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All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot
Plus tons of other great perks with our favorite local rental car company, Adobe
Our goal is always to bring you the best info on travel in Costa Rica.
That being said, we are super excited to have partnered with our favorite Costa Rica rental car company Adobe to bring you a 10% Costa Rica rental car discount!
How awesome is that?!?
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Note: There is no discount code needed!
The price you are quoted if using the form above will be at least 10% lower than Adobe’s price (fluctuates to up to a 20% discount depending on the time of year) and includes the other perks we mention below.
Keep in mind that this discount only applies to the car and not the Costa Rica mandatory rental insurance.
WE’RE SURE YOU MIGHT HAVE SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR DISCOUNT SO WE’VE TRIED TO ANSWER THEM ALL BELOW
We’ve rented cars in Costa Rica several times and have had some negative experiences (which you can read about here). We really don’t want you to go through the same things we dealt with.
When we started renting cars for vacations with Adobe, that completely changed.
We love Adobe Rent-a-Car because they are a local Costa Rican company, are completely transparent in their fees, and have some of the best customer service we have ever experienced.
Because we think so highly of them, we asked if they would be interested in partnering with us to bring Costa Rica Vibes readers a rental car discount.
They said an enthusiastic, “YES!” and here we are! 🙂
Note: We made a step by step walkthrough video to show you exactly how the rental car process works. ↓
Adobe has been so generous in giving us some really amazing perks for you all. Here are all the wonderful things you get by booking your rental car through our website…..
This discount fluctuates by season and demand. It will always be at least 10% but sometimes it is actually more like 15%.
Adobe actually doesn’t just stop at giving you one free second driver. You can actually add multiple drivers at no extra cost. Usually, this costs an extra $4 per day.
This is added automatically onto your reservation if you book through us. When you arrive to pick up your car you can specify who your extra driver(s) are.
These are available for free to our readers upon request. If you would like roof racks, be sure to add a comment in your reservation saying that you need them. Adobe will be happy to save some for you.
Adobe is happy to drop off or pick up your car for free within 12 miles of any of their office locations.
Just indicate which hotel, resort, Airbnb, hostel etc. you will be staying at in the reservation form. In the comment section of the reservation form, you can add any other details about having your car delivered.
If you are staying over 12 miles away Adobe may charge a small delivery fee.
This applies to Liability Protection. It is usually a 20% deductible.
This is a new plan that Adobe has started called “Trio.”
You can get a smartphone with unlimited data to use for your trip for only $12 per day. It is normally $14 per day.
And yes, you can turn it on as a hotspot so multiple people can take advantage of it.
Adobe has three versions of seats that are free to our readers; infant car seats, baby car seats, and booster seats. While making your reservation there will be a box to check off what you need.
The Adobe office is located five minutes away from both the San Jose International Airport (SJO) and Liberia International Airport (LIR).
Adobe is more than happy to pick you up for free at the airport in their comfortable shuttle.
Just make sure to indicate your flight number and arrival time on your reservation. Someone from Adobe will be waiting for you with a sign when you exit the airport.
It usually costs $9 a day to rent a GPS unit. By booking through us you will only pay $6 per day.
You can compare the price on our site to Adobe directly by following this link. You will see that our price is at least 10% cheaper. Just note this discount is only for the car itself. Unfortunately, Adobe can not give us a discount on insurance.
Also, when comparing the price from our site with Adobe’s site, you can not have two reservation forms open at one time. Otherwise, it will replicate the price and the price will appear the same through our site and Adobe’s.
The other bonuses (0% deductible on Liability Insurance, free second driver) are automatically included by booking through us.
Also, if you would like to compare our rate to other rental car agencies make sure that the rate you are looking at with other companies includes the mandatory insurance like Adobe’s rate does.
Often people think another company may be cheaper and then they are hit with the high mandatory insurance costs upon picking up their rental car. We don’t want you to have to go through that.
Costa Rica rental car insurance can be a bit confusing, so here is a complete breakdown of how it works…
When you book a car through Adobe you will have three different protection options. Let’s go through each one.
This insurance covers basic damages to third parties property up to $20,000 and basic coverage of third party injury or death up to $100,000 with 0% deductible.
This insurance is required by law in Costa Rica. Every single person who rents a car needs to purchase Liability Protection.
The price you are quoted when you book your car through our site includes the Liability Protection fees (you will see it checked off in your rental car booking).
