is enabled for international online transactions. Contact your card issuer if the problem persists. You can also try a different card or contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
The vehicle listing page shows whether a deposit is required. Vehicles marked no-deposit do not require a hold. Full deposit terms, if applicable, are confirmed in your voucher and rental agreement at pickup.
The balance is paid in Costa Rican colones if paying cash, or by card in the currency processed by the rental company. Many locations also accept US dollars, but the exchange rate is set by the provider. Confirm with the rental desk at pickup.
For more information on booking and cancellation policies, visit our FAQ page. If you have specific questions about a booking or payment method, contact us at [email protected] - we are available Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT-6).