This is one of the many reasons we love Adobe for car rentals in Costa Rica. Most other rental car companies here do not include Liability Protection in their quote.
This means that when you arrive to start your vacation in paradise the first thing you experience is a rental car agent telling you that you will actually have to pay several hundred dollars more than the price you were quoted online because of the Liability Protection.
We don’t think this is a good business tactic and neither does Adobe.
This insurance covers:
-Direct car damages, collision, and rollovers
-Total or partial theft of the rental car
Car Protection is also required by Costa Rica law. This means when you rent a car with Adobe you need to check off the box for Car Protection.
Most rental car companies in Costa Rica bundle the Liability Protection and Car Protection together, meaning you have to pay for both of them because they are required by law.
If you have a letter from your credit card company stating that you are covered for car protection in Costa Rica you will not need to pay for the Car Protection insurance if you rent with Adobe.
Make sure you bring a letter or email from your credit card company stating you have car protection in Costa Rica to show as proof. Adobe will not accept a basic brochure.
This is the final type of car protection that is offered. Total Protection insurance covers a tow truck, road assistance, damage to things like windows and tires, and a 4 million dollar coverage for third-party injury or death.
You are NOT required to purchase Total Protection by Costa Rica law. However, it is great if you want to ensure that you are 100% covered in case of an accident.
The main condition is that there is a $1,000 deposit on your car rental. This is standard with every car rental company in Costa Rica, but we have heard of some companies charging much more.
We suggest paying this deposit with your credit card because it is just a hold and will be returned immediately to you when you return your car if everything is OK.
You can also do this on your debit card, but it can take a few weeks after you return your car for the bank to process this and refund the $1,000 on to your account.
– You need to be 23 years old to rent a car with Adobe.
– You can not rent a car with Adobe if you are over 75 years old.
There are no hidden fees with Adobe. The price you are given online is the total price. Just remember the $1,000 deposit.
We recommend four-wheel drive to make things easier on yourself, but it is not absolutely necessary in every location in Costa Rica.
If you are going to the Nosara area, Monteverde, or San Gerardo de Dota, or the Osa Peninsula (Drake Bay, Puerto Jimenez) we suggest a car with four-wheel drive. These areas are known for unpaved roads which aren’t the easiest without four-wheel drive.
We’ve done some of these drives without it, but it hasn’t always been fun! This especially applies during rainy season.
Most of the rest of the country can be done without 4-wheel drive, however, we still suggest renting something with some clearance. Even though roads may be well paved they can be very hilly and it is just more comfortable to be in an SUV rather than a small car.
Also, keep in mind that your hotel or Airbnb might be on an unpaved side road. Definitely ask at your place of accommodation to find out how accessible it is.
If you are unsure which vehicle will be suitable for the areas you are visiting, just check out our Destination page. We have a complete breakdown of getting to and driving around in each location in Costa Rica.
You definitely need some type of GPS to get around here. Roads are unclear and constantly changing.
You have a few different options for staying connected while driving:
– Adobe offers GPS rentals for $6 per day if you are renting through us. I know this adds up fast if you are traveling for several days.
– Recently Adobe has started offering something they are calling TRIO. This is a smartphone with unlimited data that you can use while traveling. You can even make it into a hotspot for everyone in your car to use.
If you are interested in this, just make a comment in your reservation (it is so new that it is not on the booking form yet). The TRIO costs $12 per day.
– Contact your normal cell phone plan provider before your trip and ask about getting a temporary international plan. For example, I know Verizon offers something called TravelPass that can be added for $10 per day for use in Costa Rica.
– If you have an unlocked cell phone the best and cheapest option is to stop at the Movistar stand in the airport after you get through customs. At the Movistar desk, you can purchase a SIM card for about $4. This money is then added as a credit to your SIM card.
You can buy a top up card at almost all store throughout the country as needed.
Note: This will only work if your cell phone is unlocked for international usage. If you aren’t sure you can ask your cell phone provider.
No matter which way you stay connected, we 100% suggest using the free app Waze for directions. It is the most widely used app in Costa Rica to get around and has helpful features such as people inputting when police are ahead, notifications about things in the road etc.
Drivers in Costa Rica are a bit crazy, but as long as you are a somewhat experienced driver and feel confident in your abilities, you will likely be fine.
We strongly suggest not driving in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica. This area of the country has way too many cars on the road at any given time and people drive like crazy.
Most of the main roads throughout the country are well maintained. If you’d like to know what the drive is like to your destination just look on our destination page for the area you are planning to visit.
If something happens while driving, the emergency number here is 911.
We also have a complete guide to road signs and safety tips while driving.
One of the most common questions we get asked is, “Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?”
Usually, we think that renting a car is the absolute best way to get around. Having a car will give you much more flexibility for exploring all the beauty that this little slice of paradise has to offer.
However, we understand that some of you may not want to drive far distances in a foreign country.
Adobe has just started a private shuttle company to provide customers with private transportation to your destination.
Their rates are far cheaper than other private transportation options we have seen in the country. Plus, their dependability and professionalism is unmatched (in our opinion).
Once you arrive at your destination, you can get a rental car from Adobe for exploring the area. Adobe will happily deliver your rental car within twelve miles of any of their offices for free.
If you are staying at a resort, you most likely do not need a rental car. In that type of situation we suggest depending on a private transfer to get you to your location and booking day trips through your resort.
One of the many great things about Adobe is that you will not pay for your reservation until you pick up your car to start your vacation.
This means that you can cancel for free at any point.
Adobe understands that travel plans are constantly changing right now. If you need to cancel please just don’t forget to respond in your reservation email and let them know that you are canceling your trip.
If you don’t cancel, a car might be held for you that could have been rented by someone else.
Below this, you will see a box to make your reservation.
After selecting your dates and drop off/ pick up location you will be directed to a page where you can select your car.
Adobe has a large fleet of vehicles for you to choose from. When selecting your vehicle, pay attention to how many people the car can fit and the amount of luggage that can fit.
Note: If you are unsure what to rent, feel free to email us. [email protected] We recently had the chance to go through every single vehicle that Adobe offers. We have a good idea of what is best for your particular needs.
After selecting your vehicle you will be directed to the Reservation Form. Keep in mind that you can always change your reservation details later if you need.
For example, if you would like your car delivered to your hotel but haven’t booked a hotel yet, just leave it blank for now. Adobe is happy to update that for you at a later point in time if you need.
The extra drivers and 0% deductible are automatically applied to all car rentals through our site. When you pick up your car Adobe will see that you rented through us and automatically add these perks. You do not need to select anything in your reservation to get them.
If you would like to add in the TRIO smartphone plan for $12 a day, or need a set of free roof racks, please leave a comment in the comment section of the reservation to let Adobe know so they can make sure to set those aside for you.
When you are finished, make sure you click “Reserve” not “Save Quote.” You should get an email within a few hours with your rental car reservation.
You are then all set! Your vehicle will be waiting for you when you arrive in Costa Rica! 🙂
Also, just note if you need to change or cancel your reservation you can just reply to your confirmation email to get in touch with Adobe. They are usually very good at responding within 24 hours.
You do not have to pay for anything ahead of time. You pay for your car upon pick up.
Note: If you are arriving at the San Jose airport you will select “Aeropuerto San Jose (SJO) as your pick up and drop off location.
If you are arriving at Liberia airport you will select “Aeropuerto Liberia (LIR)” as your drop-off and pick-up location.
You do not need an international drivers license in order to drive in Costa Rica. Just make sure you have a valid drivers license from your home country and you will be fine.
Also, don’t forget to bring a letter from your credit card company if you plan to avoid paying for the mandatory Liability Protection insurance.
Hopefully, this answered all of your questions regarding our Costa Rica rental car discount. If you have any other questions, just leave them in the comment section below or email us at: sarah(at)costaricavibes(dot)com and we are happy to help you out!
READY TO GET YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR DISCOUNT? ↓
Note: We’ve partnered with Adobe on an affiliate basis to give you this Costa Rica rental car discount. This means that they allow us to give you an amazing discount and promote their business in return for a commission. This allows us to keep making great content on budget travel in Costa Rica for you. By using the form above, you will be taken to the Adobe website. This is a third-party site. Although we absolutely love Adobe, any transactions, agreements, or disputes that happen are between you and Adobe Rent a Car.
148 Responses
Hi.
We are planning a trip in May but im so nervous about booking anything with the covid situation.
Will it be ok if we book a car and cancel even if it happens to be somewhat last minute?
Thanks.
-June
Hi June. I completely understand! It is no problem to cancel last minute. Adobe does not charge you until you pick up your car. However, please still let them know if you need to cancel. On your reservation, there is a button to click to cancel if you need. That way they will be able to rent the car out to someone else if you won’t be able to make it.
-Sarah
Hi guys! My husband and I are visiting CR in January for the third time and using your discount again (it worked out so well last time!). My question is, our flight arrives at 8pm in San Jose and we were thinking of driving to La Fortuna that night. Will Adobe still be open at that time? And do you think we will be OK driving to La Fortuna at night?
Thanks so much!
Hi Lucy. That’s awesome that you are coming back for a third time!!
Anyway, yes the Adobe office at the airport is open until 10pm. Even if your flight is delayed a representative will wait for you as long as you put your flight number in the reservation.
However, I wouldn’t suggest driving to La Fortuna at night. The first half of the drive should be fine, but the second half is really curvy with some narrow roads that aren’t usually well lit. It is doable, but probably not the most fun.
I would suggest spending a night at a hotel near the airport that has a free airport shuttle and instead having Adobe deliver your car to your hotel in the morning. They will deliver it for free within 12 miles of their office. That way you can get a good sleep and hit the road in daylight.
Let me know if you have more questions!!
-Sarah
hello Sarah & Thomas
Thank you for providing this discount. I am wondering what your opinion is on a large family (8 adults) staying at a villa in Tamarindo for eight days. We will be arriving at Liberia airport. We would like a car for some of our trip but probably don’t need it for all 8 days. We also need to somehow get to and from the airport and the shuttle rate our villa company provided seemed high to me.
Any suggestions?
Thank you for all of your help.
Hi Melinda,
Adobe actually recently started a private transfer company which would actually be perfect for your group. Their driver can pick you up at the airport and bring you to your villa. Here is the link to find out more and get a price quote.
You can then rent a car from Adobe for whichever days you need and they can deliver it for free if you are located within 12 miles of their Tamarindo office. Just put in Tamarindo as your pick up point when filling in your reservation and specify exactly where your villa is located.
I hope that helps! Don’t hesitate to contact us with any other questions.
-Sarah
Hi! My husband and I are considering visiting CR next month with our two adult sons. Your website has been so helpful and I have heard great things about your car rental deal from a friend who visited last year. We will definitely be renting through you! My questions is, do you think it is safe to visit right now? We are all vaccinated. Thank you!
Hi Marcy, That is a tough question. Case numbers are really high at the moment. However, I would say that I always feel fairly safe here because everyone wears masks, most places require temp checks and hand washing before entering, and most activities you will be doing will most likely be outside. If you decide to come, I would suggest booking as many things as possible with free cancellation (the Adobe rental car deal through us includes free cancellation). That way, if plans change you won’t lose out on money.
Hi! My husband and I and our two children will be visiting Costa Rica in two weeks. We are super excited! I just wanted to ask, do you think we need a 4×4 for visiting Tamarindo and La Fortuna? I know it will be rainy season, so are roads not in the best condition from the rain?
Thank you,
Allie
Hi Allie,
Yes, rainy season will be in full swing in late July. However, you should hopefully have mostly sunny days with just afternoon rains for a few hours.
As far as renting a 4×4. I would suggest at least renting an SUV for clearance purposes, but you should be fine without a 4×4 for those two locations.
Just keep an eye on the places you are booking as accommodations. Sometimes airbnb’s are located on tiny dirt roads and this can be difficult in the rainy season without a 4×4, but for driving between locations and in the towns, you will be fine.
Let me know if you have any other questions! And I hope you all have a great trip!
Hi sarah & thomas.
If I want to pick up my car from the San Jose airport and return it at the Adobe office in Tamarindo, is that possible?
Thanks for providing this discount!
Hi Mark. Yes! When you make your reservation just select SJO (airport) as your pick-up location and Tamarindo as your drop-off point. That is no problem at all.
Hi guys! Thank you so much for all this info. Just wondering if this car rental deal is still active with COVID and everything? We visited Costa Rica last year and used your site for planning. We had such a great time that we are now planning to come back in a few months.
Hi Sasha! Yes, this deal is still very much active. Adobe is working hard to keep up with COVID safety measures and every car is diligently disinfected between each rental.
Also, I’m happy to hear you had such a great time on your last visit that you decided to come back! Feel free to message us if you have any questions as you plan. 🙂